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Page 1756 (Patreon)

Published:
2025-02-24 14:10:52
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2026-06
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That might be one deflection too many, Mr Nelson...

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Comments

ACxo

Oh Nick, you got to let people worry about you sometimes especially Charlie 🥺

Synz

nick ISTG

Justin S.

Nicholaaaaaaas .....

Chloe ♡

nick the deflector nelson

Ulises

Please talk it out guys 🥺 or please talk to a therapist

Charlie

There’s the words. “I’m worried about you” you can’t run from them Nick.

Shin__

Charlito, no! Nick you better be honest with your boyfriend 😤

Adrian

Ok Nick. Go after your (even unbathe good smelling bf) the truth

Desi23

Oh Nick! You need to talk with Charlie ASAP!

Ava

NICK OMG I LOVE YOU BUT YOU NEED TO VENT

Merel

Nick, you can't keep this up forever! Charlie KNOWS you're not doing well. Let him be there for you ❤️

Realiti

oh no🥲

Jade

Nick lets be so fr rn

lexi

diva i'm gonna need you to start talking real quick

Loveislove

Don't make Charlie do the knitted hands Nick Nelson! That's it!!! Bring on David to kick his ass! Charlie's not eating 😭

Katie H

Charlie's face in the last 2 panels 😢 He looks gutted that Nick didn't open up to him about what's wrong and what he's feeling 😢

Kirsten H

Oh Nick. The lack of eye contact. Looking straight ahead… You are allowed to let people see you when you’re vulnerable!!!! 💜💜 *Especially* Charlie.

Vicky Saumell

Come on, Charlie, time to push it a bit more!

tess ^_^

did he just casually flip that??? ok mr nelson …

Victoria Panaro

Please Nick 😭 he's trying to help just like you've done it for him some time ago ... You just have to let Him

arlo🦕

nick come on 🥺

Ava

Nick you kinda just hurt Charlie

Zoe S.

Nooooooo 😩

Inga Sandberg

Noooo! Nick, please talk to Charlie!! 😭😭

Stéfhany Chaves

Nooo Nick!! Just open up to Charlie. This is part of being in a relationship

OSM

Nicholas Luke Nelson you are not fine. Talk to your Charlie.

Lissie

Nick really needs to open up to Charlie 🥺

K

Not that specific smile, Nick 😞 We all know what's behind it

Carly Louise

Today's match is not going to go well...

Dean

Oh Charlie time to go for it and tell Nick how your feeling or talk to Sarah

Barb

nick still procrastinating🥺😮‍💨

Brittney

Aww my heart no because it seriously looks like Charlie is ready to cry... I seriously can't 🤧🤧 NICHOLSON NELSON, TALK TO YOUR BOYFRIEND!!! Please we love you but seriously, you helped him it's now time for him to return the favor for you so please let him

btripi

im gonna start calling nick neo with the way he’s dodging charlie’s attempts to help

CinD

I’m about to get one of those pancakes 🥞 and throw it at nicks head 😌 to see if knocks some sense into him…

Emma Tyra

Someone quote Nick to himself😭 “I get that you’re scared of being a burden, but we just wanna be there for you. You have to let us.”🥺

Christie

Oh Nick 😢

Krystyn

Charlie’s eyes in the last 2 panels🥺

Astrid H.

Oh God… an emotional ride it is…

Cliff

I’m surprised Charlie is more depressed than angry. I’d be demanding answers at this point, and pointedly so. But then again, I’m not Charlie! Take a quick shower, Charlie, or your pancakes will be cold!

Sarah Sharman

Did Charlie find it funny at any point?

Sabrina

Nicky, Nicky, Nicky…who are you fooling? Obviously not Charlie. He definitely knows that Nick’s not himself. I’m wondering if Nick will notice that Charlie noticed he’s not himself. Curious for tomorrows page and how this develops 👀 Great job as always Alice! 🫶🏼

Chris

is Nick convinced himself that’s everything is fine at this point ? 🥺 and it hurts he is not able to see that he is hurting Charlie’s feelings in the process 🥺🥺 he knows this stuff usually 😔

Nathalie

I’m really hoping nick won’t say something like ‘can I shower with you’ but will finally open up!

Loveislove

Love of your life walking away due to your deflections - change course Mr. Flippy.

Agosława

Oh no, I was too optimistic 🫣

Merel

Who does Nick think he is protecting by behaving like this? Surely he must realise at this point, now that Charlie has clearly told him he is worried, that his deflecting is hurting Charlie and their relationship. I feel like we've moved on from people pleasing to a full-on identity crisis for Nick. He's trying so hard to keep up the walls that he has carefully constructed over the years that he's terrified of letting any cracks show.

aurelie bouchet

Charlie can't always be Nick's savior his mental health is going to take a hit

Liz

Oh Charlie’s defeated face 😭

J

Nick, you sweet, sweet boy be vulnerable with Charlie! Or else we are gonna have a terrible, terrible crash and burn emotionally my friend. Charlie is so worried and i think a little scared with the brushing off the topics.. oh they are both sweethearts.

Emma Tyra
>>165764657

I know that was TV-Nick but still. Charlie just wants to support you hunie, you have to let him🥺.

Sarah Sharman
>>165764744

Same. It caught me a bit off guard. I personally didn't think it a very charlie-esque thing to say

Chloe ♡

nick holding his feelings back is affecting people around him more than he realises 💔

Antonio

charlie dodged pancakes so cleverly

Katrina

Oh Nick I think it’s time to talk to Charlie he just wants to help you and support you

Roks

I’m sad again Alice!!

Dionne Lakey

The straight up rejection in Charlie's eyes. Nick's just saying I don't need you with that lie. Nick's gonna do the laddish thing and say I just got drunk - that's normal

Megan wiseman

throwing a brick at my head would hurt less

hwalker

Perhaps Nick thinks that if he says it enough, it’ll come true. “Fake it till you make it” is definitely a mantra in secondary school/high school… and added on to toxic masculinity and wanting to make others happy and not worry about you… I’m not too surprised that Nick’s acting this way 😔

Xalek

Those lies and eyes won't wash today Nicholas.

hllwds

oh that level of patience charlie has. i could never 🫣

Merel

There's the closed-eye "I'm fine and I'm totally not lying what are you talking about" smile again

Cody

LIES

Ann-Marie Still

No, no, nope, no, no......I'm not having this 😭

Dionne Lakey

Charlie rejecting apology pancakes for Nick rejecting his help. Now Nick has something else to apologise for. They really need honesty in their relationship to keep everything stable. Charlie spent so much time lying to his loved ones to hide his problems. Getting out of that habit must have been hard - so honesty is important to their relationship

Merel
>>165764744

Maybe earlier in the evening, when Nick was being very affectionate and pointing him out to that girl who was flirting with him

Melanie

Noooooooooooo 😫

Loveislove

This is tough watching Charlie being hurt BY Nick's behaviours. I KNOW Nick doesn't mean to do this, would NEVER consciously do this. Honestly, he is not feeling like himself anymore. If Nick doesn't immediately follow Charlie up the stairs, I'm thinking we are about to see Charlie going home. Nick may need some tough approach from David followed by some gentle love from Sarah to shake this god forsaken pattern he has fallen into. Please fix this Nick 😭

Brandy78

And hereeeee weee goo!!!! Ooff

Theaterboi27

Round and round we go with this diversion, Nick Nelson. And Char, is this really the right moment for a shower? You have sweetly started this ultra necessary conversion. Stay a bit. Try again. Plus, your pancakes will get cold.

Larisa

Denial is a river in Egypt, baby ❤️

Kela87

Great, and now I am both worried about Nick AND Charlie's mental health... Is either of them going to eat those pancakes? I am afraid not 😣😣

JRob
>>165764744

Probably early in the night when Nick was happy-tipsy. I think he was busy with the band when Nick crossed into dangerous territory

Jessica Richards

This hurts ❤️‍🩹😩😞 I hate seeing Charlie so worried, sad, and disappointed. At the same time, I can't help but wonder what's going on below the surface with Nick right now. Does he *actually* believe there's nothing to worry about, after last night? Or is he inwardly panicking, hoping to keep hiding the fragile parts of himself (because HE doesn't know how to deal with all that, so how could anyone else)? I'm still hoping Charlie starts looping in other people, especially adults, to help. Nick cannot go on pretending like this much longer, and if his night at the Green Dragon wasn't enough to get him to outwardly admit it, then I'm seriously worried about what it will take.

Loveislove
>>165764842

That is what's so weird - he is usually so tuned into Charlie. He must know at some level and that's why there is so little eye contact during these moments 😞

JRob

I mean, did any of us really think Nick was going to open up that quickly? He's not yet reached the bottom.

Steph

Remember last year when Charlie kept saying he was fine. Remember that Nick?? He knows your not fine just like you knew he wasn’t fine last year. Let him help you like you helped him!

Noemiette

This might surprise some, but ... I'm gonna need David to get involve in some way xD I feel like Nick is gonna keep that mask on in front of people he cares about, that also includes his mom. David though, might trigger another sort of reaction. He is the only one that made him loose that calm mask while being fully conscious (drunk and nightmare dont count). This might not even be the right solution, but I need someone to shake that boy a bit ^^" and i dont feel like Charlie will do that. I feel bad for Charlie though. He keeps thinking he is starting to get through the crack, but everytime the door closes back on his face :/ He might have put it on the account on denial from Nick's part, but the succession of these events are starting to make him feel like Nick is purposely pushing him out (even if it's not really the intention behind what Nick's doing. But he isnt realizing how his behavior is making Charlie feel). Idk if he brushes away Charlie's concern because he tries to live in denial about his current mental state, or if he doesnt want people around him to worry. Or a mix of both

Raeee✨

Worrisome that he’s going to leave to shower knowing Nick is actively making them breakfast. But maybe Nick will stop him and ask him to wait to maybe START TALKING A LITTLE? Gah. The wait for tomorrow is already hard! 😆

Andruwu

Oh noooo ❤️

Nikki

I feel like Nick has had his personality, worries, passions etc so squished down for so long that he’s so afraid of what will happen if he opens up. He’s struggled making friends, had a dickhead of a brother and a father who walked away from him, he’s probably so scared of learning stuff about himself but also losing his boyfriend and friends. But also can’t blame Charlie for feeling sad or rejected at this point. He’s trying so hard 🫶

Loveislove
>>165764933

This is so full on in just a few months. It feels somewhat out of place just because Nick has just begun living his life authentically and that seemed to bring him such happiness. But - I'm sure answers are coming - soon right?

Jess🍂

Nick!!! It’s time for you to talk

TT
>>165766252

Agreed, but Sarah NEEDS to notice how much her son is struggling. It’s not like her to miss it. 🥺 Charlie cannot bear this alone. And I hope he doesn’t relapse under the weight of this.

Sara

this is making my heart sink

Merel
>>165764933

Maybe it's precisely that. Nick never really dealt with the difficult events from his childhood, he just pushed everything down. And for a while that was okay, but now that he is growing into his own (or trying to, at least) all those unresolved issues are coming to the surface. He's clinging onto his identity as 'Charlie's perfect boyfriend' because that was the first time he ever really felt like himself instead of who people expected him to be, but he has no clue who he is outside of that and that's scary.

Robert

Why didn't Charlie stick with it force it out of Nick? When Charlie was experiencing his ED, Nick sort of 'forced' him to confront it (albeit fairly gently) even after Charlie denied he had a problem when they were in the sea.

Nathalie

Everything was going so well 💔💔

Ai Bui

charlie darling it’s time to pull out the uno reverse card of “remember we promised to tell each other when we have things going on”

sieunee

This situation is killing me 😩

Jessica Richards
>>165766252

Absolutely, 1000%, I definitely think Sarah should be involved. I'm also hoping Coach Singh will get involved as well.

E

This is fine. Everything's fine.

Caleb Henrique

Wish I could hug those two big kiddos 🥹 I can relate to Nick, since I’m used to be the one who always be fine and is always trying to cheer up and help my inner circle. And I do know how hard is to try to open ups and get people worried about you. Well, but I think he’s gonna make it. Eventually, he will need to talk about it with Char ♥️

Jessica Richards

As hurt as he must be, I hope Charlie is able to recall that had the same kind of reaction when Nick first brought up the possibility of an ED. It took him a few days to realize and admit that Nick was right. I hope Charlie can hold space for Nick to do the same.

Juliana Barhorst

Awwww Charlie’s face 😩😣 Nick please! He knows that’s not true. Please tell him how you’re feeling😢😢

isa💌

No they didn’t

Raeee✨
>>165766252

Agree! Unlike Jane, Sarah is very in tuned to Nick because it’s been just the two of them most of the time. I don’t find it realistic that she’d leave Charlie to it. She has to know or notice soon (if she isn’t already wondering if she needs to step in). I understand letting them navigate their relationship, but this is beyond a teenager’s capacity. Hopefully she’ll be in some future pages!

Raeee✨
>>165764744

Yeah, I went back to the start of the night, and while they were kissing and Charlie was happy, I didn’t think he was finding it funny? Idk. It seemed pretty instant that he noticed Nick’s behavior in the crowd. So, the “funny” part also threw me off.

Caitlin
>>165764744

Also the moment when Sahar said he looked merry, he probably didn't worry about it too much until it Nick confronted the other guy

The Sarah E

maybe another through the door shower confession?!?!

MLN

Where is David when you need him? He’s the only one who can truly trigger a reaction from Nick. Can’t believe I’m saying this, but go on, David, you diva! Do your thing!

Sarah Sharman
>>165764744

Yeah it's the word "funny" that doesn't sit right. Makes it seem like Charlie was laughing at or with Nick at some point which isn't really shown in the pages? Just my own opinion though

JRob
>>165768404

I really hope so. Someone needs to keep their head in this.

Märta Birkner
>>165767528

It was still charlie who after some space and pushing Nick away admitted that he might be right. I guess now he needs that same time to come to terms with the fact that he's not okay

mai

Surely nick goes “wait….”

J
>>165766300

Yeah I've got a feeling Nick still has a bit further to go before the chat

The Sarah E

I’ll be 42 this week and have only just started learning to open up and talk about my feelings and not feel like i have to always be the bright shiny cheerful friend all the time for everyone… helps that i have found THE friend, that i’ve had a decade to cultivated a relationship with where i feel like she sees and hears and doesn’t judge and understands how to really listen and understand me without trying to offer advice (unless i ask for it) and she’s just the right combination of gentle yet firm when i need it… hoping charlie and nick can get this at a much younger age than this old lady

Jordan

I don’t think Nick will change anything until he realizes how upset he’s making Charlie - this is progress!!! Can’t wait to see what happens next

JRob
>>165767528

It'll come. Charlie knows that pushing too hard will just thicken the walls. I think he also need to remember his own strength.

TT
>>165764842

When a people-pleasing empath is struggling, and they have trauma from parental abandonment after baring their emotions as a child, then they become fearful of letting ANYONE see how they are feeling inside (when it’s not good). Especially their favorite person. And that fear of abandonment will drive them to do everything they can to mask or hide those bad feelings. And it works for a while, but eventually, things will get so bad that the facade begins to crack and fall apart. There is usually a scramble to try and put it back together, before it all crumbles to the ground. Nick is scrambling, and he’s so focused on keeping it together, that he can’t see what he’s doing to Charlie. He desperately wants to believe he can “will” away his doubts and fears and everything will be better. And as he demonstrated from the “advice” he gave Tao and Elle, he desperately wants to believe people who love each other can get through anything, simply because they love each other. ☹️ Charlie can’t make him open up. And he DEFINITELY can’t help Nick on his own. I hope Sarah’s eyes are opened soon. She’s always noticed when Nick was struggling, and for her to miss it seems really odd. I hope she sees it today and talks to him. Nic’s breakdown is coming, either way. And soon. We know the match will be awful, and it’s possible Charlie won’t attend. I honestly hope Charlie leaves and prioritizes his own mental health. If he doesn’t, then he’s headed for a relapse, and that would be heartbreaking.

Kassie K Wilson

One? How about a week’s worth… poor guy… 🥺

ucfnurse

Nooooooo😯😐🫶🏻💞🫂🌦️☕️🥞🍳🥓☀️✌️🕊️☮️

Dionne Lakey
>>165768404

Well Charlie already called Nick out about this on page 1703 saying he knows he's not fine and can recognise a fake smile. Nick's had a long time to realise and admit to something being wrong. He's had his space. Now he's just rejecting Charlie and gaslighting him. Charlie learned to ask for help through Nick's guidance. Nick has to make that step now. Charlie's done the gentle guiding.

Teri Lyn

Come on Nick. Please open up. 😭 Shower confession?

Loveislove

I'm agreeing with others that I would be very comforted with seeing a shower door confessional right now - pancakes be damned 🥞

Julie

In Nick's defense, Charlie isn't being very clear about what he's worried about here. We know it's more than just Nick getting too drunk one time, which isn't really a big deal, but maybe Nick doesn't. Tell him why, Charlie!

Zoe Downes

Nick please open up to Charlie

Elena

I feel like Charlie now. I'm disappointed by Nick and won't say no more about this page for this moment. 🙁 Need to accept that situation at first, before I probably will write some more on here. 🫠🙃

Stef

I'm just thinking about how we're just about halfway through volume 6 and how we all feel about the story so far. And what is going to happen in the rest of the story. Nick going into therapy, the long distance conversation, the breakup?, Nick going to university at the end of the story. We will all be a MESS at the end of volume 6 🥹

Elity

Oh, Nick...

Jessica Richards
>>165769815

Same goes for me and my bff from college ... We're in our 40s and been friends for over 20 years. It's just in the past several years we've been learning more about mental health, queerness, etc, and learning how to unmask with each other. It truly is not easy, although finding trusted people like that helps. But, like you, I also hope Nick learns much younger than we did. 💛

Brandon Ford

It’s rather rich that when Charlie doesn’t wanna talk about something, Nick will push until he does. He has no problem inserting himself into Tao and Elle’s business but he goes into full shut down mode when some one presses him. Their entire relationship is predicated on strong communication. It’s weird that 2 years in, now Nick doesn’t wanna talk any more.

Lolli98

I'm having a shit day and this doesn't make it any better. I'm feeling like Charlie looks in the last panel.😟 Besides I'm getting slightly aggressive with Nick's fake smile and closed eyes.😠

Jessica Richards
>>165768404

Yes, but Charlie hasn't really said what specifically he is worried about. He may not even know. Whereas Nick obsessively did research about ED, and named it, so that Charlie had something to unpack and mull over. I'm not saying Charlie is doing anything wrong, I just think Nick needs more information to help him understand that what he's doing is really unhealthy. Charlie shouldn't have to do this alone, either. I hope he at least talks to Tori or Geoff about this soon.

Loveislove
>>165771463

I'm all for exploring Nick's mental health journey. I am beginning to feel a little desperate to begin to come out in the other side of it though. It feels like there is so much more story to tell - can't wait to progress ☺️

Beam Bugge

nick now is not the time for gaslight gatekeep girlbossing

Jessica Richards
>>165772380

Not that weird, actually.... Nick has a history of deflecting and supressing his feelings. Being able to help others talk things out but not being able to recognize or understand your own feelings is a real thing, unfortunately.

Claudine Newman

Now there’s a surprise, Nick acting like nothing happened. Please, Nick, get to therapy. You need it desperately. You can’t keep pretending nothing is going on.

rickettyuncles

In Nick’s defence, some of us find it hard to cook and chat at the same time, let alone have a heart-to-heart! Though pancake frying would be ideal: a reason to not look Charlie in the eye, but not requiring high vigilance…

Claudine Newman
>>165772380

Not weird at all. Nick has gone through so much and doesn’t know how to deal with it. He desperately needs therapy.

Gregory Toner

Just a thought… David might be the right person to talk to about this. David is a part of it and it would help both boys to come together and heal. David was there for all the breakup issues of their parents and perhaps they could help heal each other ❤️‍🩹

Brandon Ford
>>165772380

My point was not that it’s weird that Nick doesn’t let Charlie help him or talk to him (though that is weird given their history)… my point is that if Charlie said “I’m fine”, Nick would never ever in 1000 years let that be the final word in the conversation. From their first text convo to when Charlie used to clam up about his desires for their relationship to every convo about food, “okay” has never been an acceptable answer for these two that ends a conversation. Nick always presses (sometimes to a fault). Plus during Nick’s coming out journey, he had no problem opening up to Charlie, Tara, Darcy at any time… he even went to his mom several times. He even has no problem TELLING Elle and Tao exactly how to “fix” their relationship. I’ve been sitting on the theory that since Nick told Charlie earlier that it’s “fucking complicated” with his family/brother that there is something else going on here besides your average daddy issues and sibling rivalry. I think that panel a few weeks ago of little Nick crying and his father saying this is why he doesn’t come is the tip of the iceberg. The same way Charlie had a voice in his head telling him not to eat and telling him to cut himself, Nick has an equally strong voice telling him to not talk about it and I just need to know after everything these two have shared, what could be so horrible that Nick is afraid to say it out loud to Charlie? When there is no secret more painful than “I used to cut myself sometimes”, what is Nick possibly hiding? Don’t tell me it’s uni and long distance… if they can handle 2 months in the ED clinic, college should only be as hard as they make it. There’s something amiss… I know it. It’s frustrating because there is clearly an answer and it’s locked behind Nick.

Caitlin

I’m gonna need Charlie to hold Nicks hand while he tells him his concerns like Nick did for him. My thoughts are: Nick is used to being the “strong” one and keeping it together. He feels like it’s his job to take care of others and doesn’t know how to ask for help for himself (it can be super hard when you don’t know how). He knows he’s struggling but he might also be thinking “It’s not as serious as someone else issues so I can handle it or I have nothing to really complain about” or “It’s just a moment in time I’m feeling like this and I’ll get past this if I keep pushing forward”. I have a feeling Alice will explore the feelings and stigma around mental health of someone who is perceived as the popular or put together who appears to have a “normal” life. Also Nick may be having a hard time recognizing how much Charlie’s mental health affected him because he’s not the one who was hospitalized. Being the perceived “caregiver” can be super hard and sometimes it’s hard to recognize when you need help because you’re so focused on your partner.

rickettyuncles

the hazard of Patreon in my time zone is spending too much time pondering imaginary people making pancakes and running out of time for your own breakfast 😂🥞

Sara

i understand where nick is coming from (i fear im the same way as nick. and it let to lots of good relationships in my life ending unfortunately) BUTTT if i were charlie i would be upset too, disappointed even.

Loveislove
>>165772380

Interesting - I know Nick is dealing with a lot of things - some that have happened at a rapid pace. But something in Nick's reactions and behaviours does feel amiss and out of character. IS there something bigger going on here? Unfortunately, my mind goes to darker areas so I hope not but I am a little frustrated and sad with who Nick is now - or perhaps mostly because I don't understand it.

Lare González

Please Nick, what is this way of avoiding the subject? Nick always worries about others and when they worry about him, he doesn't express what he's feeling. Without a doubt I will always identify with Nick, I know it's hard to talk to someone when you don't want them to worry about you, I understand you Nick Nelson. 😔😔😔😔

camelotcrusade

I come from a family where my dad was like this. If things weren't okay, he would WILL things to be okay through sheer determination. And to his credit, sometimes it actually worked. But when it didn't, it actually made things worse. Learning when to use that tool is important (sometimes you *do* need to flip off the negativity switch) and the answer is not "in all cases."

Brandon Ford
>>165772380

That’s exactly my thinking. We’re seeing a side of Nick we’ve never seen. I can’t buy it’s just that he’s drunk and worried about uni. Although to give Nick credit, in October of my last year of college, I suddenly realized I was graduating and had no plan for the next year and had a full on panic attack and two month downward spiral into depression… so I may actually be talking myself into maybe it is just uni pressure and the fear of losing Charlie. I just still feel Nick being this withholding is weird.

RCM

Charlie, the love that he is, took that step back to give Nick space, and now Charlie looks so optimistic and vulnerable in that first panel as he has that look of patience and warmth and softness meant just for Nick to see, so Nick could know how much Charlie wants to understand. Charlie has his hands held together and I am sure he is nervous fidgeting with his fingers, but just enough to calm himself and not let Nick notice (because he knows Nick would flip to worrying about HIM). And Nick...sweet, still suppressing Nick, doesn't step into that space, doesn't turn to look at Charlie, doesn't let himself feel the discomfort OUT LOUD that keeps churning inside him. Doing so has to feel unsafe, like Nick would not have control of himself, and what did he learn early on? Controlling himself, his emotions, and his pain is what makes other people (Stephane) happy. He literally does not know how to turn to face Charlie FOR HIMSELF. If it was about Charlie, or any one else, Nick would let those pancakes burn and turn to talk and lean in and listen and support and solve, because that is the empathetic, kind, gentle soul he is. But for himself, not yet...So he remains "frozen," a half smile on his face, flipping the effing pancakes because THAT, he can control. I love the way Alice drew the lighting and that background (we call it a backsplash) to add to the mood here. The backsplash in panel 2 behind Nick has hearts and sparkles and stars (all Nick and Charlie coded) but it also has this messy and chaotic scribble, too, making me think of all that is still hidden just below the surface of Nick's heart. Yes, there is love and relationship with Charlie, THEY are good, HE is not...and the light streaks coming from the morning sun in panel 3 as Nick hears Charlie say, "I'm worried about you," gah...Nick remains physically and emotionally immobile, but the light streaks give this implication that the whole world is flying past, moving past him, while he doesn't, he can't. He can only stand still in the middle of that big wide view of the kitchen, and do the next action required of him, and flip the pancakes, even as Charlie's worry and the outward signs of Nick's mental health struggles keep building speed. It's intense to see all that, and not have Nick be able to see it...(YET). His bullshit, eyes closed, (gotta keep reality out and if I say it, maybe Charlie will believe it, and maybe I will too), "There's nothing to worry about!" HA HA statement with the darkened panel full of those mobile light streaks show Nick continuing to minimize his issues. I really don't think he is aware of how much he is pretending to be okay to himself, or to Charlie. He doesn't have the tools to talk openly about himself...meaning HIS anxiety and HIS childhood trauma...he's always BEEN the "FINE" one, the one who handles things like a champ, the perfect boyfriend, the natural leader kind of rugby captain...how can he fully recognize that he is also the one who controls his emotions about himself to the point he is numb, is uncomfortable sharing, is unable to even think about them. I think Charlie made the right decision in stepping away for a shower (and love that he is so comfortable at Nick's that he just goes and takes a shower...he has to keep a toothbrush there by now, too, right?! Cuties!)...he needs space, and Nick needs space to reflect on what Charlie just said. Nick FREEZES every time Charlie points out his concerns, but I also see small progress with this...we saw Nick own some things, take a little step on the last page...it's like each time it takes a little longer for him to freeze, to revert to "I'm fine," and I think in moments like this when Charlie steps away (but stays close enough by being in the house), it gives Nick a chance to think and to reflect...but even though he doesn't want to DO anything to hurt Charlie intentionally (he is making pancakes, after all!)...I am worried it's going to take something drastic for Nick's walls to really crumble...when he was little, he was forced to be "strong" and "hide his feelings" so he still thinks he is protecting Charlie by being "strong," because Nick is stuck within that little kid inside himself (his coping mechanisms froze then too)...He can't see that it's not a sign of weakness to be vulnerable, to open up, to invite Charlie in to his pain. We know all Charlie wants is for Nick to feel that felt safety enough to share, to let go....and that he loves Nick so much, too, just as Nick loves him...and those light streaks keep whirring past as Nick flips pancakes and Charlie showers. So connected, but also so separated...

Dionne Lakey
>>165768404

There are no obvious signs like not eating to help Charlie research this. He needs the information from Nick directly. All he has is Nick bring sad and pretending he's fine and then drunken misbehaviour. There's nothing to go on to begin googling

Steven

‘Sigh’ of all people, Nick should know that lying isn’t healthy for a relationship.

Kristen

He’s gotta open up. It’s eating him up inside and hurting Charlie…😟

Andrew Pitonack

This isn't healthy for either of them. Com'n Nicky, talk to Charlie. 🥹

Jasollie

I know we all want Nick not to deflect but my immediate reaction is that I don’t think this is the right time… in the middle of making pancakes like 30 seconds into their conversation when they’re out in the open (presumably David somewhere…). Also it’s not egregious but I don’t think Charlie saying “it was funny for a minute and then… it wasn’t” was very helpful to Nick. I know how hard it is to find the right time and place to have a more serious discussion. I’m struggling with this at the moment myself… I don’t think Charlie is totally off base but I think Nick needs the most safe environment before he finally can open up and I just don’t think Charlie has quite gotten it right yet. But I fear Charlie is going to break and just lose it on Nick and then Nick may finally break down then and eventually it’ll happen, but with a fair amount of turmoil. Definitely they’re at a communication impasse, and I understand why it’s hard for them, most of us don’t grow up learning how to have these conversations in a really healthy way, and I think they’re going to learn some lessons the hard way, but that’s ok, they will get through it together. 🩷

Nils

Wonder when Charlie is loosing his patience and gives some tough love to Nick. There is clearly an issue here that if left untreated could become something big and scary. Charlie knows first hand what this means so I hope he will do everything to stop Nick in the track before it's too late

Melanie

Nick also ought to know that by the time someone has decided to make a statement like "I'm worried about you" that the person has been thinking about it for quite some time. How often did Nick think that about Charlie before finally saying something to him?

Holly Roberts

Ohhh Nick!!!! Come on!! Open your heart ❤️ toward to your boyfriend Charlie!!! Don’t hide yourself from him… I know it is kind hard.. See Charlie always be on your side all the time… 😔

Doménica Dolly

Didn’t you say you were gonna have that talk ‘tomorrow’? Well we are now in your tomorrow, Nicholas 🤨 Charlie might be giving up FOR Now and maybe giving him some type of space bcs he later has the anticipated match. Wonder how that will go

Lolli98

Maybe Nick doesn't need to pour his whole heart while baking pancakes. But something other than "no need to worry" and putting on his mask would have been nice! After all the concern Charlie has shown already... You see, I'm starting to lose it with Nick. Maybe that's wrong, but I wonder when Charlie will lose it, too.

Brandon Ford

Just reread Nick’s diary entry from when he was 12 and there one a tiny line where he says “I wish I had a best friend… to talk about THINGS THAT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS YOUNGER”. Oh SNAP… I think this is about to get REAL.

Hearting_NoOne

Relationships can’t be one sided conversations and care. I don’t think Nick realizes that by not letting Charlie take care of him the same way he took care of Charlie is a serious emotional blow. Otherwise it could make Charlie feel like the “broken one” in the relationship.

Carina

Nick! Talk.to.him! 😭

Oliver Midson

Yep, and denial is a river in Egypt. Poor Nick

Glenn

Where is Nick's family? It's not fair for Charlie to have to go through this alone. Both Nick and Charlie need Sarah and even David's (yes David's) support.

Frances

I think at this point I’d be sad or disappointed or upset or whatever Charlie is feeling in that moment too. If my beloved boyfriend who also claims to love me so dearly isn’t talking to me and avoiding any conversation about how he feels, I’d be getting frustrated as well. I respect that Charlie isn’t pushing Nick to talk but it’s upsetting to know that Charlie knows something is up and he can’t get through to him. 😢

Rebel Hart’s The Invisibles Podcast

This whole series of events reminds me of how gentle, loving & supportive Charlie was when Nick was both figuring out his sexuality & coming out. Charlie knew how horrible it felt to be outed. He was never going to pressure Nick to speed up his own process of self discovery for Charlie's sake. All of that happened before Charlie had been to treatment/therapy for his ED/OCD. Charlie was already very emotionally mature. Now Charlie has more tools at his disposal. Plus he has 2 years of loving & learning about Nick. I'm hoping that this space Charlie has created by going for a shower allows them the time with themselves to reset a bit so they can keep talking. They both know It's not a straightforward journey.

Calfic

So I have so many thoughts. First, I wasn't totally shocked by what happened. I have been there, actually on both sides. It must be so hard for Charlie because he knows (better than most) that he can't make someone get help. And he is doing everything "right". Making it about his worry, not guilt tripping him, trying to be really patient. He may break soonish though, and I'm not sure if that would be the worst thing. We saw the whole being patient experience working with Nick helping Charlie. I actually think this would be interesting take, for Charlie not be be totally "perfect" because he loves Nick so much and he is so frustrated.

Calfic
>>165790532

This sounds weirdly familiar! Yes. Nick probably would agree if he was talking about anyone else but himself.

Bina

really Nick? we’re putting on the fake cheerfulness and lying about being fine again? i agree with some other commenters that this exact moment of making breakfast wasn’t the right time to get into a serious conversation, but it’s painful that he’s going back to pretending that there’s no need for one at all, even after the disaster of the previous night. avoidance isn’t going to work anymore, Nicholas! Charlie is fully aware now that something’s wrong, so at this point Nick continuously pretending otherwise and shutting him out will do nothing but hurt them both. i hope this doesn’t have to get even worse before it gets better…fingers crossed that things will improve later in the day, after the rugby match maybe!

JRob
>>165777778

"His bullshit, eyes closed, (gotta keep reality out and if I say it, maybe Charlie will believe it, and maybe I will too)" --Child development 101 - If I can't see you, you can't see me...

Calfic
>>165786287

Yes. And I actually don't think Nick thinks he is broken, but. having a partner who is the caregiver, and one who is always receiving care is never healthy. I really think this is more about Nick's childhood trauma.

Elsie 3
>>165790664

Agreed. Especially since this time Charlie honestly has no idea what’s going on for Nick. When Nick was processing being bi, Charlie knew what was going on and so could be patient/check any worries or insecurities with Nick. But now he has no windows in. I get it- Nick barely has a window in himself, but it’s SO hard to be patient and support someone when you don’t know what is going on.

Angie Michaelis
>>165766522

I get soo excited every day when I see a new page, and then my heart sinks when I realize I have to wait a whole day for another. This is an emotional roller coaster! 😅

Angie Michaelis
>>165766300

I’m really wondering if the rugby match will be rock bottom after Alice liked a comment about that yesterday. Him being a disaster at the match in front of other people may unfortunately be what he needs. And like others, I think Coach Singh could be a great adult to help him. She already noticed he wasn’t okay after that practice (was that just a couple days ago in the story?!) when he missed the ball and the rugby lads teased him.

Meike

Charlie’s face in the last panel… one of these days he’s going to be like ”yeah I love you and I’m here for you but obviously you don’t REALLY want me here since you don’t open up and something is obviously wrong and how about you call me when you’ve figured out how to talk ‘cause I’m done asking“

Angie Michaelis

Charlie is so cute and hopeful in panel one and devastatingly sad in panels five and six. My heart. 🥺 At this slow page-a-day pace, every day is a roller coaster with these two! I’m hoping Nick hits rock bottom at the rugby match and starts to realize he needs help. Also, do we think he’ll stop Charlie on the next page? 🤞

Hannah Ramsey

If this is going to be a parallel of their “I love you” scene where Charlie is in the shower and Nick confesses what’s been bothering him, I will simply pass away.

Angie Michaelis
>>165794530

Yes, I do hope Coach Singh has some involvement. She’s noticed when he’s not okay recently, and she’s been a great adult in his life.

Olav Gehle

Oh Nick! Please open up to Charlie! It’s not good for your mind what you do to yourself, also you send Charlie into spiral 🌀 in his mind to figure you out.

Taylor Swift

alice oseman u r so evil after like two months of nick being a mess i was manifesting we’d get it together in the morning. nick nelson if u dont open up soon instead of making pancakes girl istg

JRob
>>165794530

Oh, giving Nick a parallel to Mr Ajay is a really great move.

June

why am i getting the feeling we are getting closer to the nick+charlie novella argument..😭 i really don't like this but looking back at season 3, when nick said "you came here all upset and i made it about me".. clearly nick doesn't like to talk about how he is feeling and probably he doesn't understand what is going on in his mind yet. but i know for sure that charlie would listen and be there for him if he just tried to let him in..🥺

T
>>165806015

you wanna go book a transatlantic flight to go slap Nick Nelson across the head bc I’m game

JoJo 🫶🏻🔐🎨

Please Nick let Charlie in he wants to support you though this hard time in your life he loves you it’s time for your journey to start this time and Charlie be there for you now 🫶🏻🫶🏻💜

T

s/o to Alice for comic Nick continuing to be big boy representation!!! big boys need and deserve love too!

Maddy

Can we go back to that hug thing? I don't like it here anymore 🧍‍♀️

Calfic
>>165806015

I mean maybe "Lookin' backwards Might be the only way to move forward"

Raeee✨
>>165766522

Lol right?! So grateful to read these pages as they’re created and also impatient by nature!

Lauren Reynolds

Is it terrible that I think they need to have a big blow up argument, I think it’ll make them stronger if they have to talk it through and I think it’s authentic to them and their ages etc I don’t see Nick opening up properly because he doesn’t want to worry Charlie (which is ironic cuz obviously he’s already worrried) Also, after their fight/break up in Nick and Charlie they are more secure in their relationship. No hate please!

Megan
>>165786276

That's such a good point! He's never opened up to anyone about what happened in his past and we're getting glimpses that what happened was clearly very traumatising for little Nick and he's never worked through that trauma. It wasn't until they went to Paris that Nick even mentioned his dad to Charlie. I think it's still such a new concept to him that someone he cares about/loves so much would actually want to hear his worries. His dad didn't want to hear it, David wasn't interested in Nick and as much as we love Sarah I could imagine little Nick seeing her upset post-divorce and just wanting to please her and not see her sad and so would act like he was fine so she wouldn't have to worry about him (almost putting on a brave face for her). Charlie was worried about annoying Nick or burdening him with his own mental health struggles and his ED and SH but Nick made sure Charlie knew he was there to love and listen to him always. In a way it's so sad he's giving Charlie what he never really had growing up but deep down probably always wanted/needed and he's gotten so used to pushing everything down he's struggling to accept this new reality where he CAN open up. What's more, I wonder if he's still carrying a lot of guilt about their last argument where Charlie ended up relapsing and he blames himself for what happened (even though it wasn't anyone's fault). This whole situation is just heart-breaking.

Jordan
>>165815591

I agree that it will take a really intense rock bottom moment to get them to make progress - it will hurt but it will be important!!

hayley

charlie's supposed to melt/break down nick's emotional walls... idk how he's supposed to do that whenever there's a suggestion that charlie should distance himself from nick/their relationship if anything that proves to nick that everyone just leaves no matter what.

Elsie 3
>>165786276

Nick!!! Just “accidentally” leave out your 12 yo journal plzzzz!!! (And then give Charlie permission to read it when he says “what’s that?” bc obvs Charlie would never read your journal without your consent…)

Calfic
>>165814331

Sure, but Nick was really patient with Charlie, and I feel like Charlie, like Nick with Charlie, needs to seek outside advice. I don't think Nick even quite knows what is wrong and he maybe comparing himself to what Charlie went through, and it doesn't seem so bad . (Also, I'm not sure even if they took a break, I am not sure that Charlie would just magically stop worrying about Nick.). Again, I think Charlie has more skills. At some point, I could see him needing to make some hard choices, but not yet. Nick isn't doing this AT Charlie. Of course, we can be sad for Charlie, but he has the resources to deal with it. Also, another fact is that Charlie is going to need to learn how to deal with their own mental health, when their loved ones are spiraling. Nick needs to get mentally healthy because he needs to be for himself. It will help him with Charlie as well, but this isn't just about them as a couple.

David C Witkin

Charlie needs to do something drastic to make Nick realize what he feels like when he dismisses his feelings like that. Nick needs a siren, a red flag and some flashing lights to let him know that something huge is at stake and could be lost if he doesn't open up, but he also needs to be reassured that he'll be safe if and when he does. It feels like it's time for Charlie to blow his stack and get Nick's attention.

Loveislove
>>165812436

Omg - thanks for the needed laugh - things are getting tense and depressed around here!

Loveislove
>>165786276

The whole divorce is such a mystery - why did it happen? What was Sarah's reaction? How did it affect her relationship with her boys? I love Sarah. But seeing how she could not handle David's bullying of Nick when David bi erased him by focusing on their swearing was just weird. I would like to move past Nick's deflections and start to get to the next level of the story.

Loveislove
>>165785256

Well - I'm losing it. I feel bad for being frustrated but it's seems a wee bit repetitive of Nick. I'd like to start making sense of what is happening and some progression.

Elena

So since I've calmed down a bit about all of what happens in this page, I want to share some thoughts. 😅 At first I thought it's Nick saying that "it was funny for a minute and then it wasn't anymore"-line and only many moments later, I watched it over again, I realized it was actually Charlie, who said that! Looks like, I was so sure about the fact that Nick will open up a bit now. 😅 Oh, how I've been wrong again. 😅 Can't believe it actually, he's still pretending he's fine. 😑 I mean, I get it. His father never let him be sad, so he unconsciously tries everything to not feel that way, like he has learned it in his childhood and he is so afraid of losing Charlie, when showing him that sad part of him. But to watch this going on for so long now, with him avoiding every bad feeling, even if he also cognitively knows now, about what had happend yesterday, and tells Charlie nothing, makes me going crazy a bit already! 😤🥲 And Charlie looks so disappointed and worried about Nick - relatable. I'm questioning myself, if Nick understands that the issue is not about Charlies eating disorder currently, due to him rejecting the pancakes, but about him not opening up. I hope he says something to Charlie, that leads him to stay in the kitchen for a bit or at least that the conversation that follows, brings him to reflect about, why Charlie could be feeling like this and what Nick himself did. I mean, of course Nick can't read Charlies thoughts and thats not what I'm expecting. It just feels like, Charlie has already tried it so often now and gives his hopes up already. I think for Charlie it feels like a lack of trust, that Nick is not opening up to him and he is also so worried about him and doesn't know, how to fix it. Charlie should of course try it again, but for now, he can't anymore, I guess. I could also imagine an argument following between them, because in Nicks mind, he does everything to show him, he loves him, with making pancakes for them and Charlie doesn't appreciate it and so him with rejecting them - or he thinks it's about Charlies eating disorder and he would react more worried than angry. Then Nick goes to the rugby match without Charlie, with his anger or sadness still in his mind and with that combination of all what had happend, the match won't go well. Maybe Nick then opens up to someone else and Nick and Charlie can make up after that, because he understands the situation better than before.

Jasollie

I know I’m being a Nick defender but I don’t think Nick’s intentionally keeping something from Charlie. I think he literally has not admitted to himself “I have been very anxious and am struggling a lot right now”. I think he has not said that to himself so it’s not surprising he’s not ready to say it to Charlie. I think he’s been trying to avoid reflecting on his true feelings and escaping his pain. I know this is such a delicate thing (and yes it shouldn’t be just Charlie having to do this for him) but I think Charlie keeps putting Nick on the spot in a way that I can understand is challenging. I wish charlie would say, “I know you’re going through something. I know you. You don’t need to tell me right now but we promised each other we’d tell each other what’s going on with each other. So it’s important to me that you start to face what’s going on with you and start talking to me about it. You don’t even have to understand what’s going on or be able to explain it perfectly but I want you to just start somewhere. I just want to listen to you and I will be there for you no matter what. Will you please do some reflection so that we can talk tomorrow night when I come over? We can lie in bed and I’ll listen and I just want you to at least try and explain a little bit what’s going on with you and not just tell me nothing is going on. I know this is hard and I love you so much. “

Jason Roselli

Nicks back at it again with the fake smilie. Silly golden retriever Charlie can see through it!

hayley
>>165817268

like generally i need to know how this gets nick to open up and trust charlie....

Murgy

Nick, Charlie isn't going to judge you for having feelings, you can talk to him. Nay, I think you need to talk with him, or someone else soon. Or are you planning to be the one starting an important talk while the other is in the shower? Charlie, he will open up at some point, patients is the way forward because you know how it feels to be pushed about something you're not ready for. Yes its hard, but hopefully it will be soon.

Elena
>>165777778

It's unbelievable how you put one page into words. 🥹 If one couldn't see (the pages) anymore, you could just listen to it, when someone's reading your text out loud and they would exactly know what's happening right there and now.

RyGy

Aliceeeeee. You’re killing us with this build up!!!

RyGy
>>165840891

I disagree. Nick has been hiding how he’s feeling for quite some time.

Kristyn

My comfort comic/tv show isn’t feeling very comfy. I hope Nick opens up to Charlie soon. Charlie trying his best as a 16 year-old.

hayley

moving on from my earlier statement; charlie being in the same position as nick was- it took many attempts for nick to get through to him, now its gonna be the same here. although nick messing up at the game might push him into a breakdown of how much he feels like a failure lately at everything, useless you name it. similar to how charlie's was..

Allegra2346

Oh I’m worried about this rugby match, if Nick is pushing through and brushing everything off in his relationship, I can’t imagine what he’s like on the pitch 😫