Daddy Issues

Nick pulled up to the restaurant where he was meeting his dad and took a deep breath, clenching the wheel. Part of him just wanted to drive away and make up an excuse on why he couldn't come, but the other part of him knew he should at least try to make it through the dinner.

Stephane invited him after all, so that meant he was trying to make some effort to have a relationship with his son. Nick needed to put some effort into it as well. Charlie offered to come along but Nick felt like this was something he had to do on his own. He also didn't want to risk Stephane saying anything rude to Charlie, which definitely would have happened if his boyfriend had come.

Anxiety ached in his chest as Nick got to the table."Nicholas! Great to see you." Stephane offered a smile.

Nick nodded and sat down, "Thanks for inviting me out." He put his focus on the menu, chewing his lip.

It was so awkward sitting there with the man he called dad, but he barely knew.

"I know it's been a while since that chaotic dinner at your mom's house. I wanted to make up for it." Stephane explained. Nick fiddled with his menu, "It was only awkward because of you and David. But never mind." He sighed, not wanting to start anything.

"Let's just forget about that," Stephane said, setting down his menu. "So how is rugby going?" He asked. "Good," Nick said and sipped the water that was on the table. "I'm team captain now."

"Is that boy still on the team with you?" Stephane quizzed as they waited for the waiter to come. "My boyfriend," Nick corrected, "and yes he is."

"Isn't he small to be a rugby player?" Stephane raised an eyebrow.

Nick took a deep breath, trying to keep his cool he knew his dad was just trying to make conversation but it was about Charlie. "That doesn't matter. He can run fast."

Stephane nodded and ordered his food as the waiter came, Nick did as well and sipped his water trying to calm down his nerves. "You're getting chicken tenders and fries at a nice restaurant?" Stephane judged, raising an eyebrow, "That's childish."

Nick fiddled with his napkin, "I don't know if you remember but I'm a picky eater." He said.

"Oh, if I remembered I would've picked a different restaurant like McDonald's sorry I'm just trying to take you out to eat." Stephane scuffed.

Nick clenched his napkin in frustration, "Well maybe if you were around more you would have remembered." He sassed.

"Don't sass me," Stephane ordered and got quiet as the waiter soon walked back over with their food so they wouldn't cause a scene.

Nick rolled his eyes and took a chicken tender taking a bite. Tension flooded the restaurant as they sat in silence.

"You passing school?" Stephane quizzed. "Yeah," Nick answered as he ate, "I got all Bs and one class is rising to an A." He rambled.

"Well did you know that David has all A's?" Stephane hummed.

Nick looked down a bit, he knew that's why Stephane asked. "Why do you always have to compare me to David?"

"Because your brother is setting a good example that you should follow."

"So I should follow being a homophobic asshole?" Nick was at his breaking point.

"Enough." Stephane set down his fork dramatically. "If we are just going to argue then this dinner should be over."

"I agree," Nick said as he got up and put on his jacket, trying to fight the tears that were forming in his eyes.

"I shouldn't have come in the first place." Nick walked out, not looking back to see his dad's reaction stormed to his car.

He got in and sat down, slamming his car door shut, and finally broke down into tears.

(A/N: getting emotional while writing this poor Nicky 😭)

Nick shakily wiped his eyes and grabbed his phone to call the only person who knew how to cheer him up in these kinds of situations.

Charlie.

At least he had Charlie. Charlie and his mom were all he needed in life.

"Hi baby, how was the dinner?" Charlie answered after the first ring, he had a feeling that it didn't go great.

"Terrible." Nick sighed and leaned against the car windowsill. He was mentally exhausted and just wanted to be at home, in his bed cuddled up to Charlie. He felt so safe in Charlie's arms, when he was there all of his problems just disappeared.

"I had a feeling," Charlie admitted, his voice echoing with sympathy. "I'm actually at your house in case it went bad. Which it did, so we can go up and snuggle and your mom offered to make us tea." He rambled, trying to make Nick feel better; it worked.

"God, you're the best." Nick sighed and wiped his eyes, trying to calm down before he started driving. "I'm on my way back now I just need to calm down before I start driving."

"Okay, love," Charlie said softly. Nick loved how sweet and gentle Charlie was. "Take deep breaths for me and I'll see you soon."

"Okay babe, bye." Nick hung up and wiped his eyes before starting to drive once he felt calm enough.

All Nick could think about on the drive home was how lucky he was to have Sarah and Charlie. He didn't know what he'd do without them.