Nick  

Nick was rudely awoken to a loud banging sound on the bedroom door. As his eyes slowly opened, adjusting to the sun streaming in through the window, he wasn’t sure where he was. He reached over to Charlie’s side of the bed and found he wasn’t there. In fact, Charlie’s whole side of the bed was gone.  

Looking around Nick realised he wasn’t in his and Charlie’s bed. He was in his old childhood bedroom, his fairy lights still hanging above the window where he hung them as a child. The wallpaper had faded around the spots where pictures of his favourite people used to be stuck up on the walls, well mainly pictures of him and Charlie. The same pictures that now lined the walls of their home together.  

The banging on the door continued and matched the beat of the throbbing in Nick’s head. “Nick, man, it’s time to get up.” It took a moment for Nick to realise it was Otis calling through the door. What was he doing here? Nick thought this must all be a dream. He’d wake up in a minute and he’d be at home, with Charlie by his side as always.  

“I’m coming in,” Otis called out again when Nick didn’t reply. When Otis opened the door, Nick saw him enter the room dressed in a full 3-piece suit.  

“Why are you dressed like that?” Nick asked, still dazed and confused.  

Otis laughed, “Did you forget you’re getting married today?”  

“Oh,” Nick sat up and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. “I guess I did.”  

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Otis placed a hand on Nick’s knee and asked gently, “How’s your head mate?”  

Rubbing his forehead to try and ease the pain, Nick grunted, “Throbbing.”  

“We thought it might be,” Otis said nodding to the bedside table. “Your Mum left you some paracetamol and a glass of water to help.” Taking the glass and a couple of the pills, Nick eagerly swallowed them down in the hope they would quickly get to work easing the drumbeat playing out inside his head.  

“I don’t even remember getting here last night,” Nick croaked, his throat scratchy.  

“I’m not surprised, you were pretty out of it. We had to practically carry you up here.”  

Nick blushed, “Sorry, mate.”  

“It’s cool,” Otis reassured him, “Now let’s get you up and ready shall we, Charlie will kill me if you’re late today.”  

“Well Charlie probably won’t, but Tao might murder you,” Nick joked, “or send you a strongly worded DM.” Sharing a laugh with his friend, before the headache reminded him of its presence.  

Reluctantly climbed out of bed, Nick nearly tripped over his discarded trainers that were scattered on the floor from the night before. He went to reach for his phone, but Otis grabbed it before he could.  

“Hey, what are you doing? I need that,” Nick protested.  

“Nope! We agreed, no contact with Charlie until you’re both down that aisle. That includes phones,” Otis scolded, pocketing Nick’s phone in the inside of his suit jacket.  

“How do you know I was going to contact Charlie?” Nick asked, “I might have just wanted to check the weather forecast.”  

Shaking his head, Otis said, “Because I know you Nick Nelson! You can’t go five minutes without speaking to your Charlie. In just a couple of hours, you can speak to him all you want for the rest of your lives. Until then, no phones!”  

Nick crossed his arms over his chest and pouted, “But…”  

“No, buts! Now go get in that shower and be quick about it,” Otis scolded before leaving Nick alone.  

Nick took a moment to take it all in, today was the day. He’d finally be marrying the love of his life and he couldn’t wait. Shrugging off his clothes from the night before, Nick headed across the hall just as he had hundreds of times before, to get showered ahead of his big day.  

Charlie  

Charlie woke up far too early, he was an odd combination of being too excited and too nervous to sleep in. He looked at the clock on his bedside table, it was only 7am. His friends wouldn’t be arriving until 8:30 to start getting ready. But now that he was up, he couldn’t just lay in bed doing nothing. Getting himself up and showered didn’t take long, so Charlie changed into one of Nick’s hoodies and a pair of comfortable jeans and headed down to the kitchen to make breakfast.  

Despite his nerves about today, Charlie forced himself to eat. Years of living with an eating disorder, he knew there was a possibility his anxiety would get the better of him, so he’d planned out an easy to eat breakfast. It wasn’t much, but it should be enough to sustain him until they got to the reception. He didn’t want a repeat of their trip to Paris, where he collapsed in the middle of the Louvre into Nick’s arms.  

Once he’d finished up the mix of fruit and granola that he’d prepared before he went out on his stag do, Charlie set about washing up his dish. But he didn’t stop there, once that was done, he kept on cleaning. Wiping down every surface in the kitchen, scrubbing them until they were spotless. He was about to start reorganising the cupboards when the doorbell rang.  

Forgetting he was still wearing rubber gloves, Charlie went to see who was interrupting him. Opening the door, he was happy to see one of his best friends, Elle, standing outside, with Tao dragging a huge suitcase up the path behind her.  

“CHARLIEEEE,” she screeched pulling him into a hug. When Tao reached the pair, he asked, “What have you got in here, bricks?” having struggled with the heavy bag.  

Releasing Charlie from her embrace, she smiled, “Just the essentials.” Charlie pulled his oldest friend in for a hug too as he welcomed them both inside.  

“Why are you wearing rubber gloves?” Tao asked as they broke apart.  

Charlie looked down at his hands, “Oh, I forgot I was.” He pulled them off and tossed them into the sink in the kitchen. Recognising the telltale signs of Charlie’s OCD, she tried to reassure him, “It’ll all be great you know.”  

Sighing, Charlie blurted out his biggest fear, “But what if he’s changed his mind and doesn’t show up.”  

Before Elle had a chance to reply, Tao spoke up, “That’s nonsense Charlie Spring and you know it! That man absolutely adores you and would literally do anything for you. He would be there even if he had to fight his way through hordes of flesh-eating zombies.”  

Elle and Charlie both stood staring at Tao, it was a far cry from the boy who had threatened to murder Nick all those years ago if he messed Charlie around. The doorbell rang again, “that’ll be Isaac, I’ll get it,” Elle offered, heading to the door to welcome their friend in.  

Slumping down into one of the chairs in their breakfast nook, Charlie sighed, “I know, I do know. But you know what my brain is like.”  

Walking into the kitchen, Isaac placed his book down on the table and wordlessly pulled Charlie in for a hug. “Hello,” Charlie cooed, relaxing in his friends arms. Now he was surrounded by his friends, he could feel some of the anxiety oozing out of him. They had his back, just as much as Nick did.  

Elle and Tao both wrapped their arms around the pair and made it into a group hug. Charlie had never felt so happy to have so many people who loved him for who he is, regardless of his insecurities.  

As they all let Charlie come up for air, Elle took hold of his hand to pull him up out of the chair, “Come on you, we’ve got a wedding to get ready for.” Leading him up the stairs to his and Nick’s bedroom to start preparing.  

Nick

Taking his time under the spray of the shower, Nick savoured the feeling of the hot water rushing over his body. He could feel his muscles relaxing and the tension in his head easing as the paracetamol kicked in. Images of Charlie popped into his mind, his runner’s legs, his taught stomach, his dark curls that Nick loved to pull making Charlie moan with ecstasy.

Nick’s hand was reaching for his cock on instinct, stroking it and picturing his soon to be husband. He imagined helping him out of his wedding suit in their hotel room, placing gentle kisses all over his body as each new inch of skin was revealed. He could hear the pop of the lube bottle as Charlie prepared to open him up, to take him for their first time as husbands. He pictured laying on his back, looking up into into the crystal blue pools of Charlie’s eyes, his long locks hanging down as he pushes into him.

Just as he felt his climax building, he heard his mum calling up the stairs, “Nicky darling, I’ve made you some breakfast.”

Groaning to himself, he called out, “Down in a minute, Mum.” The sexy images of his man seemed to trickle down the drain as his cock deflated from the unsexy interruption.

Nick finished up his shower and quickly dried off before slinging on a hoodie and a pair of loose trackies that he’d brought with him. He took a moment to breathe in the smell from his hoodie, it smelled like Charlie. Ever since they were teens he was always borrowing Nick’s hoodies, he’d pretend to be annoyed but it always made him happy to see him in his clothes. He was grinning like an idiot from the intoxicating scent when he made it down to the kitchen.

“You look very smiley,” Sarah commented as she saw her youngest son enter the room.

“It’s finally here, Mum. Todays the day,” he cooed as he sat at the kitchen table opposite Otis. His Mum brought him over a small fried breakfast of sausage, bacon and eggs, sitting it down next to a mug of tea.

“Thanks Mum, you didn’t need to go to so much trouble,” Nick said, eagerly tucking in to the greasy breakfast.

“You’ll thank me for it later,” Sarah giggled, “By the time you get through the ceremony, and all the photos, you’ll be starving. Trust me.”

Charlie

“Elle, what is that?” Charlie asked, pointing to the large bag of products Elle was pulling out of the suitcase she’d made Tao drag up the stairs.

“These,” she said, holding out the first couple of containers, “will make your hair look so good that Nick Nelson won’t be able to wait to get you back to the honeymoon suite once he sees you,” Elle said with a smirk causing Charlie to blush.

“Really?” Charlie was sceptical.

“Trust me,” Elle smiled reassuringly.

“Erm, Ok,” Charlie nodded and took a seat in front of the mirror where Elle was waiting for him.

Pulling out different bottles, tubs and tools from her bag, Elle got to work working the different products into Charlie’s curls. First she detangled them from their natural state, then she added products to give them more volume and bounce before locking it all into place so that even Nick’s fingers running through his locks couldn’t disrupt Elle’s artwork.

After she’d finished with his hair, Elle pulled out a smaller bag; this time filled with brushes and makeup. Opening one of the compacts, Elle lightly coated one of the brushes with powder.

“No, oh no,” Charlie protested holding up his hands when he saw the brush was intended for him “I don’t need makeup.”

“Charlie Spring I thought you said you trusted me,” Elle scolded.

“But, why Elle?”

“Because with a tiny bit of contouring we can really make those dimples of yours pop. I’ve seen how they make your fiancé weak at the knees.”

Charlie blushed, before reluctantly agreeing, “Fine, but just a little!”

“Yay,” screeched Elle before she starting applying the makeup skilfully to Charlie’s cheeks. When she was done, she spun Charlie back round to look in the mirror so that he could see the finished result.

“Wow! Elle, I look,” Charlie was lost for words.

“See, aren’t you glad you trusted me,” Elle smiled before Charlie leaped to his feet and wrapped her in a hug.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

“You’re so welcome honey,” Elle giggled, “Now, I’m going to go next door and get myself ready, you get your suit on and I’ll see you downstairs when I’m done.” Giving Charlie two air kisses, so as not to mess up his makeup, Elle left the room, shutting the door behind her.

Charlie turned back to the mirror and he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Was that really him looking back though the glass? He looked so, hot! When Elle said Nick wouldn’t be able to keep his hands off him, she wasn’t kidding. It had been a long time since Charlie had any serious issues with how he looked, but he still never really saw himself as ‘hot’. He made a mental note to get Elle an amazing Christmas present as a thank you.

Charlie picked up the suit bag hanging on the door of his and Nick’s wardrobe and unzipped it. They’d picked matching 3 piece suits for them and all of their wedding party. All the best men had maroon coloured cravats while Nick and Charlie’s were silver with small flecks of maroon dispersed throughout the material making it shimmer when the light caught them the right way.

They’d all tried on the suits in the shop a few weeks ago, to make sure everything fit right. But this time Charlie would be putting it on for real. It was a big moment. Charlie ran his hand over the silky material, took a deep breathe and started getting changed.

Nick

Just as Nick and Otis were finishing up their breakfast, Christian and Sai arrived so they could all start to get ready. While the boys had been at the stag do last night, Nick’s brother, David, had collected all the suits from the hire company to make sure Nick and Charlie didn’t see each other. He dropped off Nick and his best men’s suits at Sarah’s house, while the suits for Charlie, Tao and Isaac were delivered to Nick & Charlie’s place.

The boys went up to Nick’s old bedroom and started to get changed. As they were undressing, Christian commented, “It’s just like being back in the old locker room at Truham.”

“Except Harry and that lot aren’t here being wankers,” Sai added, causing the group to laugh.

“So Nick, you nervous?” Asked Christian, causing Otis to hit him in the arm for his usual lack of tact.

“Not really, I’m excited mainly. And missing Charlie,” Nick said wistfully, “This one won’t let me message him,” he added, pointing to Otis.

“Why won’t you let him message Charlie?” Sai asked.

“Just following orders, mate. I was told under no circumstances were they allowed to speak until they have walked down the aisle,” Otis confirmed, causing Nick to pout. The boys laughed and joked as they all changed into their hired suits, helping each other out with getting their cravats straight.

Once they’d all finished getting ready, they headed down to the Kitchen where David and Olly had arrived and were sitting at the table chatting away to Sarah she had her back to the door making more cups of tea.

“Look at you, you almost look human little bro,” David teased.

Rolling his eyes, Nick replied, “You look nice too Davey.”

Hearing the banter between her sons, Sarah turned around and gushed, “Oh my baby, you look so handsome.” Moving across the room, she squished Nick to her chest in huge Nelson hug, tears of joy streaking down her cheeks.

“Mum, you’re crushing me,” Nick cried out, his voice muffled by his Mum pressed against him.

Loosening her grip to look at him, she held him at arms length, with her hands on his shoulders and said tearfully, “both my boys are all grown up.”

“Oh Mum,” David cooed, getting up to join the family hug and comfort their Mum.

“Sorry to interrupt this beautiful moment, but we brought the buttonholes over from the hotel and the cars will be here soon,” Olly added from where he was still sat at the kitchen table.

Wiping her eyes and blowing her nose, Sarah released her boys, “He’s right, not long now.” More tears threatening to fall before the wedding had even begun.

“Not long now,” Nick smiled as Olly helped attach his buttonhole to the front of his suit.

Charlie

Travelling to the wedding venue really made it all start to feel real for Charlie. In a few hours he would no longer be just plain Charlie Spring, he’d be a husband to the sexiest man he’d ever met. He knows his friends have all called them Nick&Charlie since secondary school, but today it would actually become official.

In the car beside him Isaac sat squeezing his hand, sensing his anxiety spiking. He knew it wasn’t really the thought of whether or not Nick was going to turn up, everybody knew they were destined to be together. But it was starting to dawn on him exactly what today would entail.

All eyes would be on them, for the whole day. There would be no hiding, no sneaking off to be alone with Nick as they so often did at parties ever since they were young. Everyone was expecting them to be the centre of attention: – standing in front of everyone for the whole ceremony, being in all of the pictures, giving a speech at the reception. As they pulled up in the driveway of the hotel, Charlie was finding it hard to breathe.

“Are you ok?” Asked Tao from the seat opposite him.

Hitting Tao with her small clutch, Elle snarled, “Of course he’s not you idiot.” Turning to Charlie and placing a gentle hand on his knee, “Charlie darlin’, try and breathe with me ok, nice slow deep breathes.”

Charlie tried to copy Elle’s breathing, tried to get his panic attack under control. It helped a little, but sensing the eyes staring at the car outside, was making his anxiety worse. They were waiting for him to get out and walk inside, but he was frozen in place. What must they be thinking? Did they think he had cold feet? Did they think he was going to leave Nick standing at the altar alone?

“Tao, get everyone inside and clear us a path,” Elle barked. Giving a mini salute, Tao got out of the car along with Isaac, leaving Charlie and Elle alone. Together the boys made quick work of getting all the lingering guests away from the car and inside the hotel. Elle fired off a quick text, and when she had a reply that the coast was clear, she gently spoke again, “Listen to me Charlie, I want you to try and focus on my voice and nothing else, ok.”

After hesitating, Charlie gave a tiny nod for Elle to continue, “We’re going to take this one step at a time. First, we need to get you out of this car, then you and me, we’re going to go up to the hotel room they’ve booked for you and Nick.”

“But it won’t be ready, they said we couldn’t use it until this evening,” Charlie protested weakly.

“Don’t worry about what they said, it’s all taken care of. Now do you think you can manage getting out of the car with me?”

Charlie nodded again, choosing to trust his dear friend. Elle opened the door of the car and stepped out, before facing Charlie and holding out her hands to help ease him up out of the car onto the gravel driveway that led up to the hotel’s entrance.

“That’s it,” she cooed, “I’ve had Tao and Isaac move all your guests further inside the hotel, so we’re going to sneak you up the stairs without anyone seeing, okay?”

Another nod and Elle was slowly guiding Charlie inside the hotel and up the stairs, helping him with his breathing as they went. Isaac subtly passed Elle a keycard as they moved past him, and within a few minutes the pair were safely inside the room. Charlie sat down on the edge of the bed, and Elle crouched down in front of him. His breathing had eased a little, but he was still in a state of panic.

Hearing a ding of a new text message being received, Elle quickly checked her phone and after firing off a quick response, tucked it back into her purse.

“Who was that?” Charlie shakily managed to ask.

“Don’t you worry about that, you just focus on breathing for me ok, in…and out…in….and out.”

There was a gentle tap on the door.

“Who’s that? I don’t want to see anyone Elle, please,” Charlie begged, his breathing quickening once more.

“It’s okay, you’re ok, trust me,” Elle said, before she released Charlie’s hands and raised to her feet. As she headed toward the door, Charlie’s eyes darted around the room; he could dash to the bathroom, lock himself in, but then he’d be trapped and feel even worse.

“Char?” The honey soaked voice of his future husband wafted over him from the doorway.

“Nick?” Charlie squeaked, sounding so lost. Nick rushed across the room to wrap Charlie in his arms; holding him close and letting him find comfort in his familiar frame.

Nick

Looking out of the car window at the gorgeous sunshine as they rode to the hotel, Nick felt so happy. All the planning, and there was a lot of planning, was finally culminating in today, their special day. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, perfect weather for all the photos they had planned around the grounds of the country house hotel they’d booked for the day.

When they’d been planning their wedding, they had looked at a number of venues. Neither of them was religious, so a church service wasn’t appropriate, they considered a registry office but that felt a little too impersonal.

When they discovered the possibility of having the wedding and the reception at the same venue, they knew that was the way they wanted to go. They’d been to all too many of their friends weddings where people had got lost along the way between the ceremony and the reception when they had to relocate.

They first considered booking the hotel where they’d shared their first kiss, until memories of both Harry and Ben from that night made them decide to find somewhere that didn’t have any painful memories attached to it. So, when they came across The Lodge, a cute country house hotel that they could have exclusive use of, they both fell in love with it.

Pulling into the large gravel driveway, Nick felt like he was floating on air. He could see the car Charlie had arrived in just driving off, so he knew his baby was inside waiting for him. As they pulled up though, Nick could sense something was wrong. Isaac was standing by the door waiting for them, and that wasn’t part of the plan.

Rushing out of the car in a panic, Nick asked Isaac, “What’s happened? Where’s Charlie?”

“Elle took him upstairs, we think he started to have a panic attack as the car pulled up,” Isaac calmly informed Nick.

“I need to see him, Isaac, take me to him, please,” the last word almost a desperate sob. Isaac nodded and led Nick inside and up the stairs to the suite.

“Thank you, Isaac,” Nick said sincerely before facing the door. Taking a deep breathe, Nick knocked gently, knowing he didn’t want to spook Charlie if he was still in a state of panic. It felt like it took a lifetime for the door to open as he waited, he needed to see that Charlie was ok.

The door opened a fraction, and Nick saw Elle standing just behind it. When she saw it was him, she opened the door wide enough so he could softly slip inside. He saw immediately his beautiful boy looking so afraid at the end of the bed. He called out, “Char?” From where he stood by the door.

Charlie didn’t turn towards him, but Nick heard him call for him so quietly. Immediately Nick rushed over and wrapped himself around Charlie’s smaller body. Engulfing him in his arms, hoping that feeling him close would comfort him and help him to feel safe.

“You’re not supposed to see me before the wedding,” Charlie mumbled into Nick’s strong chest, not letting go now that his own arms had wrapped around Nick too.

Nick giggled, “Hush, baby, you needed me, and I came. I will always come when you need me.” Nick ran has fingers softly through Charlie’s curls.

“Mind the hair, that took me ages,” Elle called from the other side of the room.

Nick and Charlie both looked towards her, neither remembering they weren’t alone. Sinking down to his knees so that he was eye level with his fiancé, Nick asked, “What happened baby?”

“My stupid brain as always,” Charlie said dejectedly.

Giving him a knowing look, Nick simply replied, “Talk to me, Char.”

Taking another deep breath, Charlie filled Nick in on what caused his panic attack to start in the first place. His nerves about today, and all eyes being on them.

When he had finished, Nick tentatively asked, “Do you, do you not want to get married?”

“What?! No, of course I do, Nick. I just…the thought of everything I have to do, while being the centre of attention. it’s…a lot,” Charlie sighed before continuing, “Honestly, I know it’s silly. I know we’ve planned everything in such amazing detail that there shouldn’t be any surprises, but..”

“Do I need to ban buts as well as Sorry?” Nick smirked, “It’s not silly if it’s how you feel.”

“I know…I do. Everything today has just felt a little…off. Ever since I didn’t wake up next to you for the first time in forever.”

“You know that was your idea, right? And for the record, I never want to wake up without you by my side again.” Nick kissed Charlie on the forehead as he giggled.

“As for today, everything is something we have to do. Together, Char, you won’t be alone. I will be by your side all day and we will take everything one step at a time, okay?”

“Okay,” Charlie nodded, a small smile creeping across his face.

Charlie  

Originally Nick and Charlie had planned to walk separately down the aisle, but now that Charlie had seen Nick anyway, there seemed little point in them being apart for a minute longer than they had to. They informed the registrar of the change, and waited behind closed doors for all the guests to take their seats. 

“Hi,” Nick said for the first time since he arrived. 

“Hi,” Charlie smiled back, love clear in his eyes. 

“You look, amazing,” Nick cooed, casting his eyes up and down Charlie’s body. 

“Thank you,” Charlie blushed. 

“Seriously, Char, your hair, and wow I’ve never seen your dimples look so, so, hot!” 

“You can thank Elle later, this was all her,” Charlie was so grateful to her for everything she had done for him today. He didn’t know how he would ever repay her. 

“Are you, are you wearing makeup?” Nick asked curiously. 

“Yeah, is it, too much?” 

“God no, you’re breath-taking.” 

“You look pretty good yourself,” Charlie flirted, nudging Nick. 

Nick  

Nick didn’t think Charlie could look any hotter than he already did, but the makeup Elle had applied had really made his dimples pop more than they have seemed to before. Not for the first time in his life, Nick thought to himself, I’m in trouble.  

“You ready for this my love?” Nick asked taking Charlie’s hand in his. 

“Maybe,” Charlie sheepishly replied. 

“Remember, one step at a time,” Nick tried to smile reassuringly. 

“One step at time,” Charlie repeated. 

A door to the side of the little room they were waiting in opened and Charlotte, the venue’s wedding co-ordinator, popped her head around the side. “They’re ready for you guys, are you good to go?” 

Nick looked at Charlie to see if he was ready, Charlie gave a small nod. “We’re ready,” Nick confirmed. 

“Great,” Charlotte smiled, “Just as we discussed, the music will start and then the doors will open. Just take your time and walk slowly. Let everyone take you in.” With that, Charlotte disappeared again. 

“No pressure,” Charlie deadpanned. 

Squeezing his hand, Nick reminded him, “I’ll be right by your side, the whole time.” 

Paul, the pianist they had hired for the day, started playing. The opening music of Avicii’s Wake Me Up filling the room, along with the sound of shuffling chairs as everyone was asked to stand. As the melody of the instrumental version of the song began, the double doors opened, and Nick and Charlie saw their guests assembled for the first time. 

Taking a deep breath, the couple walked hand in hand, moving their feet in the strange one, together, two, together pattern that they’d been shown by Charlotte at their last pre-wedding meeting. All of their friends and family were smiling at them, Nick noticed that even Tori’s lips had an uncharacteristic curl to them as they glided past her on their way up to the front of the room. 

As the music came to an end, the guests were asked to take a seat. 

Charlie  

Charlie was facing Nick, as the registrar was talking about the ins and outs of marriage while all their friends looked on. But in that moment, Charlie focussed on Nick, as if there was no one else in the world but the two of them. Teenage Charlie would never believe this was happening, a tiny part of current Charlie couldn’t believe it was happening either, but here they were. 

When Nick started speaking in front of him, Charlie realised they were up to the vows portion of the ceremony. He’d really zoned out, getting lost in Nick’s eyes for a few minutes there. Repeating after the registrar Nick promised to love and care for Charlie, as long as they both live, his love and affection shining as brightly in his eyes as they day they first said I love you under the glow of the street lamps near Nick’s house. 

Now wasn’t the time to be thinking about that though, if Charlie thought about how Nick was still wet from the shower that day, then he wouldn’t be able to make it through the reception without getting hard. He was already craving Nick’s touch after spending just the one night apart from each other. 

When it was his turn, Charlie dutifully repeated the same promises as Nick. Promising to love him, cherish him, care for him and be by his side forever and always. He meant every word and he knew that Nick felt the same. 

Nick  

Finally, the registrar confirmed, “I know pronounce you legally husbands, you may now kiss.” And wow, what a kiss, Nick thought. The cheers and whoops from their friends felt like they were a million miles away as their lips pressed together. Neither boy wanting to be apart now they could finally embrace each other. 

Only when Tao cleared his throat loud enough for everyone to hear, did they finally, reluctantly, break apart. 

“I can’t believe anyone thought you were straight,” Darcy called out from the crowd, causing everyone to laugh. Opposite him Charlie looked so beautiful, Nick pulled him in for a hug and whispered into his ear so that only he could hear, “I love you so much.” 

As they parted once more, the registrar finally announced, “Family and Friends, please be upstanding for the newlyweds, Mr and Mr Nelson-Spring.” 

The pianist started playing again as all their guests rose to their feet, Nick and Charlie walked back down the aisle, both grinning from ear to ear. Several of their friends dabbing at the tears on their cheeks as they tried to applaud with one hand. Nick could have sworn he’d even seen Tori swiping away a rogue tear drop from the corner of her eye, but he’d never dare mention it to her. 

Speaking close to Charlie’s ear again, Nick said, “We did it baby,” causing the younger man to giggle. 

“We did,” Charlie beamed. 

Charlie

“If I have to plaster on another smile, I think I’ll be left with no choice but to divorce you,” Charlie said through gritted teeth.

“Just think of all the ways I’ll make you come undone tonight in our suite, be a good boy for me now and I’ll be a good boy for you later,” Nick teased.

“Fuck, that doesn’t help with the hard-on I have now though, does it, Mr Nelson-Spring,” Charlie groaned.

“You like it when I excite you in public,” Nick continued.

“No, I really don’t,” Charlie deadpanned, knowing that his husband knew him so well. Charlie loved that word. Husband! No longer was Nick his boyfriend, or his fiancé, there was no room for doubt with Husband. No turning back, not that the thought had even crossed his mind.

They’d put together a list of all the shots they wanted the photographer to capture, pictures of them together around the picturesque grounds of the hotel; the obligatory pictures with their parents and families; Nick with his best men, being their silly boisterous selves; Charlie with his best friends, Elle having to persuade Isaac to put his book down while the photographer took a few snaps.

Of course, they also had to have pictures of them with the Paris squad. They may not see each other as much these days but it would never matter how much time passed, the bond between them was for life and Charlie wouldn’t have it any other way.

Nick

With the photos finally done, it was time for everyone to be seated for the Wedding Breakfast. Nick still didn’t really understand why it was called that, as they were having it in the middle of the afternoon. Charlie tried to explain it to him once, but when he started going into the whole history of it, Nick sort of zoned out and ended up just being lulled into a trance by Charlie’s sweet voice.

As they waited outside the hall while their guests were being seated at their assigned tables, Nick reached over and took hold of Charlie’s hand.

“Hello, my husband,” Nick cooed.

“Hi,” Charlie blushed back.

“It’s so nice to finally be alone with you,” Nick said as he started to nuzzle into Charlie’s neck.

“Nick-,” Charlie panted, “Nick, not here.”

“But I need you,” Nick groaned as he continued to mouth the soft skin beneath Charlie’s collar.

“Nick-,”

The door beside them opened, and Charlotte, the venue’s wedding co-ordinated appeared causing Nick to quickly jump back, his face flushed with embarrassment. Ever the professional, Charlotte smiled and spoke softly, “Nothing to be embarrassed about, I’ve seen it all. Are you ready to go in?”

Nick looked across at Charlie for his approval, and with a small nod and a smile, Nick turned back and confirmed, “We’re ready.”

Opening the door in front of them, Charlotte announced, “Ladies and Gentleman, please be upstanding for the happy couple, the new Mr & Mr Nelson-Spring.” As they entered the room, Nick saw everyone was standing on their feet, clapping and cheering them again as they walked between the tables to their place at the top table. A few people patted him on the shoulder as they walked past, hand in hand. Nick smiled and offered small nods to each one, pleasantly surprised to see so just how many people have turned up just for them.

As they took their seats with everyone seated around them, the pianist started playing softly in the corner of the room. Nick was looking out over the room, their friends and family chatting to one another while they waited for the food to be served.

“It’s amazing, isn’t it,” Charlie spoke softly into Nick’s ear.

“That’s just what I was thinking,” Nick said as he turned to smile at Charlie, their hands still joined under the table.

They couldn’t fit everyone they wanted at the top table, so instead of their families, Charlie was joined by Tao and Isaac while Nick was joined by Otis and Sai. While Charlie’s family were sat with Sarah and David at the next table across from theirs.

Charlie

The waiters started to come round serving the wedding breakfast. Learning from his past experiences with his eating disorder being heightened when he was anxious, Charlie and Nick had worked with the hotel to carefully plan a menu which gave people some flexibility in what they were served. Each course having two options, which their guests were asked to pick from when they RSVP’d.

Charlie watched as the waiters worked like a well-oiled machine around each of the tables. The waiters knew exactly where in the room to deliver each choice, thanks to the plan they had provided a few days ago. The only mistakes that were made happened because a couple of their guests had moved their place cards and changed the seating order. Charlie felt bad for the staff when that happened, he was sure it wasn’t an easy job to do at the best of times.

For starters their guests were given the choice of a ‘Cocktail Melon Trio’, which featured a selection of Ogen, Honey Dew and Galia Melon complemented with Fresh Grapefruit or ‘Saumon á la Mayonnaise’ which was a Poached dressed Salmon, served with salad and mayonnaise. Charlie had opted for the lighter Melon dish, knowing he could have as much or as little of the small chunks as he liked. While Nick had gone for the Salmon as it was one of his favourites.

As everyone ate, the pianist was singing along to the tunes he was playing, a medley of romantic melodies. It was difficult to hear over the gentle din of the room, but occasionally Charlie would catch a few lines, smiling when he heard their own names slipped into some of the lyrics.

Although most of his nerves about the day had now passed, Charlie still didn’t feel he could finish his starter. He wanted to make sure he didn’t overload himself before the main course, which he worried would be the biggest struggle of the meal.

Once all of what remained of the starters had been cleared, the waiters appeared with the main course. The hotel had given it a fancy French name, ‘Dinde Rôtie Garnie’, which Nick’s father would have probably approved of if he’d bothered to turn up, but really it was just a simple Roast Turkey dinner garnished with a chipolata sausage encased in Canadian bacon and sage & onion stuffing, with a side of fresh green beans, steamed broccoli florets, thin batons of carrot and a mixture of roasted  & new potatoes. It sounded like a lot when he read it out from the menu cards on the table, but once it was plated in front of him, it didn’t actually seem that bad.

Not wanting to leave anyone out, when trying to decide what option to give to their vegetarian guests they’d spoken to Olly to get his view and he was very clear when he’d told them, ‘Anything but mushrooms!” So, he and their other vegetarian guests had received ‘Crêpes des Legumes de Saison’ which was a simple French-style crepe in a light cheese sauce.

Nick

Trying not to be too obvious, Nick was watching Charlie eating out of the corner of his eye to see if everything was going ok. So, when he heard Charlie place his cutlery down with a clatter, Nick turned and struggled to fight the grin that spread across his face when he saw that his husband had cleared his plate of everything.

“How was it?” Nick asked.

“So good,” Charlie purred.

“Shall we thank our guests now, before they all start wandering around?” Nick asked.

“Let’s,” Charlie beamed as he placed his napkin down on the table. Nick stood and held his hand for his spouse to take, leading Charlie around to the tables of their guests. They took time chatting to guests at each of the tables, making sure everyone had the opportunity to speak with them and offer their congratulations.

By the time they’d made their way around all the tables, Nick could see Charlie was in need of some quiet time to recharge. Nick couldn’t blame him, he felt the same. Pulling him in close as they sat back down, he whispered in his ear, “Not long left and then we can sneak away for a little break my love.”

“Always taking care of me,” was all Charlie managed to reply with a small smile.

Pulling back as the waiters approached again, this time with the dessert course, when they’d been looking at the options with the venue, Nick had jumped at the chance to have Profiteroles Suchard, despite Charlie’s protests that he’d end up with the hot chocolate sauce all down his rented suit. After a lot of indecision, Charlie had decided their second option would be a Cranberry & Lime cheesecake, to give a very un-chocolatey option for their guests to choose as alternative.

Both desserts looked amazing, and Nick couldn’t help but try a small bite of Charlie’s cheesecake too. Although Charlie was very reluctant to let him after he’d tasted it himself and found it surprisingly light with just a hint of tartness from the layer of fruit on the top.

Charlie

Charlie shouldn’t feel nervous, but as his Dad stood and started clinking his glass with a knife, he wished he was anywhere but here. He and Nick went back and forth over whether to still have Julio give a speech, after the way he and his mother snubbed Olly’s wedding. But in the end, after also speaking with Olly and David, they decided to stick with their original plan.

Now the time had come, it’s not that he didn’t want his dad to speak, but having no idea what he was going to say was making him have second thoughts. He was glad though that he hadn’t even given the speeches a second thought when he was having his earlier panic before the ceremony. That would have pushed him over the edge, he was sure.

Julio started to speak, “Ladies and Gentlemen. First, on behalf of my wife and I, I would like to thank so many of you for coming and celebrating the marriage of my oldest son and his childhood sweetheart, Nick. Their road to get here hasn’t always been smooth, and I was definitely against them getting up to any Hanky-Panky when they were still young.”

“Stop saying Hanky-Panky,” Tori called across the room, causing a ripple of giggles to erupt around the room, while Nick blushed next to him.

“But Nick has proven time and again that he will stand by my boy, no matter what. They have always been there for each other through both the good times and the bad, and it didn’t surprise me when the boys told us they were engaged to be married – I’ve figured for a while now it would only be a matter of time. So, I hope you will all join me in raising a glass, to the Happy Couple.”

“The Happy Couple!” chorused around the room.

As Julio sat down, Christian stood up from the other side of Nick.

Nick

Just as Nick had struggled to pick just one best man, he couldn’t decide which of the three of them would make the speeches. So, he let his friends pick for him, but now that Christian was standing up, Nick wasn’t so sure he’d made the right call.

“Hello everyone,” Christian started. “I met Sai, Otis and Nick at Truham when we were sat together in form in Year 7. When we all found out that’s how he also met Charlie, we figured that must be Nick’s way of collecting new people in his life.” Charlie giggled at that; Nick would never get sick of the sound.

“When Nick eventually came out to us as Bi, it came as no surprise to any of us after seeing him flirting with Charlie all the time when he thought no one was looking for months before then. All three of us are proud to be your friends Nick, and we’re so pleased for both of you today. Charlie, we know you’ll take good care of our boy, and we’re honoured to help you both celebrate your big day. So, everyone please your raise your glasses, to Nick & Charlie.”

“Nick and Charlie,” chimed around the room as the guests’ glasses clinked from each of the tables again.

“You were supposed to toast the bridesmaids’ man,” Otis nudged Christian as he sat back down.

“Should I stand back up,” Christian asked, poised to return to his feet. Before he had the chance, Nick had stood and wrapped all three of his friends in a hug.

“Thank you, guys,” Nick said in appreciation.

That’s when Nick heard another glass chime from behind him, they’d only planned for the two speeches, so he was especially surprised when he turned to find Charlie standing up from his seat.

Charlie

Nick was looking at him, surprise clear on his face. Charlie reached out with his free hand to take hold of Nick’s. He held it tightly as he started to speak to the room while looking at Nick, “Nick, I know we said we wouldn’t make a speech, but I couldn’t let today go past without telling you how much I love you.

You’ve been there for me when I was at my absolute worst and you could have run away, you could have ditched me and picked anyone else, I mean look at you, you’re gorgeous. But you didn’t, you stayed, and I will never not be grateful for that.”

Charlie turned then to all their friends and family, “Everyone please, raise your glasses to my kind, loving and wonderful husband. To Nick.”

“To Nick,” cheered everyone around the room as Nick pulled Charlie in for a passionate kiss.

“I love you Charlie, it’s always been you,” Nick spoke softly when they pulled apart.

“I’m so lucky you’re my husband,” Charlie cooed quietly enough that only Nick could hear him.

“I’m the lucky one, Char.”

🥂 🥂 🥂

After the speeches there were a few more photos out on the lawn before the sun went down. Then it was back inside where a dancefloor had been revealed and Paul the pianist had been replaced by another Paul, the DJ. Nick & Charlie shared their first dance to All of Me by John Legend and after a few verses, were joined by the other couples on the dance floor. After the song ended it was time to cut the cake while everyone was still gathered around in one place.

Neither of the boys had seen what David had prepared for them yet, David had insisted that as it was his gift to them that he kept it a surprise. As two of the hotel staff wheeled the cake out into the middle of the dancefloor, there were gasps from the guests as it passed between them. As it came into view for Nick & Charlie, they both gasped too.

“David, its- it’s beautiful,” Nick spoke softly to his brother.

“It’s even better than what I’d pictured,” Charlie’s voice breaking with the emotions welling up inside him. This day had already stirred a lot of emotions inside him, but seeing what David had produced for them brought him to tears.

“Oh baby,” Nick cooed, seeing the tears start to trail down his husband’s cheek. He pulled him in for a hug and kissed his forehead. Charlie reached out for David’s hand and pulled him in for a hug too.

Charlie whispered into David’s ear, “Thank you so much, brother.”

“Shut-up you,” David teased, brushing a teardrop from beneath his own lashes.

When Charlie had first come up with the design for their cake, he knew it was ambitious. So, when David had offered to take up the challenge, he had been preparing himself for it to not be anything like he had imagined in his mind. But David had taken their design and enhanced it.

They had the 3-tiers of chocolate cake that they’d asked for, with a river of bubble-gum blue icing looking like it was bubbling over the sides of the cake. Then leaning up along either side of the cake was a lattice structure of tempered chocolate that no one could dispute was a perfect replica of the Eiffel tower. But then Charlie spotted something else.

“Wait, is that” he pointed to two figures atop the cake, “is that us?”

Olly came strolling up alongside his older brother, “Yep. You won’t believe how much time David spent trying to find them.”

The two figures weren’t just ordinary grooms atop the cake, but they were mini versions of them. Nick with his dark blonde hair, brown eyes and broad rugby shoulders and Charlie with his dark curls, crystal blue eyes and lithe build. Charlie couldn’t believe how perfect they were. He pulled David in for a hug again and tried not to let his tears of joy completely soak David’s suit.

The happy couple cut the cake to cheers and applause from all their guests around the room. Once it had been wheeled back into the kitchen to be cut into pieces for their guests, the DJ started the music again for everyone to dance into the night.

As the last guests were slow dancing together at midnight, Charlie turned to Nick and asked, “Are you ready to go up to our suite love?”.

“I will go anywhere with you my darling,” Nick whispered close to Charlie’s ear. Charlie held out his hand and let Nick up the grand hotel staircase to their honeymoon suite.