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Page 1761 (Patreon)

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2025-03-01 14:25:01
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2026-06
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I don't think that's what Charlie wanted you to say, Nick... 😐

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Elisa Maria Vlad

Charlie, please eat, and Nick, TALK TO CHARLIE FOR GOD’S SAKE 😩

Chloe ♡

their little sad faces ☹️

Ava

😭😭😭😭😭😭 NICK OMG

ACxo

The detail of nicks sad expression in the mirror 🥺

Leanne

Oh 😭

Carly Louise

🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️Nick I know you mean well but🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

ally

awhhhh seeing them sad makes me sad :(

tess ^_^

NOT THE TIME AND THE MOMENT

Justin S.

Nicholas!!! Man, the happy times will feel even happier after this but gosh darn

Chris

Oh Nicky...

Xalek

Nick you idiot! Charlie's issues are currently being managed, he's not the one in distress here! You can't just hide behind other people's problems forever. Oh these two are so precious, Charlie's face being all upset is killing me.

Darren🍂

My sweet boys😭😭 Alice, i will be sending you the bill for my therapy😭

Kristen

Definitely not the right thing to say…sigh! He’s gonna get there, but him not talking to Charlie is making Charlie worse…I’m guessing Nick hasn’t thought about that part of it! Bless him!

ÁineBCM

This honestly is like watching a car crash in slow motion lol

Jacqui Chesterton

Not really in a position to be saying such things Nicholas

JT

Oh the pain here, it's so difficult when you're tied up in your own coping mechanisms to reach out to another person, especially someone you care for deeply, I think Nick has been such a champion for Charlie he forgot yo be one for himself, hoping the reconciliation allows Nick to lean on Charlie more and open up 💙💙💙

Sonny

hey Nick no ☹️💔🤦

Oliver

I totally get nick saying that though. He's triggered from a trauma. It is traumatic to have someone you love go through that! However, he totally needed to say something else as well ;)

tess ^_^

NICK’S REFLECTION IN THE MIRROR 😭😭😭😭😭😭

Teri Lyn

Oof. Nick saying all the wrong things. I have a feeling this rugby match is gonna be the epiphany for Nick and him finally realizing he’s not okay.

HMcC

Nick! No!

Chloe ♡

charlie looking so deflated not knowing what else he can do 💔

John Deuel

Nick off to a rugby game to help process negative emotions…. I’m looking forward to the next act.

ally

i’m rewatching season 3 rn and while i was reading this update it was the scene where tao, elle, and charlie “meow”

Charlie

Your hearts in the right place Nick, but Charlie will be fine. He needs you to open up, and start communicating. You’ve hurt him, but he’ll be fine. Go take it out on the rugby pitch, then talk to Charlie.

Brittney

Aww Char... my heart is cracking *grabs a pillow and screams in it.* I get it Nick, he'll probably try but he's stressing because he is worrying about you and you know how much he loves you so please try and open up to him. It's his time to help you, you've helped him a lot now it's his time to shine and return the favour

Lare González

Nick, for God's sake, why don't you talk about your emotions? I know how hard it is, but it's Charlie, that person you can always rely on. 🥺😭

Maddy

NICHOLAS! THIS A JOKE. SAY SIKE RIGHT NOW!

Jasollie

I’m surprised Nick didn’t put the pancakes in a to go box for Charlie. 😭

Adrian

cracks in the armor. This is so necessary since Nick is not perfect.

Klara Dalgren

Nick hurting hurts my soul 💔 Thank you Charlie for saying the right thing. But Charlie haven't eaten since breakfast the day before (i think?) so i really understand that's Nick's main concern right now.

Kristyn

I’m so happy that Charlie said he would be there when Nick was ready to talk ♥️

J

How many time can I say Oh darlings or oh sweethearts before I'm tired of it. I don't think Charlie can do more than just say he's there rn Maybe food isn't the best topic to bring up Nick, I get your worried love but we need to think about you and trying to talk, I know you are trying to help but you aren't helping Charlie's worry

JRob

I'm glad Charlie isn't leaving without giving Nick the open line of communication. And Charlie, PLEASE eat something with you get home, Nick's instincts to protect you are 💯 clear. It's his instincts to protect himself that are out of whack.

Molly

I love that even when they're fighting, they both still want to take care of each other! 🥺 But yeah, *not* the time, Nick!

C 🐝

There is still so much love and care through the hurt and heartache… Charlie throwing a lifeline saying he will be there to talk when Nick is ready and Nick wanting to make sure Charlie eats.

Kristyn

Charlie waiting for Nick to say something… omg 😭

Ai Bui

*sigh* what are we to do with you young nicholas….

Maddy

Nick. I'm putting you in time out.

Nyxi the Nax

Awww he'll figure it out ❤️ he's traumatized too. But seriously, when does Nick start therapy too? He should probably have started going around the time Charlie went to the clinic.

lia

i’m so glad charlie’s not that hurt to just leave without saying anything and i’m really happy he said that but oh my god, Nick, ouch. now why would you say that too!!!!!! please stop!

Elena

I'm a wreck of emotions 💔😭

Chris

I don’t blame Nick, when you can’t express your emotions you just can’t, it’s surely really frustrating for him and bless Charlie for being so patient 😇

Paola✨

AAAAAAAHGHDHSJJS NICK PLEASE REACT!!! 😩

Loveislove

My favourite detail of this is Charlie telling Nick he will be there when Nick is ready to really talk... about Nick. All while showing the real Nick in the mirror - the sad, trapped Nick who can't be honest with himself or Charlie.

shelfie69

Arrgh not the right thing to say Nicholas!!!

Ameya

Oh, the quintessential example of hurt people hurting people, even when they don't mean to. Nick needs healing and then he's got some rebuilding to do.

Beth L-A

Not the time to mention the food thing, Nick! 🥺🙈 Urgh! I hope they talk it out soon 😭😭😭

laura

nick, pls… 🙃

JoJo 🫶🏻🔐🎨

So happy that Charlie told Nick he would be there for him when his ready to open up to him 🫶🏻

Aristine

nick’s so afraid of losing charlie he doesn’t realize he’s pushing him away and charlie isn’t a mind reader 😭

Jess🍂

Nicholas…… just please talk!!!!!!

Maddy

WOW IT'S ALMOST AS IF THAT COMMENT WILL CONFIRM THAT CHARLIE WILL IN FACT NOT EAT WHEN HE GETS HOME. GOOD JOB NICHOLAS (IK you're hurting but I'm very upset with u rn)

Emilia

😭

Loveislove

Also love that the image of Charlie leaving shows him wearing the most cuddly and comforting coat ever. "You look so cuddly like that". But physical touch is way off the list of possibilities right now. Nick has literally cut himself off from his person. No hug.

Juliana Barhorst

Oh the disconnect here is brutal!!! 😭😭 Nick only saying sorry when Charlie turned away. He’s going to have to really open up to get back on his good side. It might take a while but ik they’ll work it out.

Alice P

This is so painful to watch it drag out!!! It’s like every time Nick speaks he makes it worse and seems to be clueless about it. 😩

Barb

Feels like they're both desperate but cannot articulate it😭😭 my dear boys

Ana Alicia Aranda De Contreras

pff nick seriously that's what worries you well yes it's worth worrying but I think Charlie would have preferred that you talk to him about how you feel 😭🥺🥲

Katie H

This page is brutal and Nick's deflated expression in the mirror 😢 Nick's heart is in the right place but this comment could push Charlie away further. And I'm glad that Charlie said he'll be ready to talk when Nick's ready 🥹

Liz

Nicholas that is absolutely the wrong thing to say right now

Brandon Ford

Nick Nelson… putting out fires with gasoline…

Dionne Lakey

Charlie so doesn't need Nick to monitor his food intake. He needs him to be his boyfriend - emotionally available, not his therapist - someone he pays to keep him accountable.

Elena

Even when Charlie is so sorrowful due to Nicks behaviour, he still tells Nick, he's there for him, if he wants to talk! 🥺❤️‍🩹

Ai Bui

I know the focus of this part of the story is Nick’s arc, but Charlie’s growth is undeniably breathtaking. His emotional intelligence in the last three pages alone: calm reasoning and expressing concern, to removing himself from a hurtful, high-stress, and volatile situation rather than engaging/escalating, to stating boundaries while affirming that the line of communication is open. Class act, no notes, 10/10.

Ben

Deflection. But I think Nick doesn’t want to worry Charlie.

shelfie69

Reading this & Black Friday playing, I'm in tears Nick please talk to Charlie about what's going on in your head 🙏

Merel

Nick's reflection in the mirror 😭

Robby C

Nick is so hurt he isn't able to hear what Charlie is asking...that's what makes this exchange so hard to watch 😢

Dionne Lakey

I love how Charlie waits a moment giving Nick another chance to talk, and then realises Nick needs more space and time

lia

not the time, not the position, not the right words. we’ve all been there and it hurts to see, but it’s needed.

Caro

this parallel it’s killing me ☹️ how many times we saw them on the same pose, but in a happy moment? i’m scared

Elfi

The juxtaposition of Charlie saying one of the best things he could say to Nick in this exact moment and Nick saying one of the worst. Also I love Nick's reflection in the mirror.

Elena

And now Nick feels guilty for hurting Charlie and is anxious about him relapsing! 😢 (And so his focus is still on Charlie and not on himself)

ucfnurse

Quite a difficult day😬🫶🏻❤️🗣️💞💥🫖🍵🌿🌷✌️🕊️☮️

Dionne Lakey
>>166345937

Yes! I think when he looked in that boom of memories briefly ans baa had flash blacks in this volume, facing up to that trauma is one of the things he needs to talk to Charlie about a bit.

Loveislove

Nick shows that he really doesn't know what to say. So he defaults to asking Charlie to eat. Is it the wrong thing in this moment? Yup? But it is a consistent behaviour from Nick and one of the only pieces of information Nick is giving Charlie for his behaviour. Perhaps Charlie can reflect on that to help support Nick. What is Nick afraid of? Charlie relapsing with his ed. Does he worry about a self harm relapse? Nick isn't working on his uni application and doesn't think he has strengths. How is rugby going since Charlie left? David is back home. How is that situation? Nick was really jealous. Is he afraid of losing Charlie? I'm not saying all these things are solely Charlie's responsibility to know. But I'm considering how Nick did his research and talked to adults before thinking how to support Charlie approaching his parents for help. Charlie is still making good choices here and saying good things. I'm looking forward to more progress.

Steph

Charlie saying all the right things and Nick saying all the wrong ones. They are both hurting so much! I just want to give them each a big hug!

tofuPudding

Oh dear Charlie....in that last panel...the distraught face...maybe this is that moment of learning that sometimes people you know loves you so much...can bruise your heart twice as much....communicate.....Nicholas Nelson....you are inflicting and experiencing new kinds of aches....this a mistake....this is a painful way to learn.

Julie

I know this is not the point of the page, but Charlie looks adorable in every jacket.

Nikki

I know he means well but that was so not the thing to say right now. Nick’s reflection in the mirror is so sad 🙁

Lolli98

The silence between them must be horrible in the first panel. Charlie waiting for Nick to say something and Nick probably emotionally frozen. Only when Charlie is about to leave, he at least manages to apologize again...but only to Charlie's back.🙁 I don't know how he does it, but Charlie still finds the strength and offers to talk again. Amazing boy! But I guess this leaves Nick with an unsolvable task at the moment. So he makes it all about Charlie again with his eating comment. I believe that he is really concerned about Charlie's eating now, but this situation is about you, Nick! Will Charlie get angry now? I hope the silence between them won't last too long.😭 Maybe only one messed up rugby match and things can finally go uphill for them.🙏

Jessica Thomas

This is such a beautiful depiction of the emotional growth Charlie has made. The fact that he didn’t try to guilt Nick for not talking simply removing himself from the situation and letting him know that he is there when he is ready. The contrast between Charlie’s response and Nick’s highlights the work Nick still needs to do within himself. They are teenagers learning skills that even most adults don’t have mastered. Alice, I think you are doing a wonderful job letting their relationship grow out of the all consuming codependent first love and into something that can last forever. Letting them grow together but also almost more importantly growing individually as well ❤️

Kathe DeVault

I think everyone is being a bit too hard on Nick. When he has tried to express feelings in the past they have been weaponized against him: his father, David. He knows Charlie would not do that to him but it is still a very scary step to take because of what had happened in the past. I think asking Charlie to eat please is Nick's way of saying "I love you too" . As Charlie just said "I love you" by the he will be ready to talk when Nick is.

Brandy78

Oof, I know Nick doesn’t mean to but sheesh, again, the wrong thing said, Ughh, My heart hurts for both of them and his reflection in the mirror. I love that Charlie said what he said and is leaving, to be honest.

Theaterboi27

De·flec·tion : a change of direction after hitting something, or something you do or say to avoid something. Nicholas Nelson!! Stop this deflection right this instant. Although you truly care about Charlie's mental health, you absolutely know this is a different conversation altogether. Maybe a retelling of this morning's events to your mum? Wise Sarah is sure to put a good-sized crack in that toxic masculine wall of yours. Enter Sarah, please!

kfm

Nooo Nick I was rooting for you! Once again wanting to drag him into therapy because I really don’t think he can even untangle what all is going on in his mind. Hell, I’m 30 and need that help from a pro! Also though… even with the sadness, Charlie has been so strong these past few pages with the way he’s taking care of himself 🥹

Melanie

Charlie has been in this place before, unable and unwilling to admit there's a problem. Nick is there now and Charlie knows Nick has to come to that realization on his own. Geoff should be really proud of Charlie and how he is handling this difficult situation.

Maia

I don’t even know what to say except Nick’s reflection in the mirror is amazing

Katha

For me it seems like Nick has still no access to his own complicated feelings, his focus is on Charlie. A beautiful and sad and real page.

Maddy

Nicks face in the fourth panel actually breaks my heart

Jasollie

I’m so sad but I can still understand Nick right here. I think he is truly petrified that any little sign of Charlie struggling with food will lead to a repeat of the whole initial mental health crisis. I think Nick has elements of untreated PTSD over that and so ever since Charlie said he didn’t want pancakes that’s all he can think about. I think this is one more symptom of his anxiety and why HE needs help. Charlie has support for when he has inevitable wobbles with eating and his mental health; he has all the work with Geoff and has learned a lot of strategies. It doesn’t appear that Charlie is in crisis, but Nick is so focused on that, and we all know at this point that it’s one more factor that is distracting him from recognizing his own mental health struggles. I don’t expect it to be right this moment for sure but when Nick finally opens up to Charlie (we know it’s coming, it’s a matter of when), Charlie can also remind Nick that while he appreciates the support and does need it from Nick as his boyfriend, Charlie is very capable and doesn’t ever want Nick to ignore his own needs over Charlie’s. I know this conflict is so painful right now but all of this heartache leading up to it, will make the moment of Nick finally opening up and admitting he’s been struggling feel even more sweet (the sweet part being Nick allowing himself to be vulnerable and Charlie being so supportive of him). Obviously Nick will have his own journey of learning tools to help him with his anxiety and then N&C can talk together about their relationship as it pertains to Nick’s fears about the looming long distance and losing Charlie. I think this step will help them so much in being honest together in their relationship- talking about hard things proactively and not just waiting until one person is under great distress before finally communicating.

Ali Michelle

NICK this isn’t the pressing issue at this very moment 😭😭😭 I get it, but c’mon bud!!

Maddy

You can see how badly he wants to say something but just can't. I know we're all hating on Nick rn because this is extremely unfair to Charlie, but it's painful to actually see how much Nick is trapped in his own mind.

Katy Barrett

Am I the only one who thought this was really sweet and then came into the comments to see folks ripping Nick to shreds? Goodness gracious, some of y’all were not raised to not bother people with your own issues

Loveislove

I think Nick talks about Charlie's ED in such a consistent and almost panicked manner for a reason. I think he is more worried about a related trauma he is too frightened to discuss and hasn't processed - Charlie's self harming. Nick has seen the scars, heard Charlie on the phone talk about it in the middle of the night and...the big one... Charlie self harmed after they had an argument during an ed relapse. I think Nick totally blames himself for this and is terrified of future relapses. He and Charlie need to talk about this and Nick also needs therapy to deal with other issues but also "therapy speak" to deal with this PTSD. When he was looking at that photo album earlier in the volume - I think the problem was there but unnamed.

Ali Michelle
>>166349141

also no hate to Nick. Just rooting for him to talk 😭 I really hope he gets into therapy or somehow starts getting all of his trauma off his chest.

Frances
>>166348954

The PTSD thing is actually a very good point and would make so much sense!

Klara Dalgren
>>166348108

Yes, thank you 🙏 Nick is doing his best, he's so worried about Charlie not eating right now and is not used to talk about his feelings. He might even not know where to start or what to talk about even though he knows Charlie will be there to listen. Also, always saying the right thing at the right time is not realistic, nobody's perfect.

Sara

🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

Samantha

Nick, Charlie just told you to stop treating him like he's fragile and you immediately return to treating him like he's fragile. I feel like Charlie should just repeat what he said about talking when Nick is ready but add that he means when Nick is ready to talk about himself.

Sof
>>166349267

it was sweet and it shows that nick is still completely focused on charlie and keeps ignoring his own issues :( i feel bad for both of them here.

Elfi
>>166349435

💯 Once again, I'm absolutely amazed by how Alice ties everything together!

Ai Bui
>>166349267

Was it sweet? Yes! Was it misguided and unfortunately timed? Also yes. We can adore how much Nick cares for Charlie and be frustrated with how little Nick cares about himself.

Loveislove
>>166346272

Agreed - why was Tara the only one who acknowledged Nick was going through a tough time too - come on Sarah - do better now please

Sara

i feel bad that nick is so focused on how charlie is feeling and ignoring his own issues, i get where nick is coming from but this is also really upsetting charlie more in the process. you guys in the comments need to stop being so harsh on nick that boy has trauma too, you can see he WANTS to talk. he just cant. and knowing nick and charlie, they will eventually talk about it everything will be okay but boy i am STRESSED right now.

Cole Morin

As a silent sufferer myself for a long time I get why Nick is still not opening up but I hate seeing him go through this and I just want to shake him out of it and make him talk to Charlie.

Maddy

Just made myself cry thinking about the fact that we at least know the majority of why Nick can't open up. Charlie just thinks that he's the problem. 🥲

Lisa K.
>>166349721

I so agree! I can understand where Nick is coming from and why he is worried but it must be hard for Charlie to see that his boyfriend can’t see how much he has changed. it’s also really hard to see Nick deny his own struggles over and over and over.

Molly Goat

Come on Nick, buddy. Pleaseeee

Katha

Is this a situation where something bad needs to happen (panic attack?) for Nick, to be able to allow himself to see that he is not okay?

Lyssa Henderson

Oh no, are we about to get the 3week hiatus from the Nick and Charlie novella?

mackenzie

BOYS JUST MAKE UP ALREADY I CANT TAKE THIS😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

Beam Bugge

I love how although Charlie is upset with nick he still keeps the door open, because he knows that's what's needed! is it "therapy speak"? probably, but that might be a good thing

J

I can't help but think back to when Nick said he thinks he's more fragile than Charlie and not in a bad way, but think it's true cause we've seen Charlie has all these different coping mechanisms and quite a wide support network, which Nick doesn't have, hell the one person he could always talk to he can't even get the right words out, we're seeing this perfect framework fracture and splinter before it breaks fully; till progress can be made. I just hope Nick doesn't brush off it with Sarah, he needs his mum for a quick cuddle.

Cody

😒

Andruwu

Oh Nick, still trying to show that he cares. Even if he knows that it isn't enough, or the right thing to say.

Skylar

whats crazy is i got the vibe charlie wasnt ACTUALLY avoiding eating, he was just using it as a catalyst to try and get nick to talk. for him to still be so focused on it and so blind to his own problem is so wild!

lekka
>>166351072

I think this might be the new 'kinder, gentler' version of that fight that fits more with the Nick and Charlie that we know in Heartstopper.

Melissa

I hope this space will help them both :'(

Raeee✨

Content aside, the reflection of Nick in the mirror while we’re focused on Charlie is such a brilliant use of storytelling via the art. I’d love to see that shot on film as well!

GirlHero

their sad faces, the hurt, uncertainty, nick falling back on familiar roles, the stillness…i can feel myself deflate 🥺 i imagine the sound of that door clicking shut after charlie. oof 😥

toneelspeler

i think we underestimate the impact of nick being the first to actually realise the extent of charlie's eating disorder had on nick himself. for months, nick was the only one who noticed what was happening, and he was the first to talk to charlie about it and his sole confidant. while charlie later had a chance to talk to professionals about it, nick hasn't had the same opportunity. nick has felt enormous responsibility about it all, even if his mum told him it's not just solely up to him, he's 18. now he's feeling uncertain about himself, and his future, and what happened to him as a kid and now he's acting out in ways he doesn't understand about himself, and the only thing he thinks he can sort of control is making sure charlie's doing alright. so while untimely, i do really understand his instincts here. he's just not in the headspace to realise what charlie's actually asking him to do. i think it's very loving and insightful of charlie to still tell him that he'll be there when he wants to talk about what's going on - he seems to be able to parse nick's actions from nick's actual person somehow.

Jenny Delcher

Can’t wait to read the end of this chapter… really tense for me

melly2oo

Strike three Nicholas 😬

Gracie

Nick I swear

Jordan

Charlie reassuring Nick that he’s not abandoning him even when Charlie’s feelings are so hurt ❤️ “I’ll be there” 🥹

Jasollie
>>166351072

Alice has said that the novella will not be part of Heartstopper, or will be altered significantly to fit the Heartstopper Nick and Charlie. Given that the Nick and Charlie novella conflict was about Nick seeming just fine and excited about uni and Charlie spiraling about it and not wanting to communicate with Nick about it, I think we can assume by now that Alice is completely changing it. I personally think she is adding the conflict much earlier in the timeline (ie-this is it, now, in December) and more or less has reversed the Nick and Charlie perspectives. I don’t think she will have them not talk for 3 weeks either- I personally predict Nick will fold by end of day, but obviously we’ll see. Given how Alice recently said this one final chapter we are in will still be full of wonderful happy moments, I just don’t see how anything close to the novella Nick and Charlie breakdown will happen because I think we are in a new version of it now. There’s still so much left time wise (December- September is 9 months!) and not enough pages in the chapter to fully include another major conflict and resolution. At least that’s my guess, curious to read others’ speculations.

Ace
>>166353334

Pro relationship tip! If you're having an argument with a partner, and you need to have a break in the conversation, "I'll be back in a half-hour" (or wherever) is a great way of forestalling feelings of abandonment. Charlie's doing much the same thing here — "I'm hurt and I need space, but we are still together."

Cliff

Don’t leave, Charlie. Get angry! Have Sarah help. If you leave now, this could take weeks for this to resolve, and by then, everyone here will be completely frazzled!

CinD

I believe Charlie Spring once said “I just don't want you to feel like you need to look after me, like I'm some fragile, broken mess. Like you need to fix me. I would HATE that.” 😔 (Nick please talk to your mummy and get help)

Koko

To the people say strike 3... It shows that nick still cares and that Charlie still should worry about about himself.

brie

they are having a mental illness off

Andrew Pitonack

come on Nicky!! That was not the right thing to say. 🙄 Get it together already, you need to talk about it.

Lyssa Henderson
>>166351072

I agree, I think we're getting into her adaptation of the novella. Hopefully it doesn't take Nick 3 weeks to put the pieces together and come to a senses.

Claire

Nick! You messed up again - Charlie asked you not to make it all about him. And this is going to far in trying to shift the focus. Charlie does not need this right now and Nick needs to find a way to express his own issues

DogBefriender22

The more I think about Nick being able to open up to Charlie, the more I am convinced it’s not gonna happen until after he’s spoken to somebody else about it. Thinking of my own experiences, when a huge part of your turmoil and confusion and anxiety is so deeply connected to your partner, how do you even begin to articulate that to them without hurting them, or making them angry or sad or frustrated or confused, or making them feel somehow guilty that they are the reason or part of the reason for your problems? Nick, you are stuck in a really hard place and how can you be expected to know how to get out of it… 😵‍💫 And this is without even thinking about any childhood trauma or abandonment issues or anything else that might be going on with Nick too. Just Charlie’s ED and self harm and the potential PTSD that Nick may be suffering as a consequence - that’s HUGE in itself. How do you talk completely openly about that with the person who may be the main cause or reason for it? Not that it’s in any way Charlie’s fault, or anybody else’s. It’s just so complex and delicate to navigate it well without causing some damage in the process. Also, where is Tara when we need her!? 🤔 I don’t normally look ahead much and predict what’s gonna happen next, but I would LOVE for Tara to join the story - ASAP PLEASE! - with one of her brilliantly insightful lines that only she seems capable of delivering at exactly the right moment that Nick needs to hear it. Or maybe it will be during or after the rugby match - maybe Mr Ajayi is there watching or on the sidelines, knowing how hard it must be for anyone to cope with a loved one going through what Charlie has, or it might be coach Singh or Mr Farouk that delivers a soon-to-be-classic Heartstopper line that propels Nick out of his current mess and helps steer him towards seeking some help - from someone other than Charlie… I think Tara could be a brilliant help in all of this and seems to be the one that can really get to the heart of things with Nick, without needing many words 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

Neenie

Well that could have gone worse. We will see if it gets there

SuzyLd

That bit of reassurance Charlie gives Nick, that he’ll be there when he’s ready is just perfect. Exactly what Nick needed to hear even if he’s not really listening right now. I could not adore Charlie more.

Lainey

Those sad faces omg🥺🥺 I have to keep reminding myself that they’ll get through it and their future is bright!! I’m so excited to see how you tackle this storyline, Alice!

Kela87

The way Charlie reassures Nick that he'll be there when he'll be ready to talk, even though he's hurt and needs some space. Oh, it both breaks my heart and makes me smile ❤️🥹 he's so good to Nick right now!

Joni

Charlie’s mental health struggles have really been hard on Nick. My heart breaks for him and I totally get it. I went through something similar with my sister and it’s hard to realize it’s okay to ask for help for yourself. It feels selfish in a way when the other person’s struggles seem bigger and more important than you coping. I love how Charlie calmly tells Nick he’s leaving the house but not leaving for good. And Nick did say he’s sorry, so he does know what he said wasn’t nice, he’s not in complete denial ❤️‍🩹

artxsta
>>166352408

i disagree w this. charlie was stressed out and i don’t think he’d utilize this to coax nick into talking. that feels manipulative IMO. i think charlie was genuinely distressed by nicks inability to talk (esp bc now we know charlie believed nick thought he was fragile), which put HIM off balance. him using this as a catalyst doesn’t feel canon or true to charlie’s character. and bc he has OCD as well, i think bc he lacked control over the situation and the balance of his relationship, he reverts to these old habits where he had a sense of control. healing isn’t linear and that’s okay

Mira

can i please hug both of them :((

hayley

wow charlie really got more grace from the fandom with his issues, these comments are EXACTLY why nick (others like him) can't open up to people

Tanya

I literally gasped. 😅

Jennifer Paddock

Gorgeous page! The pauses, their expressions, Charlie seeking comfort in a big cuddly coat, Nick's reflection in the mirror - *chef's kiss* I can't help thinking about how terrible Sarah is going to feel when she realizes how much Nick is going thru... 💔

artxsta

nick doesn’t like how exposed he is/feels. so keeps trying to redirect the attention back to charlie. i keep thinking about the convo they had in vol 5 before they had sex for the first time, where nick expressed that he felt a bit lost, how he can’t talk to anyone the way he talks to charlie, and that there was still so much more of himself he needed to figure out. and charlie reassured him he was there. and now, seeing how much the hurt has piled on in the months since then… and how he feels like he can’t address what’s going on with him, even with himself. for this entire scene, i’ve been extremely proud of charlie and his growth, his communication, and his maturity. that little bit of reassurance that he gives to nick that he’ll be there really makes all the difference, a gift that nick hasn’t been afforded by the other men in his life. and i know nick’s response here wasn’t ideal, but it’s just his gut instinct to worry about charlie, which right now, seems more like he’s taking the heat off himself. really curious as to how the rugby match will go. but i’m glad charlie didn’t leave in anger or storm out, he communicated that this is what he needed right now but he’d be there for him.

Jason Roselli

I love the detail with the mirror showing nicks expression when Charlie says that’s he’s here when nick is ready to talk

hayley
>>166349267

they are acting like tik tok when it came to charlie's issues which you don't wanna be compared to.

boombroadcast
>>166352408

Yeah, I think Charlie’s been feeling stressed and a bit powerless generally, both about Nick and about some of the Head Boy stuff. And when he feels that way, his ED can flare up. Before the Green Dragon we saw that Charlie was struggling with food alone, and I think this morning, decadent pancakes with a still deflecting Nick probably felt genuinely high pressure and unmanageable to him. But he has coping strategies now, which I think he’s employing here, by calmly removing himself from this high stress situation. Hard for Nick to see that though and not worry, I think. 😕

RCM

This page, these boys, their hurting hearts...they are so close, yet so far apart, and it's heartbreaking to see... Panel 1--Charlie again gives Nick space and a chance to say something. They both look exhausted and sad, and the way their bodies mirror each other with their hands down next to their side, their shoulders slumped, their eyebrows raised in uncertainty, eyes full of pain but looking at one another ( with Charlie seeing both Nick AND knowing what Charlie needs to take care of himself, and Nick only hearing static, that growing, awful static of his inner anxiety and his outward silence)...Nick and Charlie are both feeling the gravity of this moment, and it's so hard because I KNOW Charlie would stay IF Nick started talking, and I know Nick does NOT want Charlie to leave at all. But Nick literally can't, he can't see HIS own past trauma and inability to open up role in all of this...I know he FEELS very, very off, but he is still at the "..." point and he cannot TALK. Panel 2--Charlie, seeing that Nick can't or won't or isn't talking, turns so dejectedly away. I bet it is one of the hardest things he has ever done, seeing that HE cannot fix Nick, and knowing he no longer should lose himself to make things easy/perfect for anyone, not even Nick (thanks to his therapy and his work on himself...it doesn't mean it is easy for Charlie, and sometimes doing the "best" thing hurts you deeply too, and I see that all over Charlie's face here). Nick, uncomfortable and desperate to "repair," tries with a generic (and with good intent), "I'm really sorry." His face is heartbroken here, but the way he doesn't move his body AT ALL shows that even he knows that sorry is not enough for all that has happened. Charlie needs HIM, Nick, to open up, to let him in, to see the anxiety NICK is carrying inside himself...but again, Nick cannot. Panel 3--I'm not sure I have ever been more in awe and proud of Charlie than I am at this very moment. He pulls on his coat and backpack, and gives Nick a defined connection, a bridge, a reminder that "I love you and I am here for you, but I need YOU to come to the table too. I've tried waiting for you at the table, but now I am going to take care of me, but, my love, I will be there as soon as you are ready to talk. I promise." I know it hurts Charlie and I am SO PROUD of his bravery and directness here. Meanwhile, Nick remains FROZEN in his spot, and looking so uncertain like he cannot believe that this is happening in real time, and how the fuck did they get here?! I LOVE how we only get a mirror image of Nick here, like he is a SHELL of himself, and it's so ironic that Nick needs more than anything to be able to reflect ON himself to gain self-knowledge and self-awareness before he CAN begin to heal, yet in this mirror (which is brilliantly drawn and made me cry today!), he can only look AT Charlie...look TO Charlie, for guidance on how HE should respond (that people pleaser again), for what he can DO, for how he can PROTECT. He's had his eyes on other people to gauge how he should respond his whole life, and most recently, he was locked in on Charlie as Charlie went through his hospitalization and own healing. Nick never looks (not even a glance) into the mirror at HIMSELF...Nick has never learned to, and Nick still, even now with Charlie, cannot. Panel 4--The dark background reflects the awareness inside Nick's heart that Charlie is leaving, going home, and even though Charlie just gave Nick that reassurance that he'd be there when Nick was ready, Nick feels like his whole world is currently upside down. He even looks PALE here, and his weak, "I..." shows he doesn't WANT this, he has lost control, he is breaking, breaking but doesn't know what to say to make it stop, to make things right, to make things safe again. Still, Nick cannot... Panel 5--god, the distance between them...the TOGETHER but so SEPARATED really hits hard with having no background behind them, and the two of them facing each other for what feels like one last time (for now). The rest of the world is gone...again they mirror each other's stance, Charlie's face is as broken as I have seen it, and Nick, who CANNOT say what needs to be said because he cannot fully SEE it yet, frantically thinks about how he must make sure Charlie (looks to Charlie for how to respond, hmm...) will be/ is okay...(not being aware enough right now to really have listened to what Charlie said HE needed which definitely wasn't about food)...it feels like a really awfully worded, "I'm sorry I have fucked things up so badly and I don't know what is going on inside my head and my heart but I hurt you and now you are leaving and I need to know YOU are okay and will stay safe and that WE are and will be okay...and I need to know you will eat because I'm scared, Charlie, I'm scared and I don't know what is happening but I know I love you and I need you and I need to know you will take care of yourself too, please Charlie, take care of you, I love you..." Instead, it comes across just as it sounds "well, the weak one here is still you Charlie so please promise me you will eat when you get home so I can feel better about of this (because at least I will know you are safe)..." I know Nick does not really mean it the latter way, but the way his words hang in the air between them shows how far Nick is off from the reality of his own mental health struggles. Nick still, cannot...

boombroadcast
>>166351072

I could see this version of Nick feeling afraid to be the first one to reach out and putting it off, but I can’t see that from this version of Charlie. I feel hopeful that any period of cooling off/not talking will not last more than like, a couple days. 🤞

Katrina

Oh this hurts my heart 😭

Elena
>>166366064

I started crying while reading. 😢 Thank you so much for describing every detail so perfectly❣️ In a way it helps me processing everything we are going through in the comic at the moment. It's really healing.. 🥹❤️‍🩹

Hannah Howden

Not now that you’ve said that Nick 😞

hayley

"the space will last weeks" it won't... like that's the only person nick can talk to he's not lasting a day without going to charlie and also we are asking sarah to notice something when she's too busy babying david in a way

Jasollie
>>166374181

Agreed, my prediction is Nick will be on Charlie’s doorstep by the end of the night, tears ready to spill.

hayley
>>166374181

weeks just doesn't fit them and honestly weeks would not be good for someone like nick considering he has really no support system. (other then charlie)

Brandy78
>>166366064

And this, RCM analysis, made me tear up so much! As always, just so insightful and amazing!

David C Witkin

The desolation of the space between them is devastating. Please everyone give them both some credit for keeping the other one's welfare uppermost in their minds. I predict that Nick will be crying and talking to Charlie by the end of the afternoon. And Charlie will be leaning on Nick's shoulder.

Taylor Swift

NICK??? LMAO???? WHAT IS UR PROBLEM???? WHY WOULD YOU END THE CONVERSATION WITH THAT??????

Chris Mackenzie

Wow Nick really doesn't get it, does he?

Mira

im not enjoying how little grace some people here are being about nick. he is struggling with his mental health, he’s not going to be perfect all the time. I’m so happy that while charlie is upset he still tells nick that he will there for him when he’s ready to talk.

Nils

Nick, please. Yes you are worried about Charlie, but please see that you are in a downwards spiral here. Charlie is worried about you and you refusing to deal with your issue is making it worse for Charlie. So please open up for Charlie, don't spare him your problems in order to protect him.

hayley
>>166351072

three weeks doesn't make sense for nick or charlie here (honestly i can't even imagine charlie letting nick sit that long) and nick, well if nobody has noticed he's pretty much been screaming for help for awhile now they might think an off day at rugby might be nothing. it seems he might just get tired of the constant feeling like a failure and go sob his way into charlie's shoulder at the end of the day.

hayley
>>166390385

yeah it's giving the vibes of the people who said charlie was a burden to nick....

Sheena Markham

Good for Charlie for standing up for himself!

hayley

comments acting like nick's destroying their entire relationship and he's gonna be on charlie's bad side???? where does this even come from.

hayley
>>166397398

"trust issues and nick's gonna have to rebuild it" ?????? i'm so confused... lol this whole arc is about making their trust stronger not destroying it to where nick has to rebuild it.

Maddy
>>166361959

Some of the comments are like this because we want him to be able to open up. It's sad and frustrating that he thinks he can't talk to someone that gives him just as much love and respect as he gives them. There's no hate going on. Just a bunch of people that want to see BOTH of their favorite characters happy again.

Maddy

I don't think this is as big a deal as most people think (as frustrating and emotional as it is). I'm holding out hope that this is the final little push that Nick needs in order to finally open up to Charlie. Maybe after the rugby game he'll go over to his place.

Lisa

I hope Charlie doesn’t show up to Nicks rugby game - Nick needs to know that Charlie is upset

Calfic
>>166403470

I don't think he is going, but I'm pretty positive Nick knows Charlie is upset.

Calfic
>>166387002

Abandonment issues, not knowing what to say, and reverting to what he is best at, in his mind, taking care of Charlie. Also maybe PTSD from when Charlie relapsed when they had their fight and Nick left.

ella

I love how it looks like charlie is holding his hand out to nick in the third panel, metaphorically offering an olive branch for him to talk. nick’s reflection in the mirror makes him look so far away as if he still has a long way to go before he reaches that point where he can reach towards charlie and accept the help he is offering him

Mira
>>166403470

nick clearly knows charlie is upset. nick actually needs to know that charlie will be there for him when he is ready to talk.

hayley
>>166403470

what mira said ^ cause if nick doesn't... well he'll never get out of the spiral basically. edit: like i'm not getting why charlie needs to be super cold towards nick... like aren't we supposed to be avoiding things that make charlie parallel to stephane

Laura
>>166403470

I don't think he's being cold. I think he's feeling and actually really responsibly expressing his feelings. He said when nick is ready to talk, Charlie will be there. He gave nick many opportunities to talk and nicks not ready. The fact they're both struggling is a good indication they need some time and space. I actually think this is so mature .... just my thoughts

Murgy

I'm glad Charlie has made it clear he is still there for Nick, even if he is leaving right now. Nick needs to be ready to talk, which he isn't in this moment. Unfortunately he keeps hammering it home. Nick keeping his issues to himself is having a negative impact on himself, Charlie and their relationship, I just hope he realises soon just how much its hurting him by keeping them quiet. For goodness sake Nick, please put your act of service cover aside and open up.

hayley
>>166423884

alice makes it sound like after the rugby game (i don't think it'll be long just a montage of nick playing like shit) he goes to charlie because he wants to stop feeling like a failure with everything.... and he doesn't want to damage his relationship with charlie like his father did with his mother (probably by not opening up as well) and like david did just recently with his gf.

hayley
>>166423884

the fact he realizes that soon makes him a better person his father/david and it strengths his and charlie's relationship cause he'll know why the snaps happened

Murgy
>>166423884

Nick is a better person than them, its just frustrating to watch the process play out page by page. I am very much falling foul of the fact it seems worse because its artificially drawn out by getting it fresh off the press while very much being invested in the happy ending that we know they'll have. But its hard to see the low points, even when it makes them stronger in the long run.

Jasollie
>>166403470

I think saying Charlie needs to not show up so Nick knows he’s upset- that would be a very cold move and a bit uncharacteristically manipulative of Charlie to withhold his support of Nick to send a message. I think Charlie should absolutely not go to the match though if it’s for himself- if he needs to take the space from Nick at this moment. That’s perfectly understandable. Maybe that will be painful for Nick but in this case it wouldn’t be a cold, manipulative move, it would just be Charlie taking care of himself. 🩷

lia
>>166403470

charlie doesn’t know what we know, he only knows that nick is really anxious about something and is not ready to talk about any of it. also, in moments of distress, nick has shown possessiveness, yelled at charlie while drunk when he was trying to help him, told charlie that he didn’t need to do the “therapy speak” on him, when charlie was just expressing how worried and frustrated he is. so yeah, charlie only knows the surface of the problem and he’s getting upset about it. honestly, who wouldn’t? +++ obviously we all know that nick’s behaviours i mentioned weren’t coming from his intentions, but still, charlie doesn’t, and he’s actually dealing with this situation with the tools he has been given to deal with this kind of situation and he obviously knows nick is not the person that does those kind of things frequently so that definitely counts too.

lia
>>166361959

people are going to react that way because this is what happens when people who are struggling with their mental health in a similar way nick is struggling with his mental health right now do. they say the wrong things sometimes when other people are trying to reach out for them, have the not most healthy coping mechanisms and sometimes need to unlearn some things so they can understand how all of this is happening to them. they’re not perfect, no one can be. but this part of the story is being told as a “nick’s not perfect, he’s not the perfect boyfriend, not the perfect person AND he’s struggling a lot with his mental health” and that’s what is being intended to be read as. not “nick’s horrible” or whatever you think people are thinking while reading this right now. we’re reading this story one page per day and it will feel like a slow angst and people will react differently because we’re all different people.

Shanie_MC
>>166349435

I think Nick's knee-jerk reaction to make sure Charlie is OK is totally understandable, given past events. And this morning is not the first time Charlie's been struggling with eating in the last couple of days. Nick has been wholly focused on Charlie's wellbeing for a long time now. Charlie refusing to eat is a huge red flag that triggers an immediate response from Nick. The part Nick is missing is that HE is the one causing Charlie to be upset, by shutting him out and acting out of character.

Shanie_MC

I am so proud of Charlie for how he's dealing with this. He's been clear that he knows Nick is struggling and that he is here for him, even after the yelling, deflecting and unfortunate comment about "therapy speak". But, he is also removing himself from a stressful situation in which his help and support is being rejected. He's extending care to Nick while still taking care of himself. Yes, he's struggling with eating this morning, but I don't think it's a big deal. What IS a big deal is his boyfriend acting out of character (getting drunk, being possessive, yelling at Charlie) and refusing to address it. He's identified the issues, offered help and comfort, and is also doing what he needs to do for himself. Calmly saying he will be there for Nick when he's ready and leaving quietly is a huge improvement over him storming out of the house whenever he got into it with his mom in the worst days of his mental health crisis. He's made SO much progress and it's great to see. As for Nick, as much as asking for a promise to eat was very much wrong footed and ill timed, it's not surprising that that's where his mind went. Charlie not eating is a huge red flag and this is not the first occurrence in the last couple of days. The last time Charlie wasn't eating and they got in a fight, Charlie relapsed with self-harm. As much as he doesn't see it, Charlie's crisis was trauma for Nick and his knee-jerk reaction to be worried about Charlie's eating is understandable. I think Nick would talk to Charlie if he really understood what was going on with himself, but he really doesn't know. He's never dealt with the trauma of his dad leaving, his brother's relentless bullying, suppressing himself in the lad culture of rugby, and the whole situation with Charlie's mental health. He's also not used to self examination or taking his own needs into consideration as a chronic people pleaser. He's lost and you can see it all over his face. Admitting there is a problem means having to deal with it, and he's not quite there yet.

Shanie_MC
>>166347072

I thought the same thing. Charlie has been amazing and has come SO FAR. When Nick is finally ready to open up, Charlie is going to be such a good support to him.

Shanie_MC
>>166346272

He was literally sobbing on Tao's shoulder during a party. Did no one think to suggest he get some help too?

Shanie_MC
>>166345927

Reading this one page at a time makes it feel like it's lasting forever!

Marina

Nick, that is EXACTLY the opposite of what you had to say, and exactly the opposite you must say to a person with an eating disorder, FOR GODS SAKE!!!

Marina

Definitely Charlie deserves heaven after this