May 20
I’m not historically a big AU person but tattoo artist Charlie speaks to my soul. So I’m gonna just throw this one out into the interwebs.
seen from Sweden
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seen from Indonesia
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seen from South Africa
seen from Yemen
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seen from China
seen from China
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seen from Germany
I’m not historically a big AU person but tattoo artist Charlie speaks to my soul. So I’m gonna just throw this one out into the interwebs.
finally by bishyreadytocry [G]
Your daily moment of Heartstopper joy, in which Nick and Charlie are finally reunited after three weeks apart. 95 days until season 2!
The Quarantine Chronicles by CJShips [T]
Inspired by the Heartstopper Mini-Comic: The Haircut, aged-up Nick and Charlie navigate pandemic life. I hope to make this a series of vignettes, but I wrote this first chapter as a stand-alone. Come on Charlie, just get here Nick begged internally, raising a hand to scrub his face. … Irrational thoughts that he’d been walling off for hours began to break through. What if Charlie’s flight had been re-routed? Or not taken off at all? Or what if the flight had arrived at SFO but for some reason, Charlie wasn’t on it? What if the United States sealed its borders and Nick became trapped in a different country from the most important person in the world? … For the first time since he and Charlie moved to San Francisco eight months ago, Nick wondered if it was a terrible mistake.
Speak my language by aprms [T]
Charlie is hopelessly in love with his best friend. He’s also not very good at picking up on hints. Four times Nick shows Charlie he loves him, and one time Charlie returns the favour. A love letter to love languages. Will be posting every day in the run up to Valentine's Day. ❤️
sweet as summer, bright as the sun by shadowquill17 [T]
Later that night, when the Nick’s little cousins have gone to bed and there’s not a sound in the house except for the quiet talking of the adults in the kitchen, Nick turns to Charlie and kisses his shoulder. “Come take a dip with me?” he asks. “Now?” “Yeah. We can just be the two of us.” Charlie’s eyes glitter in the low light. “Okay.” Nick brings Charlie on his family holiday to Menorca.
when I was young and so secure by kaalee [G]
When Nick Nelson comes to Charlie’s house for the first time, Julio Spring is pretty sure he remembers him from somewhere. But where? (also, I suck at summaries. This is a window into adorable wee, 5 year old Nick Nelson, acting like a dinosaur and meeting Charlie Spring for the first time. If that’s your thing, definitely read.) EDIT: now with bonus art in chapter 5!!!
Top 8 Nick x Charlie fics I’ve read (Jan 2025)
clueless (all the damn time) by thirteenick [T]
After a week and a lot of awkward attempts at starting conversation, Nick now knew a few things about said boy: his name was Charlie, he was 15, he played the drums (!!!), he was really, really smart, he was gay… And… He made Nick's heart stop, in a way that only the biggest of the crushes are capable of. But also, on the other hand… He barely even acknowledged Nick's existence. or Nick Nelson is hopelessly in love with his new form partner, Charlie Spring. The cool nerd drummer player makes his heart jump out of his chest and become incapable of starting conversation. Because there is no way Charlie could possibly like him back… Right?
gold rush by steelknuckles [G]
Charlie thinks Nick is pure gold. Nick, of course, also thinks Charlie is pure gold.
in the bleak midwinter by glaspen [T]
Nick thinks of his mum, and how she always tells him that kindness is brave. Nick’s been finding it so hard to be brave, recently. Prompt: alternate meeting au. nick and charlie meet in the park during christmas break right after charlie gets outed. nick is out with nellie and charlie is taking a walk and is clearly upset and nick notices him and goes to talk to him and tries to use nellie to cheer him up because for some reason, it pains him to see the boy so sad. Title from In the Bleak Midwinter by Wolf Alice
in your own made-up language by glaspen [E]
Nick and Charlie go to different universities and hit it off immediately when they meet at a party. What happens when their paths finally cross again, nearly a year later?
Lavender Fields by scienceisrealyo [E]
31 year old Nick Nelson retired from professional rugby and is giving Sarah Nelson a well-deserved year off from running Lavender Fields Bed and Breakfast. And Nick’s doing fine, thank you very much. Until the guest name C. Spring changes everything. Note: 1-31 are the original story (Nick's point of view). Chapters 32 - 60 are from when Charlie bullied me into providing his perspective, too.
lifetimes by steelknuckles [G]
If Nick really thinks about it, Charlie reminds him of the best parts of his life. Even the ones that happened before they met.
the way you look… by kaalee [M]
Charlie wears eyeliner as part of a class assignment and Nick is not prepared for his feelings about Charlie Spring in eyeliner. Things ensue… EXCERPT: In case anyone doubts that Nick Nelson can do maths, 1 is actually the smallest whole number amount someone can be prepared to see Charlie Spring in eyeliner and a tight t-shirt without it actually being 0%.
Who Needs Luck by kingdomfaraway [G]
Charlie was about to leave when someone else came from the back, this time a tall guy, who looked like he walked straight out of Charlie’s favorite type of dreams. He was broad-shouldered, with arms that would rip a branch in half, with thighs that could squash a watermelon if put to the test. He had dark blonde hair and a scruff auburn beard that made Charlie think of places he’d like to experience beard burn at. He was, arguably, the most handsome man Charlie had ever laid eyes on. Which probably meant he was straight, or an arsehole, or married, maybe to Darcy even. The two of them started talking, not loud enough for Charlie to overhear, but after a second Darcy looked at him, followed by the guy. Charlie had to quickly look down but he was pretty sure he was just caught staring at the pair of them. He had such shit luck sometimes.
Top 10 Nick x Charlie fics I’ve read (Dec 2024)
forever and a day by flannelfeelings [T]
“Have I hurt you?” he gasps out, though he’s unable to release his grip. Charlie looks down at their intertwined hands, managing a small, humorless chuckle. “You’re absolutely mad, Nelson. You’ve got a broken ankle and you’re worried about holding my hand too hard?” (Nick gets injured during a rugby game when Charlie comes to visit for the weekend- fluff caretaking ensues)
Hurry Home by L56895 [T]
Nick Nelson is just trying to get home to his mum for Christmas. Unfortunately, he seems to be infuriating an attractive stranger every step of the way.
Narlie Waves by waveofyou [E]
A Heartstopper California AU where Nick (31) and the HS crew we know and love live in SoCal. Charlie (29) leaves his London office to work in San Diego for a year. Nellie makes a new puppy bestie. Nick is adorable teaching little first graders. Charlie looks hot playing the drums. Nick looks hot surfing. They…ahem…enjoy Nick’s pool…and shower…and balcony. The boys weirdly get snowed in at one point. In Southern California, go figure. Nick helps Charlie see that he's deserving of big, loud love from a certain golden retriever person. Charlie helps Nick to trust that his love is not conditional, that he's safe to fully express himself. A leaves falling, flower petals swirling story of queer love with a spectacular ocean view 🍂🌊🍂 ⚠️ This is NOT a slow burn. They feel the spark, follow it and make fire Any explicit sections are denoted with “🍂🔥🍂” Any triggering flashback, panic attack or detailed eating disorder moments with “🍂⚠️🍂” …so they can be skipped and the story still enjoyed- I’ve written it so no major plot is lost by skipping these sections 🫶🏻 Alternates between Charlie and Nick POV ♥️
Rugby Lad by sophisticatedyet [T]
Charlie thinks agreeing to join the Truham rugby team at the request of Mrs Singh is possibly the worst decision he’s ever made. Then Nick Nelson, the St John’s fly half, sweeps him off his feet (literally) and Charlie decides maybe rugby isn’t so bad. AKA: the Charlie and Nick are on rival rugby teams AU.
Speak my language by aprms [T]
Charlie is hopelessly in love with his best friend. He’s also not very good at picking up on hints. Four times Nick shows Charlie he loves him, and one time Charlie returns the favour. A love letter to love languages. Will be posting every day in the run up to Valentine's Day. ❤️
under the mistletoe by thetomkatwholived [T]
“And what exactly does me being nice to you entail in this context?” “Stay by my side the rest of the night. Go where I go. Can’t get me alone under the mistletoe if I’m never alone!” Nick grinned with pride, as if he had devised a foolproof plan. “So no different than what you two would have done anyway?” Tara smirked knowingly, and Charlie avoided her gaze. Or, Nick has to spend the party avoiding Higgs girls under the mistletoe, and Charlie has to spend the party pretending he doesn’t want to meet Nick under that same mistletoe.
you are the best thing in my life by kaalee [M]
It's Friday, Nick's mum is out, and the boys need a shower. Domestic things happen, the power goes out, they are very naked together, and they discover that they might have the best relationship ever.
What About Charlie? by properrugbynerd [T]
Nick Nelson has spent over half of his life being Charlie Spring’s best friend, and nearly just as long being prodded about Charlie’s love life. What happens when someone asks Nick if he will set him up with Charlie?
wherever i end up (with you in my arms) by kissmeinnewyork [T]
“Honestly,” Nick says, dumbfounded, “It’s like I’ve never been home alone before.” Charlie raises a bemused eyebrow. “Well.” Nick corrects himself, a little sheepish, handing him a piece of crumpled notepaper. “Home parentless, then, if we’re getting technical about it.” When Sarah goes on holiday, Nick and Charlie are left to play house. (A story about house rules, rom-coms, invisible strings and Charlie being Sarah's favourite son).
Wish You'd See You How I See You by CarleyT [E]
Nick has been having a hard time lately accepting compliments and believing he's deserving of the same love and care he gives to others. Charlie needs his boyfriend to see how wonderful he truly is.
Top 10 Nick x Charlie fics I’ve read (Nov 2024)
Dive by Idril [M]
Something’s happening between him and Nick. It’s different, and it’s good. So good. Inspired by "Dive" by Olivia Dean.
Have You Heard About My Husband? by IvoryAlayne [T]
Charlie was just finishing his nightly cup of tea and was getting ready for bed when his phone rang, a picture of his brown-eyed, sandy haired husband popping up on the screen. Charlie smiled to himself as he answered the call. “Hey babe, how's your night out going?” “Oi Chaaaarlie!” A familiar, but distinctly NOT his husband's, voice sang. “Otis, hi, is everything ok?” “Yeah mate, I think your hubby will need a ride home. Any way you could get down to the bar to pick him up? We’re all too pissed to drive him ourselves. And I think he’ll be happy to see you. He hasn’t stopped talking about you all night.” -OR- Charlie thinks about his husband. Nick talks about his.
If it looks like porn and sounds like porn, does that make it… ? by kay_lalala [E]
Assembling furniture made him sweat on the coldest of days and now, in this hot weather, it would positively kill him. He wore his work dungarees and he knew, wearing no T-shirt under it would make him look like the cliché of a craftsman-porn-star on his way to his next fuck, but sue him, it was really damn hot. He reached his hand out and blindly patted the seat next to him for the sheet with the information about his next customer on it so he could check on the details. “Charles Spring? Well, that sounds like a man old enough to not care what I wear as long as I get the job done.” OR: Nick assembles furniture while wearing dungarees. One Charles Spring needs his new bed assembled. Yes, that’s the plot. But in Nick&Charlie style, hehe. Now no longer a one-shot but a story with 6 chapters because those dorks won't leave me alone.
Not Yet by Anonymous [M]
Canon divergence: Nick and Charlie sit together in form, but through some complicated mechanics that I haven't bothered to work out, they never kissed or started dating. When the Paris trip happens a year later than canon and they end up stuck in a bed together, all the pieces finally fall into place.
The Rugby Rainbow Alliance by PhoenixSpring [T]
Nick and Charlie are best friends. Everyone knows that Nick and Charlie are inseparable. Everyone knows they're meant to be together. Everyone except the aforementioned boys. Enter The Paris Squad and a handful of Rugby Lads to intervene. Set in Nick's Y12 and Charlie's Y11 in a universe where Charlie never went to Harry Greene's 16th party and they never kissed.
Scared of what you meant to me by L56895 [G]
Probably, Charlie would know the names of all the sounds that occurred when he guided the sticks in Nick’s fingers down rhythmically- but to Nick’s ear they sounded like tarrumph tsk tsk. Tarrumph tsk tsk. Over and over until he felt it in his heartbeat.
when I was young and so secure by kaalee [G]
When Nick Nelson comes to Charlie’s house for the first time, Julio Spring is pretty sure he remembers him from somewhere. But where? (also, I suck at summaries. This is a window into adorable wee, 5 year old Nick Nelson, acting like a dinosaur and meeting Charlie Spring for the first time. If that’s your thing, definitely read.)
You've Taught Me Well by buggybugs [T]
Sarah Nelson has watched her son and Charlie grow together through all the stages of their relationship—navigating love, family, and growing up. Along the way, she’s taken on the role of a second mother to Charlie, offering guidance in the moments they needed it most. But when it comes to love, Sarah realises the boys have taught her just as much. Or: Five times Sarah shared her wisdom with Nick and Charlie, and the one time they showed her what love really means.
You Know, I Could Reimburse You… Or: The Bar Fic by NellieSayzBork [G]
It's a busy Friday night at the campus bar, and Charlie can't stop mooning over a hot rugby lad. Nick Nelson is trying so hard to approach his crush, but he just can't work up the nerve. Sometimes, you just have to return the drink. Title from Bakar's "Right Here, For Now"
your needs (my needs) by GoldenAvenger02 [T]
“Fine,” Tori agreed, knowing that calling back-up would be the closest thing that she would get to an agreement before opening her contacts, clicking on the name that belonged to the closest person with a car. It just so happened to be the same person who would do anything and everything for Charlie.
when I was young and so secure by kaalee [G]
When Nick Nelson comes to Charlie’s house for the first time, Julio Spring is pretty sure he remembers him from somewhere. But where? (also, I suck at summaries. This is a window into adorable wee, 5 year old Nick Nelson, acting like a dinosaur and meeting Charlie Spring for the first time. If that’s your thing, definitely read.)
Word count: 55,044 Chapters: 6/6 Fandom: Sherlock (TV) Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson Summary:
Sherlock's disguises are little more than a nuisance to John until one day he walks into the kitchen dressed as someone from John's past, someone John had tried to forget.
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Rec: What looks like a bit of fun at first takes a sudden turn into backstory and angst, lost opportunities and karmic coincidences. A little slice of pre-Reichenbach bliss. Eventually.
Promised fic rec #2
Found it! It's "Disguise" by kaalee.
"Sherlock's disguises are little more than a nuisance to John until one day he walks into the kitchen dressed as someone from John's past, someone John had tried to forget."
The first chapter is the one with the various disguises.