Cody and Charlie. Nick's Jealousy.
Bar - 10:50 PM
The bar's ambient glow from string lights draped across the wooden beams cast a warm, inviting hue over the booth where Charlie sat with Tao and Isaac. The place was alive but not overwhelming—conversations buzzed like distant bees, laughter punctuating the low thrum of indie music playing from speakers hidden in the corners. Bottles clinked behind the counter, and the scent of craft beer and fried bar snacks hung in the air, mingling with the faint, comforting aroma of polished wood. Charlie had been nursing his pint for the last half hour, the foam long gone, leaving a ring of residue on the glass. His phone lay face-down on the table, vibrating occasionally with texts from Nick—updates on his delay—but Charlie hadn't checked the latest one yet. He was too caught up in the easy rhythm of reunion with his old friends. Theyre teasing Charlie about Cody bribing Isaac for his number.
Tao was midway through a dramatic retelling of his latest film-set disaster, his hands gesturing wildly as if conducting an orchestra. "—and then the director yells 'cut' because the lead actor tripped over his own prop sword. Sword! It's a fantasy epic, and the guy can't even handle a fake blade. I swear, if I have to rewrite one more scene because of clumsiness—"
Isaac chuckled, his curly hair falling over his forehead as he marked a page in the book he'd been half-reading. "Sounds like real life imitating art. Or bad art, in this case."
Charlie grinned, the tension in his shoulders easing for the first time in days. "At least it's not as bad as that time you had to improvise a dragon roar with a vacuum cleaner."
Tao threw his head back, laughing. "Don't remind me! The sound guy nearly quit."
Their booth was tucked in a corner, giving them a view of the bar's eclectic crowd—couples whispering in low tones, groups of friends toasting, a few solo drinkers scrolling phones. Charlie's eyes had wandered earlier, landing on the man at the counter: tall, broad-shouldered, with short dark hair and a jawline that could cut glass. Hazel eyes that had met his briefly, sparking a flicker of recognition Charlie couldn't place. The guy—Cody, though Charlie know him since Imogen sent a pic—had smiled, curious and flirty, before turning back to his whiskey.
As if summoned by the thought, Cody appeared at their table, two fresh pints in hand and a easygoing grin on his face. "Mind if I crash? You lot look like you're having more fun than anyone else here. Brought reinforcements—beers on me."
Tao raised an eyebrow, but his grin was welcoming. "Bold move, stranger. But free beer? Pull up a chair."
Isaac shifted over to make space, eyeing Cody with mild curiosity. "I'm Isaac. That's Tao, and this is Charlie. Tho seems youre more concern with our cute friend here."
Cody slid into the booth beside Charlie, his broad frame making the space feel a bit cozier. "Cody. Nice to meet you all. Saw you reading earlier, Charlie—bold choice for a bar. What is it? Fantasy?"
Charlie flushed slightly, holding up the book. "Yeah, \*Shadows of Eldoria\*. Escaping the real world for a bit."
Cody laughed—a deep, rumbling sound that was oddly comforting. "Respect. Most people come here to escape with drinks, not dragons. I'm more of a rugby guy myself—no time for books. But hey, if it's got swords and magic, count me in for a summary."
Tao leaned forward, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Rugby? You're talking Nick's language. Charlie's boyfriend— he's a coach. But let's not bore Cody with that. How about a game? Silly one to break the ice. Two truths and a lie?"
Isaac groaned but smiled. "Tao, you and your games."
Cody shrugged, grinning. "I'm in. Who's first?"
Tao volunteered. "Okay—one: I once auditioned for a soap opera and got the part but turned it down. Two: I can juggle five balls. Three: I have a tattoo of a cartoon character on my ankle."
Guesses flew—Charlie saying the tattoo was the lie (wrong—it was the audition), Isaac nailing it. Laughter bubbled up, the booth filling with easy energy.
Cody's turn: "One: I played rugby for England under-21s. Two: I once got lost in the Amazon rainforest for three days. Three: I can speak four languages fluently."
Tao squinted. "Amazon's the lie. Too dramatic."
Charlie tilted his head. "No—languages. Rugby sounds legit."
Isaac nodded. "Amazon lie."
Cody laughed. "Amazon's true—scout trip gone wrong. Languages is the lie—only three: English, Spanish, bit of French."
The table erupted—high-fives, groans. "Scout trip?" Tao pressed. "Details!"
Cody regaled them—vivid story of jungle mishaps, monkeys stealing food, building a shelter from leaves. "Cool under pressure," he said with a wink at Charlie. "Like your Nick, I bet—coaches have that vibe."
Charlie smiled—faint. "Yeah. He's... reliable."
Isaac's turn: bookish lies about reading War and Peace in a day (true, surprisingly). Charlie went last: "One: I once played drums for a band in school. Two: I have a tattoo. Three: I speak fluent French."
Guesses: Tao said tattoo lie (wrong—small infinity on his wrist), Cody guessed French (correct—"You seem more English lit than languages"). More laughs—beers flowing, the group loosening.
Cody fit seamlessly—cool, charismatic without overpowering. He shared rugby stories ("Broke my nose three times—worth it"), asked about their lives ("Tao, film sounds chaotic—ever need a stunt double?"). Light, fun—silly games turning to "never have I ever" (Cody admitting "never have I ever read a book in a bar," downing his drink with a laugh at Charlie).
The vibe was electric—happy, nostalgic for Charlie. But his phone buzzed—Nick: \*On my way. Tire fixed. Sorry.\* Relief—and hurt.
\------
Tao checked his watch—sighing. "Hate to bail, but train's calling. Isaac?"
Isaac nodded—packing his book. "Yeah. Early shift tomorrow."
Charlie stood—hugging them. "Thanks for coming. Missed this."
Tao pulled back—protective glint. "Us too. But... Nick's late. You sure you want to wait alone? We can stay."
Charlie shook his head. "He's on his way. Tire flat or something. I'll be fine."
Isaac frowned. "Text when he's here."
Tao eyed Cody—subtly snapping a photo. "Just in case. Stranger danger and all."
Cody laughed—holding up his hands. "Whoa—busted. Here, let me make it easy." He grabbed Tao's phone—selfie mode, pulling the group in. "Smile! Now you've got proof I'm not a serial killer or Jeffery Dahmer. Tho I love to eat cute guys."
Group selfie—laughs, goofy faces. "There. Safe."
Tao pocketed his phone—grinning. "Alright, pretty boy. But hurt him, we hunt you."
Cody saluted. "Noted."
They left—hugs, promises: "Visit soon!" "Tell Nick hi!"
Charlie sat back—waving as they went.
Alone with Cody.
\-----
Cody settled back—beer in hand. "Cool friends. Protective, though. Like big brothers."
Charlie smiled—relaxing. "Yeah. Known them forever. Tao's the dramatic one; Isaac's the quiet observer."
Cody nodded—sipping. "Lucky. My mates are all rugby lads—loud, beer-guzzling types. Fun, but not deep."
Charlie chuckled. "Sounds like Nick's team. He's a coach—always coming home with stories about rowdy kids."
Cody's eyes lit—leaning in. "Nick—the boyfriend? Late guy? What's his deal? Feeling VIP or something? Making you wait in a bar while he... what, saves the world?"
Charlie laughed—surprised. "VIP? Nah. Meeting ran long, I think. Tire flat now. He's... reliable. Sweet. Rugby obsessed."
Cody grinned—teasing. "Reliable? Boring word. Come on—roast him. He's late—give me the dirt. Does he snore? Leave socks everywhere? Burn toast?"
Charlie giggled—leaning forward. "Okay, fine. He snores when he's tired. And yeah, socks—everywhere. But he's... good. Makes breakfast. Says 'hi' every morning like it's special."
Cody rolled his eyes—playful. "Hi? Lame. My boyfriend's more 'get over here and kiss me.' But hey, to each their own."
Charlie froze—slipping. "Your boyfriend? He's not here yet?"
Cody's eyebrow arched—amused. "Boyfriend? How'd you know I have one? Stalking me?"
Charlie flushed—panicking. "Uh—no! I mean, you look like the type. Confident. Hot. Probably taken. And you just mentioned it Mr. Drunk"
Cody burst out laughing—head thrown back. "Smooth recovery. But yeah—Daniel. He's... intense. Meeting someone tonight, I think. Left me to my own devices."
Charlie joined the laugh—relieved. "Intense? Sounds dramatic."
Cody winked. "You have no idea. But enough about me—what about this Nick? If he's late, maybe he's planning a surprise. Roses? Chocolate? Or is he the type to forget Valentine's altogether?"
Charlie giggled—shaking his head. "He remembered. Trip to the Cotswolds. Romantic, actually."
Cody whistled. "Fancy. Jealous. My Valentine's was clubbing—dancing, drinks, the usual. Good to have nights like this, though. Came here to... well, fuck someone, honestly. But ended up making friends. Fucking still stands, but friends are a bonus."
Charlie choked on his beer—laughing hard. "Bold! But yeah—friends are good."
They talked long—light, easy flow. Cody on rugby ("Broke my nose three times—character building"), Charlie on books ("Escape from reality—dragons beat deadlines"). Cody teased Charlie's reading in bars ("Nerd chic"), Charlie roasted Cody's "VIP boyfriend energy" ("You look like you own the place"). Giggles turned to full laughs—Cody mimicking a bad rugby tackle, Charlie dramatizing a book plot with hand gestures.
Cody bribed the bartender for free shots— "On me, for the bookworm." They toasted—clinking glasses. "To unexpected friends," Cody said.
Charlie grinned. "To that."
Cody pulled out his phone. "Number? In case I need book recs. Or bar buddies."
Charlie hesitated—then typed it in. "Sure. But no stalking."
Cody laughed. "Scout's honor."
The night lightened—Charlie's hurt fading in the glow of new, easy connection.
\-----
# Nick's Jealousy
Nick's feet pounded the pavement as he broke into a run, the cool February wind whipping against his face, carrying the faint scent of rain-soaked streets and distant exhaust. His heart slammed in his chest—not just from the sprint, but from the guilt that clawed at him like a living thing, twisting sharper with every step. The cafe was behind him now, the door he'd stormed out of already fading in the distance, but Daniel's touch lingered like a brand on his skin. The way his fingers had traced Nick's happy trail, the lewd whispers about lube capsules buried in his ass, the heat of his body pressed close in that cramped bathroom. Him breeding Daniel again, its bad but it felt good.
\*Fuck.\* He'd lied. Again. \*Tire flat.\* As if Charlie would believe it. As if Nick deserved belief anymore. The bar was just a few blocks away, but it felt like miles—each stride a reminder of how he'd betrayed Charlie, how he'd let Daniel pull him back into that dark, addictive spiral. Guilt burned hot in his throat, mixing with the shame of his arousal, the way his body still wanting to be close to Daniel's body.
He slowed as the bar came into view—a cozy spot with fogged windows glowing warmly against the darkening evening, laughter spilling out every time the door opened. His phone buzzed in his pocket—another text from Charlie? He didn't check. Just pushed through the door, the bell chiming above him, the wave of noise and warmth hitting him like a wall. The place was packed: groups clustered at high tables, couples leaning close in booths, the bar counter lined with patrons chatting over pints. The air smelled of spilled beer, fried chips, and that faint, comforting pub scent of polished wood and old leather.
Nick scanned the room—spotting Charlie almost immediately in a corner booth. But he wasn't alone. A guy. Tall, broad-shouldered, dark hair, laughing at something Charlie said. Charlie's head was thrown back, curls bouncing as he giggled—genuine, light, the kind of laugh Nick hadn't heard in days. The guy's arm was slung casually over the back of the booth—not touching Charlie, but close. Too close.
Jealousy hit Nick like a tackle—hot, visceral, knocking the air from his lungs. Who the fuck was this? Some random dude making Charlie laugh while Nick was out there fighting his demons? His fists clenched at his sides, jaw tightening as he weaved through the crowd, eyes locked on the booth. The guy's hand brushed Charlie's shoulder—playful, teasing—and Charlie didn't pull away. He leaned in, still laughing.
Nick's vision tunneled. \*Get your hands off him.\* By the time he reached the table, his face was a mask—forced smile not reaching his eyes, voice tight. "Hey. Sorry I'm late."
Charlie looked up—surprise flickering before his expression softened. "Nick! Finally. Tire fixed?"
"Yeah. All good." Nick slid into the booth beside Charlie, arm wrapping around his waist—possessive, pulling him close. His stare drilled into the guy across the table—killing him with his eyes. Who was this prick? Tall, built like a rugby player, hazel eyes meeting Nick's with cool amusement.
Charlie grinned—clueless to the tension. "The man himself! Nick, meet Cody. He crashed our party—bought us drinks. Cody, this is my boyfriend, the rugby coach."
Cody extended a hand—smile easy, but his eyes held a challenge. "Cody. Nice to meet you, Nick. Heard a lot. Charlie here's a good laugh."
Nick shook it—grip firm, maybe too firm. "Yeah. He's taken." The words came out sharper than intended, laced with jealousy he couldn't hide.
Charlie tensed beside him—elbow nudging Nick's side. "Nick—relax. Cody's cool. He joined for games."
Cody laughed—light, unfazed. "Whoa—territorial much? I get it. Charlie's a catch. But I'm just here for the vibes."
Nick's jaw clenched—stare not wavering. "Vibes? Looked cozy from the door."
Charlie turned to Nick—voice low. "Nick, stop. He's just a friend. We were laughing."
Cody leaned back—arms crossed, grin widening. "Yeah, man. No need to go alpha. Charlie was telling us about your tire drama. Must be rough—leaving him waiting with strangers."
Nick's temper flared—leaning forward. "Strangers? Like you? Arm around the booth, making him laugh? Back off."
Charlie grabbed Nick's arm—urgent. "Nick—stop. You're being ridiculous."
Cody's cool cracked—just a bit. "Ridiculous
Perfect word Charlie. I'm sitting here having a drink. You're the one storming in like a jealous ex. Late to your own date—some boyfriend." Cody said to Nick.
Nick stood—towering, voice a growl. "Say that again."
Cody stood too—matching height, build. "You heard me. Charlie's been waiting—laughing with us because you weren't here. Jerk move."
The air thickened—intense, electric. Tables nearby quieted, eyes glancing over.
Charlie jumped up—between them. "Stop! Both of you!"
A voice cut through—smooth, teasing. "Cody? What's this?"
Daniel. Striding in, coat open, curls perfect. He slid an arm around Cody's waist—possessive. "Playing hero?"
Nick froze—guilt and rage colliding. Charlie's face crumpled—hurt flashing raw.
Daniel smiled—innocent. "Hi, Charlie. Nick."
Charlie's voice shook. "Daniel."
Cody frowned—confused. "You know them?"
Daniel nodded—casual. "Charlie's a friend. Best friend, actually. From uni. And Nick... well, we've worked together."
Nick snapped—nervous, mad. "We're leaving. Now."
Cody's confusion deepened. "Worked together? Small world."
Daniel laughed—light. "Yeah. Events stuff. Charlie and I go way back—parties, hangs."
Nick grabbed Charlie's hand—pulling. "Enough. We're going."
Cody stepped forward— "Whoa—Charlie okay with this? You seem tense."
Daniel tugged Cody back—annoyed. "Cody—stop. Let them go."
Cody ignored—eyes on Charlie. "Need help? I can walk you out."
Nick's jealousy boiled. "I can take care of my boyfriend." Emphasis on \*boyfriend\*—possessive growl.
Cody smirked—cool but annoyed. "Based on what I see? Late to the party, snapping at strangers? Doesn't seem like boyfriend of the year."
Nick advanced—chest to chest. "Say that again."
Charlie pulled Nick back—voice sharp. "Stop! We're going."
Daniel watched—amused, but eyes on Cody. "Cody—stay here. With me."
Cody glanced at Daniel—irritated. "Why? Charlie's drunk. Needs help."
Daniel's jaw tightened—wanting attention. "Because I said so. Let them handle it. Im your baby."
Cody rolled his eyes— "Fine. But Charlie—text if you need."
Nick dragged Charlie out—door slamming. Outside, Charlie yanked free—tears in eyes. "What the hell, Nick?"
Nick's jealousy faded—guilt crashing. "I... he was too close."
Charlie's hurt deepened. "And Daniel? Is it coincidence that you appears and a second he there again. is he the one youre meeting with?"
Nick winced. The night shattered—again.
