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I know the angst is a bit unbearable right now, I’m sorry guys! Obviously in its finished form, the story is not intended to be read this slowly. It’s a bit unbearable for me too! I hope that once you can read this bit of the story all the way through, it’ll feel worth it. There are soooooo so many happy times and beautiful moments ahead, and I’m excited to reach them, but I hope that they’ll be all the more enjoyable and rewarding because we’ve seen N&C go through this difficult phase and grow as a couple and as individuals. I’m usually pretty reluctant to give spoilers, because I want you to experience the story as it appears without too many expectations, but I also recognise that the intensity of this storyline is encouraging people to create their own expectations anyway, so I do want to let you know that this scene is the most intense/angsty part of the story - it’s all uphill after this scene (with a few more sad moments of course - this rugby match is about to be rough lol - but this is the worst bit!).

I hope that in this scene you can see where both Nick and Charlie are coming from - neither of them are really 'in the wrong', they’re just trying their best given where they’re at as humans.

Also - I actually don’t have time to draw today or tomorrow but I drew 3 pages yesterday so you don’t have to wait haha! Tomorrow's page will be posted at 9am GMT.

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Comments

Amelia

crying they just need to talk

Beth L-A

A heart to heart is needed! Come on boys! 🙌🏼🥹❤️

DLDyus-Bonsell

CHARLIE HOLDING HIS ARM 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

tjsw

lovely as always alice 🙌

Daya

🥺♥️

HannahRoose-Cafferty

I think I need to make pancakes for lunch what's the go too topping for people

Realiti

I’m actually crying now 😭

aaron slater

nick deflecting and not talking to anyone about how he feels but pressing charlie on how he feels is making me INSANE why is nick like this !!!!

sieunee

Thank you for you hard work ! Can’t wait to have the happy moments between them !! 🥹

Susa Nodewald

Thank you, Alice, for the heads up!

Merel

"Come and talk to me" that's rich coming from you right now, Nick 😅

lia

okay so. this hurts

EllieRLM

Not Nick saying to Charlie he can to talk to him... HONEY SO CAN YOU ! ❤️

Laura

I hope Charlie is honest in the next slide and tells Nick that he is concerned about Nick. That he has the feeling that Nick tries to be the best boyfriend. And explains to Nick that Nick doesn’t have to try. That he doesn’t have to burry his own feelings and needs. That he can talk to Charlie. Charlie needs to say it. And Nick needs to hear it.

Merel

Nick immediately jumps into protective boyfriend mode, which is kind of what we're trying to prevent here. Charlie clearly isn't doing great either, but Nick gladly finds an easy out to avoid having to talk about his own feelings.

K

Thank you Alice 🙏 The little "spoiler" is appreciated right now ❤️

Barb

Dear Alice, your lovely words of encouragement🫶🏻... also cannot wait how their talk will go, my lovely lovely boys have still a lot to learn but at least they learn together💙💙

Kay

Nick, bro, if you can't open up to Charlie, how can he open up to you? 😭

Siska

Oh Nick, you need to talk about you as well 😔 Thanks for the heads-up Alice 💜

Xalek

Nick prefers being a "helper" rather than a "helped". That adorable fool cannot take his own advice.

Destiny Phelps

Someone needs to lock these two in a closet (no pun intended) so they can talk their crap out 😭😭😭

Brittney

Okay thank you Alice for all of that. That's the thing like I picked up a lot from all five volumes plus, this winter and to see now like damn.. there's going to be a lot of these moments happening but for sure in the moment it hurts but understanding both of them it's truly so much but it's understandable when you pick it up piece by piece over and over again. And Ooh the hand placement I'm going to cry in the corner now

April

Alice you rock! Thank you for this 🫶

Sandrine

Alice thank you so much for taking the time to read the comments and come up with some soothing words. I think we are very lucky that you brought these characters to life and even luckier that you seem to grasp how much they mean to us. Thank you, really

Tina

oh very rich coming from you nicholas

Katie H

Thank you so much for explaining this all to us, I'm really looking forward to the happy moments ahead❤️ As you say, they're only human and are teenagers so they are learning so much about themselves and each other and what works best for them. Also, thank you for highlighting that Charlie still can have difficult times with his eating disorder and that he's not just magically cured and can sometimes find eating hard 🥹

ashley ✨

boys talk to eachother PLEASE

Robby C

Thanks Alice for the story update. Love being on this storyline journey 💛

lexi

diva i cannot do this tension (i absolutely can and i am eating it up)

Krystyn

I know it will fit perfectly. What I love about Heartstopper and about your work in general is that it feels real, not too dark or too pink. Life is with ups and downs. And I really enjoy seeing Nick and Charlie growing up. They are not perfect , they are just humans and that’s what makes the story so relatable. Thank you Alice 💜 Last thing, I enjoy both experiences, reading one page at a time with so many cliffhangers and reading the updates then the whole volume. Each experience is special but always great.

Roks

I love Nick but our boy is being such a hypocrite 😂

Dippity_Dip

Maybe I just need to go to therapy but I’m so, so excited for this intense arc that’s been building and will culminate in the next couple of pages :) I love when nick and Charlie are happy ofc, but I’m really looking forward to seeing them just hash it out bc they both deserve these moments of not just being a couple but remembering they’re two separate people inside a relationship. Just rly rly good character building and story beats, esp recently, I’ve rly been loving it :)))

Tracy Donlevy

I think once Charlie starts to talk Nick will open up to how he is feeling 🤞🏻😍

Zoe S.

Alice 😍 So grateful for your notes. And of course, your beautiful work. Yes, it's angsty, but it's real, and us all being on edge just shows what a fantastic writer you are to make us all feel such big feelings about these characters. They feel so real to us and we love them soo much! Thank you 🤗

Lisa

Nick, how about you take your own advice and open up to Charlie and talk to him about what you’re feeling? Don’t keep expecting Charlie to be vulnerable when you can’t do the same.

Tayla Needham

nick. bestie. c’mon now. also charlie holding his arm MY BOY ITS GOING TO BE OKAY 😭😭

Zoe S.

Also, does this mean we're not getting the fight from the novella at all?! Is this replacing it?! Interesting... 👀

Isabelle

Thank you for the reassurance, Alice 🩷

Merel

I love the caption, thank you for assuaging our fears haha. I definitely agree that the happy parts of the story will be more rewarding because we've seen Nick and Charlie go through hard times and grow as a couple. Heartstopper is an optimistic story but it doesn't have to be sunshine and rainbows all the time (that would be kind of boring, actually) so I really appreciate this storyline and the character development we're seeing. Yes it's a lot of angst right now, but we know it will end up alright. In the meantime, I'm so here for this complex and very human journey.

Noemiette

Idk about everyone else, but I'm loving the angst (and not just because I'm a little angst goblin). It's so interesting to dive into those tough situations to develop the characters and have them grow once they get through it. I find it the most satisfying way to see growth. And I am absolutely loving seeing them being more messy, less good at communicating. It makes them even more human and relatable. And while yes it is quite angsty right now, we know it will end well. So it's not all doom and gloom. Just taking the popcorn out and enjoying the bumpy ride to see what comes out of it. Talking about bumpy ride, that last line "hey talk to me" is not gonna go well with Charlie 😬

aubrey

i feel like a big reason why nick isn’t telling charlie is one of two things. the first being, he’s worried that if he’s not doing well mentally, it’ll set charlie back and he doesn’t want that to happen so his fear and worry is making him shut charlie out, completely ignoring the fact that that is what’s making charlie stress because he can tell something is wrong. or two, nick isn’t even entirely sure what’s going on with him. even us as readers aren’t sure what’s exactly up with nick. we know he’s worrying about being away from charlie, he keeps thinking about his childhood and how certain events have effected him today and that he’s closing himself off and indulging in things he didn’t before all while trying to maintain a “perfect boyfriend” persona. we know nick and charlie, we know they’re gonna get past this and talk it out no matter what it is

Fiona

Thank you for this reminder Alice, and the little signalling of what’s to come. It’s so important for Nick to learn that if he continues to be such a people pleaser, and hide his own worries he’ll deny himself the opportunity to truly connect with Charlie and grow as a couple.

Brandy78

Really, Nick. Really?!?

Chris

I really hope this is the wake up call for Nick but I don’t want him to feel guilty cause it’s not his fault and Charlie can’t help to be like that either so it’s complicated 😔

Shirley Hatton

Loving the cliffhanger of every page! Makes me so excited for the next page! Thank you Alice! 🥰 But Nick, it goes both ways love 😂

Charlie

Uh oh there it comes. Thank you Alice for the warning. And the light at the end of the tunnel

Christie

Nick! You need to talk to Charlie also 😣

HJ

I feel Charlie is about to call Nick out on his hypocrisy after that last comment. Angst incoming !

Ai Bui

OOF not the mirroring of the fake closed-eye smile

OSM

Please Charlie do what Nick is finding it hard to do and say what you are feeling and why. You promised each other you’d say when things are difficult

Melanie

Nick has to realize that right now HE is the one contributing to Charlie's worry! He's not trying to hurt Charlie - the opposite actually but nevertheless here we are. Hoping Charlie can be direct and that Nick will not deflect any further. Alice, you're the best 💞

Irem7

Did you talk about your problems Nicholas???!!! Omg communication problems make me mad

Synz

oh man 😭😭 nick come on 🤦🏻‍♀️

a

oh ☹️☹️ - also alice, is the n&c novella going to be incorporated into volume six??

Loveislove

Ahh Alice ❤️. Just woke up to this early posting. I know some of us, including myself, have been such stressed out and demoralized readers. It comes from such a place of love as Nick and Charlie are so firmly in our hearts. You have created something so real we carry it with us and it lives with us to combat some of the ugliness of the world. The story is your own and is brilliant and simply knocks us for a loop when our place of comfort is struggling. Thank you for reaching out to us with such empathy and caring as you always do. It really means the world and I wish you all good things 🥰

Elena

When it's worse than the green dragon, that has to mean something! 🤯 Thank you so much, Alice, for preparing us for this part of the story! I really appreciate it! 😊

Vantacy_1912

Thanks Alice for this really long notice. I kinda have the feeling that I just want to get this through without making any comment, ‘cause obviously, things are not in control. I really don’t know how long they (mostly Nick) will try to pull himself back and not talk about anything. This is tough, and so is life. So I guess we will just have to make it through with them and also hoping for the best, as always :)

Maddy

Alice, you really went above and beyond with clarifying for us. It's so appreciated especially since I looked at the page and immediately got heart palpitations 😭.

ucfnurse

Growing as a couple….☺️👀👍🫂🫶🏻💞🌱☀️🌻🌸🌿🍃🏉✌️🕊️☮️

Maddy

Im sorry Nick but "come and talk to me" made me upset with you. I didn't even think it was physically possible for me to be upset with Nick Nelson.

Michelle wright

Thank you for the clarity alice 😊 I just want the boys to talk to eachother

Sarah Jacobs

Ugh I can feel the snap back coming from Charlie 😭 completely justified of course. And thank you Alice for your words/clarification. This has been a hard few updates but I always have faith in your writing ❤️🍂

Maddy

DEEEEEEEEP BREATHS GUYS.

Gracie

“Talk to me” Nick YOU need to talk to Charlie about YOU

Maddy

Charlie is like a soda bottle that Nick shook too much... He's about to POP.

Nikki

Pot, kettle Nicholas…. Pot, kettle…. Thank you for the reassuring comment Alice! It’s genuinely made me breathe a little, haha.

Maddy

I'm gunna say the word...... hypocrite.

Nyssa Rawther 🍉

Omg the anxiety on both of them 🥺🥺😰😰😰

Maddy

Nick. I'm upset with you but that doesn't mean I don't love you... for your sake, please take a step back before Charlie claws your eyes out. 😭🙏

Merel

I can't see it happening tbh, looking at where the story is headed now. The novella fight is still six months away, I don't think it would make a lot of sense for them to have another huge fight after this one. What we're seeing now already feels like an extended version of the novella plotlines, with Nick and Charlie's anxieties and miscommunication, as well as Tao and Elle having issues.

Allegra2346

God I was expecting this sort of thing maybe in a week or 2 but NOT TODAY ALICE OH GOD 🥺

Lisa K.

I think to remember that Alice said that she has a hard time incorporating the N&C novella, as this Nick and Charlie are not the same as the ones in the novella. So I think she said she won’t incorporate it.

emily

nick cannot be serious 😭😭😭😭

Katha

Thank you for the caption, Alice! And just let me say, as much as I feel for the boys (and kind of suffer with them) I really, really like how you tell their story! And to be honest, I still find the way how Nick and Charlie react to recent events and to each other very real. Very relatable. ❤️❤️❤️

Chloe ♡

oh nick 💔 the door needs to open both ways

Paul D

Really appreciate the update Alice.

alex graham

Ok but like angst makes shit real and interesting, I genuinely don’t understand why everyone wants unicorns and rainbows all the time, you know they aren’t real people right no one is actually getting hurt. We know they end up together so why does it matter if they argue or have tense moments, genuinely a lot of you need to get a grip you are so boring

Paul D

I don’t think he is. I think it’s just that dropping into “caring Nick mode” is easier than talking about how he is feeling.

Jmejimz

I know a lot of people get stressed about the angst but at this point I need to see them have it out lol. But that’s just me 😆 🤷🏻‍♀️

Megan Chen

Charlie holding his arm in the place he self-harms 🥲 Just like the show! I’m hoping they work through this moment together ❣️

Megan Chen

NICK YOU CANNOT BE TALKING

HLMac88

Thank you so much for explaining that. It really helps ease some tension 😂

Loveislove

So much going on in this page. Captain Flippy finally looks up to see Charlie mirroring his closed eyes insincere smile while *gulp* clutching his arm. No one cares about the fucking pancakes Nicholas 🥞! I get that Nick fixates on the easy thing in the room - Charlie's ED. But how about those underlying causes and the amount of times Charlie has expressed he is worried about you?? Nick loves Charlie and has opened the door to talking. I love the last panel with them both touching hands on a tender spot. Charlie needs to stop saying "I don't know" and be specific with Nick about his worries about him. Sounds like Nick won't accept it yet but let's get it out there!

Ann-Marie Still

Oh shit.....here it comes. Nick holding back is not good for Charlie's mental health. They need to get their shit together and talk

4ledl4st

ok i’m STRESSED

laura

well, idk about the others but BRING ME THE ANGST!!!!! i absolutely love some angst before we reach to a happy ending. so please alice, don’t hold back! i know we make a whole lot of drama in the comments but we’re loving it, trust. 🙂‍↕️

Loveislove

If this interaction goes badly between Nick and Charlie - I do hope at least Charlie is honest and specific with Nick about what he has been seeing and how it makes him feel. It appears Nick is so stuck, he is going to need that even if it upsetting.

Sulagna Maitra

Kindness thy name is Alice 🩷 💌 You think of us and you believe in our love for Nick and Charlie and indeed all your characters. "Boiling water hardens an egg 🥚 but softens a potato 🥔". We all respond to stress differently. Charlie and Nick are in a relationship but they are also very different individuals who are growing 💗 as humans. They will respond to stress & uncertainty differently. That doesn't make them right or wrong. Just makes them different 🤷‍♀️ As long as they keep communicating, they will be fine. ...and that is what I am most interested to see- how that happens, what breaks the dam of silence. ❤️

Justin S.

Methinks Nick’s about to get some kind of retort that may escalate and then hopefully lead to conversation, will anyone be eating those pancakes? Maybe Nellie.

Loveislove

It sounds like the rugby game will be a shitshow but an opportunity to bring in Coach Singh's support. I always thought that Nick should be using this year to be training hard to qualify for the uni team. Perhaps this will be the next step and he may follow Michael's lead and start coaching kids.

Merel

Yeah I'm always dramatic but I actually really love angst icl 🤭

laura

YES!!!!! it makes everything so real and exciting. i genuinely LOVE the pain and rollercoaster of emotions it brings… but maybe im biased cuz my fav book is the song of achilles 😂

Jessica Richards

Alice, thank you. For the context, and for this whole storyline. I think it's amazing that we all care about these boys so much! I know for me, this arc of Nick's mental health hits close to home, in more than one way. I know what it's like to struggle silently (and unaware), and I know what it's like to live with someone who is unaware of how their unaddressed anxiety impacts people around them. I'm so eager for Nick to become self aware about this! But no matter what we speculate, and hope and feel, we trust where you're going with this story. You've proven that we can know the final outcome of a story and still be invested every step of the way. You've given us such a gift with these stories & these characters 💛💛💛

Thomas Bird

Can’t decide what’s more beautiful the artwork or you own analysis and communication in the text to us!

Jo S

Nick is displaying learnt behaviour! This is his life as he knows it .. I feel he is also worried that anything he shares with Charlie will result in Charlie having more anxiety/ed issues. I think Nick compares his issues with Charlie/others in the group and just doesn’t see them as important or valid. He needs help to see that his issues are real and he needs support. Thank you Alice for the caption and explanation. Thank you also for drawing extra pages so we don’t miss out . You are very kind to us readers! 💯☺️❤️

Martina Magnusson

Gah, why does he expect Charlie to talk to him when he refuses to himself?! Annoying. For the first time im mad at Nick.

Jmejimz

You appear to be a swiftie (so am I) and that probably says a lot about us too. Give me ALL the feels

CinD

Alice you are too good to us sometimes. I hope you don’t take all of our being dramatic about the scenes personally. Personally, I’m all for seeing Nick and Charlie as “humans” making mistakes and learning. For example in real life I would not throw a pancake at someone’s head (cough Nick cough) that was just me being dramatic 🤣

Adrian

Alice, I am here for the rollercoaster. No couple is perfect including N&C especially at their age. It’s good to observe them have and navigate conflict as a duo because I think it’s such a big element of relationship whether romantically or platonically.

Harry

Alice you are AMAZING but please do not hurt your wrist anymore! Thank you for these pages and for giving and feeding us!

J

I'm nervous but also living for this, I get that them not communicating effectively is terrible but when they both are so familiar to doing it.. it's understandable. I'm glad we are gonna get to the worst of it soon tho this is a lot of angst even for the amount I normally consume

Tyne Swedish

But you won’t talk to him Nicolas. These pages have been so hard to read.

laura

oh yes ABSOLUTELY!!!! bring me more content to edit them with angst taylor songs 🤩

Brynn Rabinowitz

I feel invested in their lives due to your impressive storytelling which is why it is difficult to see them like this. Thank you for sharing in the caption. It helps.

Brent Henderson

I love your care and concern for us. I think that says a lot about who you are as a person. Thanks for being you.

soph

ehhhhh nick you can’t say that then not talk to him ?!!!

Nils

Good to see you taking care of your boyfriend Nick, but you have a very weak standing when you tell Charlie he should talk with you... @Alice yeah it's painful, but very well worth it. Thank you for your amazing work

Lolli98

Puh, this is really intense! Now both of their struggling worlds collide...and I think it's going to be nasty. But after your explanation I feel a little calmer about it. So, thank you again, Alice! 🙂

arlo🦕

oohh nick hear what you’re saying 😬

James

‘Char, come on, come and talk to me’ … Nick meet pot and kettle

Molly

You are doing so amazing with this arc of the story! It's painful, yes, but so realistic and so well done! I think it's really important to see Nick and Charlie struggle through something and come out the other side stronger and healthier, so thank you for including this in V6.

Liz

The 180 for Nick to want Charlie to talk to him was unexpected.. although thinking back it should have been expected. Thank you for your comments though, Alice. The angst hurts but it’s also so good and I know our boys are going to come out better from it.

Meike

Wow, what will Nick say when he realizes that he is the one causing Charlie stress…

NellieSayzBork

Phew, thanks Alice for the reassurance ❤️ I can't stand sad boys! 💛💙

ACxo

Yes the fact they are humans and not perfect is a fact! There will be angst and imperfect moments in life and I love that Heartstopper shows that

tofuPudding

I studied psych but...I am no psychiatrist.....not to diagnose but Nick is kinda exhibiting symptoms of White Knight syndrome...like it is more tangible this scene...ohh dear....the storm is here.

melly2oo

You don’t owe us an explanation Alice (though it’s appreciated)! I trust that the story will play out

Lolli98

Nick must be REALLY unaware of his own problems. Like not hiding his problems and emotions, but actually thinking he IS ok? Just because he doesn't suffer from an obvious mental disease like an eating disorder? Otherwise I don't know how he can completely shut Charlie out 2 seconds ago and now automatically ask him to talk to him.

Kiki

Thank you so much for sharing your process in the caption! 💗🙏🏼 Yes, it has been agonizing to see this story unfold at this pace. And I agree with @Brynn Rabinowitz that your heartfelt storytelling has made me so invested in their lives. That and something about the power of representation of healthy, loving, queer teen relationships for those of us who didn’t have this when we were growing up. Thank you Alice! Hope your arm keeps feeling better. ❤️‍🩹🌈💜

Lolli98

Even though this storyline is a lot at the moment I am so grateful to Alice for never shying away from difficult topics! The boys fighting difficulties in their lives, somehow helps me to handle with my own. In the end we will be so proud of them (and us)!

Beam Bugge

"come on, talk to me" uhhh that extremely rich coming from you nick 🤨 thank you for the assurance alice! i did have faith in you that the angst would eventually be resolved, but it's still nice to know what your plans are haha hope you're doing okay and that you're not too stressed!

Arah!☆

I just want them to talkkkkkkk

Marie Antoinette

The fact that Charlie is nervously grabbing his arm is a dead giveaway that his eating disorder needs to be addressed. Hopefully they both open up to each other soon.

JRob

THAT THIRD PANEL!! Although, while I like getting pages early. Having the Patreon symbol on my screen when my alarm goes off is a hell of a way to make sure I'm awake.

Sarah Parker-Shemilt

+1 if everything was perfect and fluffy all the time it would make the story pretty boring. When humans are messy that’s when we find out more about characters and they grow and the beautiful parts are all the more emotionally satisfying.

JRob

A bit of dark maple syrup. Some berries if I have them

Lolli98

Isn't Charlie seeing Geoff anymore? Obviously the one time we know of wasn't the only time Charlie "forgot" his lunch.

Lolli98

The third panel is like "supportive boyfriend mode activated"🤖 It automatically kicks in; no matter what else is happening between or around them.

Jasollie

I felt so so sad reading this page and didn’t see the note at first. Thank you, Alice, for putting this page in perspective- makes it a lot more bearable. 🩷

toneelspeler

The strongest part of Heartstopper will always be the fact that its a character driven story through and through! Always love seeing your insights into how people tick bc of their own backgrounds and their personalities, and how you put them to the page is sometimes so eye opening. Can't wait to see where these pages are going!

Juliana Barhorst

This is very reassuring! ❤️ I think it’s necessary for them to be struggling a bit because some intense things have happened to both of them. But what I love most is how hopeful they are that even though they’ve gone through all this hard stuff they will come out stronger and simply okay from it. Also poor Nick prob has ptsd and it can be stressful for both. Always good to know happy times are ahead for them though

Astrid H.

Charlie touching his scars whenever anxious about food… but I guess this anxiety / no appetite is coming from Nick not talking to him? This a vicious circle…

Lolli98

Oh and I hate to see Charlie imitating Nick's fake mask with the closed eyes in the second panel! But in the forth panel he seems a bit more open? But then he's holding his arm.😭

Margot Masclans

I genuinely love this section so much, when there is conflict it is 90% tiny moments of rising action, I just continue to appreciate how human and realistic this story is, each character is a person how they talk, interact it’s so good

Audrina

You're the best Alice ❤️ thanks for letting us know! We love Heartstopper and I agree that the "hard" bits are what makes the "happy" parts even more enjoyable! And besides it's just realistic, we all face tough times!

Megan

Oh if I was Charlie I would not be amused. Like oh NOW you want to talk?

Jasmine

I don’t mind a little angst honestly! And ik we’re saying uphill from here (which loooove!) but what about the N&C novella?? Don’t we dip into a little angst again there haha

JRob

💯 The reality is that life isn't all rainbows and puppy dogs, (even if your bf IS a golden retriever). The best stories show that.

JRob

I think when Nick realizes this is ACTUALLY affecting Charlie, the cracks are going to start splintering.

Jessica Richards

Yes, I think he truly is unaware. Or at least like, 95% unaware. The other 5% is when he wakes up from a nightmare where Charlie d*es. His feelings have been so dismissed and minimized (by people like his dad and brother) for so long that he doesn't even know what he's feeling or why (at least, that's how I read it).

Samaria!

i love the angst ngl

JRob

I kind of hope Charlie's response is a little snippy.

JRob

As sad as the idea is, I kind of want them to have a rip-roaring argument.

Merel

I don't think the novella will be covered in the comics tbh! The reasons N&C are having issues here are pretty similar to the novella (if more fleshed out) so I feel like this plotline is an extended version of the novella events. I can't see N&C having another fight due to miscommunication in six months if we were to follow the novella timeline.

Elity

Okay so Charlie can talk to you, Nick, but not the other way around? Come on, boys!

JRob

Oh, Ms Nellie is going to thank all is well in the world once she eats those deflection pancakes.

Madeline Hutchinson

Nick (back in Charlie’s room) said he didn’t know how he felt and let the conversation move on with some reassurance. Charlie is saying he doesn’t know how he feels and Nick isn’t letting it go. I know it’s not intentional from either of them, but it is a double standard to ask your partner to be honest if you can’t do the same. I’m not blaming Nick at all here. He’s likely worried about Charlie making a sharp decline like he did last year. Back in Halloween, we see how scared he is of Charlie becoming so low again. But Charlie is also right to be concerned about how much Nick is masking for his sake. I know things will get better, so right now I am hooked on the drama of this conversation

JRob

But if said pancake we're to slip while flipping it... 😆

Loveislove

Also - what's with the text size in the last panel? Is Nick beginning to yell at Charlie? I guess he is panicking. But watch out - you are on thin ice - Charlie has every reason to yell back.

Molly Goat

Or Nick, maybe, HE'S WORRIED ABOUT YOU

Ali Michelle

Uh oh!! Also, 3 pages yesterday!? 🤯 Thanks, Alice!

Andrew Pitonack

hmm Nick wants Charlie to talk but Nick won't, bit unfair. lol. Our boys will work this out 😊

btripi

mmmm the way when charlie is trying to get nick to open up, nick has his back turned but as soon as nick gets concerned about charlie, nick turns to face him and charlie starts turning away, being both emotionally and physically closed off from each other

Merel

Hmm I think it's just to fill the space and because that panel is zoomed in, but I can imagine some yelling from both of them on the next page 😬

Mara

It’s almost like roles were reversed just a few seconds ago… a little hypocritical Nick :// I hope they talk soon I need to see them genuinely smile asap

Brandon Ford

Cognitive dissonance is real.

JRob

Yes, I think it's for spacing, but maybe there a bit of emphasis to show that he's gone into Knight in Shining Armor mode.

.

thank you for the caption alice 🩷

Calfic

Yes! At this point Charlie has done everything “right “! Even if it is upsetting in the moment, it may wake up Nick and help him realize he needs to deal with his own issues! Even if Nick gets agitated in the moment.

JoJo 🫶🏻🔐🎨

Aww poor nick and Charlie they need to sit down and talk to each other about their problems and how they feel poor Charlie he’s really worried about you Nick hopefully you both will come out stronger after this 🫶🏻

Gina Alongi

Alice, I appreciate you. ❤️

Gregory Toner

Oh god …. Charlie is rubbing his arm 🥺

Jasollie

I don’t expect it to keep happening but, Alice, you telling us what time you’re posting is also an amazing gift, thank you! 🥰

Katrina

The caption lifts a huge weight thank you Alice! I’m so nervous and excited to see this play out

brie

I feel like i KNOW im a nick irl and never speak to anyone about anything but also if I was charlie in this moment this would be my last straw bc what do u mean talk to u when you literally refused to talk to me 5 mins ago lmao

boicer11

Was literally going to say something similar about Nick's "talk to me" definitely feel like next page might be an outburst of similar sentiment from Charlie

Theaterboi27

Oh, here goes my stomach again. Alice, your summary is much appreciated. You are right. As we read a page at a time it seems these dark earie moments loom forever. But it all does roll more quickly when we go back and reread. Today's page is alarming to say the least. It stands to reason that Char could relapse when he feels his world is not stable. Especially now when he really has no idea what is going on with Nick and their relationship. Knowing there are happy times coming is some relief, but for now I feel like we need to buckle up yet again.

Kristen

The good thing is…we know that they will be okay. They are end game and love each other so much. Getting the story a page at a time is so exciting…but in these angsty moments it can be hard…but since we know they will be okay in the end, it makes it easier! We trust you! ❤️ we know that no one loves these boys more than you!

Charlotte L

Please don't feel the need to shy away from the angst because of some comments here! We all know they'll be ok in the end!!

Kristyn

Thank you Alice. I love this story and these characters so much. It’s stressful to see them hurting 1 page at a time. Thank you for the reminder that everything will be okay (soon) and that we need the angsty moments to fully appreciate the happy moments. Thank you so much for creating this lovely content for us!

Flor D. la Peña🍂

Thank you for letting us know everything about this situation Alice, in my personal opinion I know they’re always gonna be okay at the end, they’re Nick & Charlie

Elena

Okay, so first of all, I need to say again, I like that storyline. Arguments in relationships are normal and are a part of it. And since we know, they will be endgame, it's also a lot easier to deal with all of that. 😅 It's just really hard for my sensible self to read it in slow-mo, what made me not feeling comfy as it used to be 🙃, but since we know now, what we will have to face, it's soo much easier for me to read the pages. 😊 I feel prepared for it and I like that! 😄 (Thank you for that, Alice!! And also thank you for sharing how you feel about drawing them in this phase - we get to know, that you also have to get through it!) I'm also way to excited for the next page, that I would't want read it any other way anymore and I would also miss this great community! And when all of this sad and intense storyline is over, it will feel like an even bigger relief for us. 😊 You can not have the good, without the bad!

Katherine Gales-Loyd

For me, I know the novella comes after this and what they go thru with that. Also knowing their future helps. But at the end of the day, it’s like what others have said - this is Nick and Charlie

RCM

These boys...these wonderful, in love, sometimes brilliant, sometimes stupid, but always precious boys...and their big fat elephant in the room, yikes. (And Alice, thank you for taking the time to share your note today...one of the (clearly many) things I love and respect about Heartstopper is that it gives us readers a chance to walk through some serious shit with our beloved, imperfect, trying their best to make sense of this messy world characters, and to do so in this sphere of safety and HOPE. It hurts and it heals each of us, no matter where we are in life, because it's written in a 'timeless' and relatable way. It does feel intense right now, and it IS intense, but there is hope still present, there are still page to be turned. We appreciate your thoughtfulness and care for your characters and for your readers, too.) Nick: wait, you are leaving the room? But I MADE this pancakes for you...aka can't you see that I am showing you how much I love you through this action? Can you accept me again? Charlie: cutest little blushing smile, but closing his little eyes as he makes up an excuse to get out of the room because it doesn't feel like the right time to say what he really is thinking, " I am freaking worried about you Nick, and I can't seem to break in, and I need just a minute alone to regroup and think about next steps," so instead he says, " I don't think I can do pancakes" (aka pretend everything is okay while we eat together and talk about anything else besides what happened, what has been happening with you, I love you, and I am getting really scared...). We know one of Charlie's past coping mechanisms that he has worked really hard to overcome was SH, and we also know that when he gets anxious/nervous he tends to touch/ rub that area for comfort...so he reverts to touching/rubbing that area now in this awkward moment in the kitchen. Nick: sees Charlie rub his arm there, immediately goes to an OMG darkened background with wide eyes and OH SHIT, something (whatever could it be, Nicholas!) has upset Charlie and now he doesn't want to eat, which means he could relapse, so it's time to go into caregiver, protective mode ( totally forgetting the fact that CHARLIE has and uses his newer, healthier coping skills...), and he puts the heavy aura in the room all on Charlie, " Are you...is it... (is it what Nick? Happening again?), is that why you keep forgetting to bring your lunch (like twice)...are you not feeling good?" Charlie: "I don't know." Instead of saying: well actually, I am not good, I feel like shit, Nick...my boyfriend was so not himself last night and has been a bit all over the place for awhile, and he won't talk to me, and I am so scared, I love him SO much, and I don't know what to do right now, I don't know what to say to YOU, Nick, I don't know.... I feel your concerned hand on my lower back, imploring ME to talk to you when all I want, and WE need, is for YOU to talk to me... Nick: "Char, hey (it's me..), come talk to me--" as he puts his hand over Charlie's, over Charlie's own comfort spot, as if Charlie needs to be held up, protected, stopped. It feels a bit condescending, honestly, but I know Nick doesn't mean it in that way at all...it literally is all he knows to do. Help, even if help isn't required...my heart breaks for him here... Someone needs to call out the elephant in the room...(hint, it's you, Nick...). This moment is showing how much Nick cannot see HIMSELF, how out of tune he is with HIS own emotions about his mental health. He is both emotionally intelligent for other people, and emotionally blind to himself. The years of burying, the years of reading other people's faces and becoming what THEY need, without any regard to what HE needs, has really stunted Nick. It's shocking, but it makes sense, too. And it makes me hurt for Nick, really, profoundly, ache for his little heart...the one that years ago learned the best way to survive was to lock it all up. If he isn't pleasing others, then who is he? If he isn't a helper, then who is he? If he isn't the best boyfriend ever who makes the best guilt pancakes ever, then WHO IS HE? And that is the scariest question of all because Nick doesn't know how to answer...who are you, Nick Nelson? Sending as many virtual hugs to our boys, each of you, and Alice as I can today...and reminding all of us it can feel simultaneously shitty and hopeful ( as growth and change always does), and I feel both for Nick and Charlie right now

Melissa

I love this story so much.l! Thank you Alice for calming our nerves, even though it’s hard sometimes this is the real storytelling that I live for. Nick and Charlie have been a mirror for me and have helped me processes so many things about myself and my relationships. ❤️

Evergreen

I'm really excited about this! I have guesses about what's about to happen next, as Nick commands (with the best, anxious little intentions, but still commands) Charlie to talk to him and physically interrupts his hand-on-arm coping ritual, which we've seen cause Charlie to snap before (in the show). After not talking to Charlie for so long himself, in spite of so much gentle prodding, I think/hope Nick may be about to get an earful here. Not because I think Nick "deserves" it, but because sometimes it takes conflict to get simmering feelings out into the open. Both of them have been dancing around this stuff for so long out of fear that their relationship can't handle it. If this is a moment of anger or argument, this will be the moment when they begin to see (either immediately or eventually) that their relationship can survive conflict and periods of not being on the same page in life. I'm here for the coming angsty pages, and for the freedom and joy that will follow from that! Thank you for bringing us to this point, Alice!

Tiffany L

Alice addressed this somewhere recently. That they wrote N&C before the comics when the characters weren’t as fleshed out as they are now. They said they now consider N&C to be somewhat of an AU (I hope I’m not misquoting Alice here). So I took it to mean that we may not be revisiting those events in volume 6.

T

Mentally canceling the rugby match

camelotcrusade

You take good care of your characters, Alice, and of us, too. 🤗

Joni

Thanks for the note, I’m bracing myself for what’s coming…because Nick can’t force Charlie to talk anymore than Charlie can force Nick to talk. They both have to decide to talk.

Elena

Seems like, I was a bit wrong in my predictions again. 😅 Nick, who doesn't want to open up, is indeed of course the main reason for Charlies worries, but that leads to Charlies struggles about eating anyway. 🙁 Kind of relatable, actually! And so Nicks protective boyfriend mode is instantly activated and the "guilt pancakes", he was already making, to avoid that Charlie won't eat breakfast, weren't enough. I can understand Nick as well as Charlie here. Nick has witnessed how much and how long it affected Charlie, he must be so worried since and I don't know, if it's easy to just stop worrying, even when it got a bit better most of the time. But what comes with it, is the feeling of a lack of trust from Nick, that Charlie can be mentally strong on his own. And I'm sure Charlie is angry now, for not letting him be there for Nick, as if Charlie wasn't able to/wasn't mentally strong enough to also accept help from him. So yeah, I also understand Charlie so much! In the end, when they both understand, that they are feeling like this, because they worry about each other, and just need to talk to each other, their relationship to each other will be alright again. Because also the least Nick wants, is to be the reason for Charlies worries and they love and care for each other so much! 🥹 Not all problems they have in themself will vanish, but they will go through it more together than alone again. ❤️‍🩹

rickettyuncles

Oh boy, it’s going to be very tempting to stay up ‘til 1AM to see the next page 😅

Elena

Also the nonverbal things, like the handplacement from Charlie says so much! You can feel so much through this drawings!

Jordan

This little preview in the captions is so kind - my partner is someone who *hates* spoilers but I am so comforted by them. It’s never really “spoiling” anything for me bc I think I love ~experiencing~ the scenes with the characters more than finding out plot points! And a hint of what happens next helps calm the part of my brain that is fixated on plot and helps activate the part that digs into more emotional details. As always, Heartstopper feels like THE story for and about highly-sensitive people and I am eternally grateful 🥹

Steph

Right?? I was just thinking…is it totally insane if I set an alarm for 4am??? 😅🤣

Koko

Thank you Alice!

artxsta

This page is really interesting, because i feel as though Nick and Charlie’s individual struggles don’t usually coexist / overlap like this, or at least to this degree. I think once he realizes that he’s not masking successfully from Charlie (Nick’s lack of transparency abt his struggles might be contributing to Charlie’s flaring up bc he’s stressed) maybe will he find the courage to talk. Or, I hope Charlie calls him out on the slight hypocrisy (Nick is always urging Charlie to talk to him but is unable to do the same). But again, they are just teenagers, and the growing pains are all too real. Thank you for the reassurance Alice. I know this seems like a long road seeing the boys like this, but necessary development and communication will take place and it’s all worth it. Also the writing is so good and very realistic

Elfi

Alice, I genuinely love this storyline. Yes, it's intense and painful, especially at this one-page-a-day pace, but as I always say it's SO realistic and relatable. I really love the way you portray all these mental health issues and all the other stuff that just happens in life and relationships and how these characters deal with it. Characters we all care for so deeply and that are just so human. ❤️ I'm really looking forward to everything that's about to come.

MJ

It's so nice to see Nick's kind and caring side here. I know he's closed that off for himself, but seeing him being open to talk at all is a good thing! There's no way he won't be able to see the hypocrisy here...even if it takes him a little bit to admit it...to Charlie and himself. They're both so young, but still so thoughtful and gentle with one another 💕 Even though Nick wasn't ready to talk about himself he recognized he snapped at Charlie and was making him breakfast, hungover. Charlie as always perceptive and trying to be there for Nick in the way that's best for him. It's refreshing in a way to see healthy conflict and (at some point) resolution. So many fictional characters have terrible or totally unrealistic conflict resolution either for drama or to patch things over quickly - it's nice to see it unfold in a realistic way. I'm excited to see where the story goes and do not want it rushed at all! Let it be as loooonnggg as it's needs 😉😊😆🥰

Dan

I love this storyline! its definitely been hard to read in some points but it will be much easier in the full version i'm sure! I like how they are both flawed people

Isak

Thanks for sharing Alice! I think the angst is probably getting to all of us, but we trust your story telling! We know it’ll be all right in the end, we just gotta get there first lol

Bina

“talk to me” REALLY NICHOLAS?? i’m not surprised this scene is about to be the most intense so far because if i were Charlie, the sheer hypocrisy here would have me PISSED. but okay in full seriousness i also wanna say how much i’m loving this arc BECAUSE of the angst and messiness, despite the page-a-day format making it a lot more painful than it will be in its final form. i’m also one of those people who enjoys spoilers so Alice, i appreciated the caption a lot! the writing throughout this arc has been phenomenal and watching your creative vision unfold in real time, page by page, has been 100% worth the intensity. 😌❤️

TT

I feel the same way. We only struggle because we see one page at a time, which is ridiculously generous of Alice to share with us. They know where the story is going, and they’re a BRILLIANT storyteller. We’re SO lucky they let us in on any part of their writing process! We’re just impatient fans, but I believe it is ABSOLUTELY necessary that the story is told in this way. It’s so realistic and handled beautifully with care and compassion, but allowing for the real ugliness of life to be shown. Everything isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, even in relationships with great love and respect. Alice takes the time to show it all, and that’s the reason so many of us find ourselves in the pages they have written—whether by novel/novella, comic, or script. This story is so important, and it’s vital that it unfolds this way. We know Nick and Charlie get there, in the end, so we just need to buckle in and be grateful we are on the ride!

hayley

everyone getting mad at nick for not understanding his feelings of course you are 😑

Beam Bugge

I'll be at school during the next update so I will likely have to wait till I get home to read it haha - it will be a pain to wait 🙃

isa💌

Oh really nick? With the “talk to me” how ab u talk TO HIM TOO!???

Calfic

I don’t think Charlie will have a full-blown relapse. (And given Alice's note, I don't think it will become one) but I do think it needs to be addressed, and maybe it will also be a wake-up call for Nick. Not that I think that is the best way to address Nick’s issues but he would NEVER want to make it worse for Charlie. And by NOT talking about what he is going through, Nick is accidentally contributing to Charlie not being healthy at the moment. (Not that Nick is responsible for Charlie’s mental health, but still, at this exact moment, it is triggering Charlie. ) Also, Maybe a blow up is actually what they need, for Nick to recognize he needs help. I don't know if it's the most healthy way, but we had the healthy way when Charlie was sick; it's good to have something messy because that is true to life, especially for teens. Finally I know a lot is going on to cause Charlie to have issues, but in this exact moment of not wanting to eat pancakes, it is due to his worry about Nick. I don't love the idea of Charlie guilt-tripping Nick, but I wouldn't be mad at it for happening because Nick clearly needs a wake-up call. Also, as a fully grown, pretty regulated person, if I was Charlie, this would be my breaking point of just being really frustrated (while still so worried) . because I would be like, "You aren't talking to me; you really can't preach one thing and do another" (and honestly, cursing and yelling and crying may be involved.) Also, thanks for the heads up, Alice (And glad we will still get pages, even while your precious hands get a break!). I suspect I will be up at 1 AM tomorrow, lol.

Jennifer Paddock

I guess I'm in the minority because I'm loving the angst and the pace of 1 page a day! Lovely work letting the boys grow and develop their relationship. If you can't fight and still love each other and work it out, you'll never last - and since we know N&C are 4Eva, they have to go thru these growing pains. ❤️

Jennifer Paddock

Oh Nicko... you just poked the bear! I really really hope Charlie shows Nick how to use his words and the next page is Charlie saying, "No, YOU talk to ME!"

MJ

Nick's just 18 and trying NOT to be a burden to anyone. He's still a sweetie - just needs time to figure himself out some more. He's already grown so much coming out as the Bi Rugby captain at an all boys school and then helping his boyfriend confront his mental illness and body image issues- he's entitled some space to "get it wrong" before getting it right ..and childhood trauma claws go deep sometimes 🥴🫤

Calfic

I actually do too. I knew when I signed up, some days would be angsty, but this chapter is titled "Forever" and we have to get there somehow.

MJ

Same!! Here for the experience 💕 the many tiny details along the way are the best part 😊

Calfic

Yes, he isn't doing it AT Charlie. Like at this point, Charlie being really frustrated and yelling at Nick. I get that and am even advocating for it somewhat at this point . But for those of us here, I do think it is important to remember Nick is a really sweet boy going through a very hard time. And he may not even know how to express his feelings, but I highly suspect he is going to get a wake up call quick!

David C Witkin

I didn't know Charlie had been "forgetting" to bring his lunches to school! But leave it to good old reliable Nick to notice, even if he hadn't said anything. And look at how they both respond to each other on the most basic level of body language.... When Charlie looks as if he is deep in fear, anger, or self-doubt, Nick moves swiftly to reassure him and ask him to talk to him, even when Nick clearly doesn't want to talk. And look at how Charlie responded to Nick: when he sensed that Nick was putting up a wall, he retreated out of instinct, but that instinct almost automatically drew Nick out from behind his wall like a moth to a flame. They both have an instinct to care for each other that is stronger than their own individual instincts to run or hide when licking their wounds or nursing their own fears. Even if they wanted to continue playing the avoidance game, their love and their instincts would doom their game from the start.

Ania W.

"Why do I keep hitting myself with a hammer? Because it feels so good when I stop" For me, this probably best illustrates my love for this story. I can endure every anxiety, every tear because I know that in the end I will be smiling from ear to ear. I love, love this story. I feel like Heartstopper gave me back feelings I thought I would never feel again.

Steven

I think Charlie’s answer about the pancakes wasn’t his real answer. I think he did that on purpose because he knew Nick would immediately go into savior mode… insisting Charlie talk to him when he’s not willing to return the gesture. Personally, it wouldn’t shock me if Charlie just went off on him in the next page. Would that be productive?? Maybe. Maybe not. But I couldn’t blame him if he did.

Steven

Same! I know arguments aren’t always productive, but sometimes they are needed. Personally, I hope to see Charlie go off on Nick in the next page for all but demanding Charlie to do something he’s not willing to do himself.

Steven

I said it in another post, that while arguments aren’t always productive, sometimes they are needed. Unfortunately, sometimes that also includes yelling to get your point across. And, in my opinion, Nick has earned a bit of frustrated yelling from Charlie if it happens.

Steven

On a side note, I think Nick is long overdue for some Mama Nelson intervention.

Kela87

Right... Look, I really love Nick, but I also want to slap him right now for saying TO CHARLIE "talk to me". Really, Nick? REALLY????

Cliff

I think Charlie is having real problems with the pancakes, but that smile he had while talking may prove me otherwise.

Cliff

“I don’t know.” “I don’t know.” Sound familiar, Nick? There are so many variables regarding where this could go next my head is spinning.

Taylor Swift

nick telling charlie to talk to him, sir u r very unserious right now

Kela87

I also have to say thanks to Alice for reassuring us once again that there will be many more lovely moments in the future for Nick & Charlie (and for us!). I can only imagine how LOVELY they will be, especially now after this rough patch. I am sooo looking forward to it 🥰

Ariel

Ohhhhh Alice thanks so so much for the reassurance!!! I could feel that this is going to be a breaking point N&C (and read this slow it does feel a long time coming....) but I know our boys are going to come out of this rough patch stronger than ever! Bring on the angst since we all know Alice is going to make it worthwhile! 💕💕💕💕💕

Mareike

Charlie is gonna snap now and so he should.

Ana Alicia Aranda De Contreras

It hurts me to see my children like this but I know that they will move forward as a couple and can open up to each other and seek help🥺😭❤️ Alice's you are great I adore you thank you for this beautiful message and it hurts me to know that this beautiful story is going to end❤️🥺🤗🥰💗

Elsie 3

@Beam Bugge since you remember EVERY scene from both print and screen: did the arm holding that Charlie does when he’s anxious originate in the graphic novels or is that something Joe Locke brought in? Either way I’m in love with every little detail in this page, including the arm touch that indicates his inner turmoil as he’s smiling and saying no to pancakes. Also the dark grey behind Nick with his wide eyes in the third panel. Highlights the way Charlie not eating is an instant record-scratch, full stop moment for Nick. Thank you Alice for this incredible page and for this thoughtful note!! So grateful!!

Beam Bugge

lmao i love that that is my reputation to answer your question: i think he started doing it in volume 5, some of which was written after the show came out, but iirc he also did it in some of the earlier pages you know what i'll go check on tapas when he started!

Beam Bugge

update: it seems like the first time he did it was on page 1282, which was published in january 2022, before the show came out (season 1 had probably been recorded already, but iirc charlie didn't do the arm thing in season 1)

Eileen

Omg 🤗

zara ahmed !!

losing my mind knowing how this is going to go but thank you for your caption :)

Murgy

Both of you need to talk, and you both know it. But it's hard isn't it? To be open and vulnerable at this age is never easy, let alone when you're also worrying about your other half as you can clearly see they're struggling as well. But trying to get Charlie to open up right after refusing to isn't the best move Nick, especially by seemingly grabbing him where he rubs his arm when he's nervous and struggling. But worry makes us do stupid things.

Kassie K Wilson

Oh Nicky… you aren’t seeing that it’s you holding back that’s wrong with him… 😓

Sam Alegre

Im gonna cry so much but this is all worth it i know