but the heart wants what it wants

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If you'd like some free FeralFront memorabilia to look back on fondly, see this thread from Dynamo (if this message is still here, we still have memorabilia): https://feralfront.com/thread/2669184-free-feralfront-memorabilia/.

    -ghost-



    full name: Charlotte Lynn Winter

    name meaning: Charlotte [French ; Petite] Lynn [Welsh ; Lake] Winter [English ; Winter]

    nicknames: Charlotte, Care, Care Bear, Sunshine, Lottie, Little Lottie

    age: Sixteen

    zodiac: Cancer

    gender: Cis Female

    sexuality: Heterosexual

    habits/quirks:

    - Charlotte tends to bite her nails when her anxiety is bad

    - Charlotte always covers her palms with her sleeves when wearing a long sleeve

    - Charlotte will have a panic attack or will feel overwhelmed and reach her hand out, knowing Nico will grab it and anchor her back

    - Charlotte twirls the end of her hair when sleepy

    - Charlotte's nose scrunches up when she's concentrating

    - Charlotte tends to hold hands with Nico when she can feel a panic attack coming on

    - Charlotte cleans and cooks and bakes to calm herself

    - Charlotte loves to dance so will take any chance she can to dance

    - Charlotte has social anxiety and doesn't really like to draw attention to herself unless Nico is there

    brief history: Charlotte's mother went missing a few months after she was born. She never knew her mother, of course, but even as a child, was determined to find her. Not even a year later, her father met another woman and got her pregnant. The two decided to get married since they loved each other so much. As Charlotte grew up, she met Nico. They met just before Kindergarten and she was fascinated by him. The two became fast friends and soon knew everything about each other. They never went anywhere without each other and spent every waking moment together. When Charlotte was bullied, Nico was there to punch those bullies and then hug his best friend. When Nico got in trouble, Charlotte helped him get out of it and then they went to get ice cream. The two were rarely ever home. They always explored the woods and the different parts of the small town. They seemed to be the talk of the town most of the time. People always made bets when they'd get married and how many kids they'd have. Charlotte developed severe anxiety as the years went on and Nico was by her side the whole way. She was hospitalized a few times from her severe panic attacks and eventually made herself sick. She was only fourteen. Nico stayed in the hospital, sitting in the chair beside her, holding her hand even when her family left. The nurses allowed it and Nico was determined to make Charlotte better. He would always try and make her giggle and smile and did whatever he could to make her feel better. She slowly got better and she was given a very strong medication for anxiety. Nico stayed by her bedside until she was fully herself once more. The two left the hospital together and then they started high school that year. She was thrown into a very stressful crowd where guys gawked at her like a piece of meat and girls glared at her like she was the ugliest thing they had seen. Nico would always grab her hand and guide her through the panic and calm her down. He stayed by her side and was her number one fan when she decided to join cheerleading. She really came out of her shell with cheerleading and that's when she met Lukas, the star quarterback. The two of them are currently talking, much to Nico's anger.

    kin:

    Ambrosia Blake | Mother - Unknown - Missing

    Gerald Winter [46] | Father - Alive - Sheriff

    Dahlia Winter [37] | Step-Mother - Alive - Nurse

    Victoria Winter [15] | Younger Half-Sister - Alive - Freshman in High School

    Bruce Winter [12] | Younger Half-Brother - Alive - Middle School Student

    love interests: Lukas & Nico

    friends: Nico / Open

    foes: None at the moment / Open

    faceclaim: Candice King


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    full name: nicholas michael stonem

    name meaning: nicholas - people's victory, michael - who is like God, stonem - village

    nickname[s]: nico [strictly goes by this]

    age: seventeen

    zodiac: aries

    gender: cis male

    sexuality: heterosexual

    history: nico grew up with two loving parents and a happy little family. they'd have movie nights every friday night and taco tuesdays. they'd bake cookies for no reason at all and music was always playing in the house. then one day, the fighting began. his father had cheated on his mother and she had found out. the fihting seemed to much for his father and one day he shot himself in the study. nico was seven and he was the one who found him. it happened the week of christmas. after that, nothing was the same. no more movies, tacos, cookies, or music. his life had turned bleak. that same year, he met charlotte. the two became fast friends and she helped him out of his depression. he still has paranoia, depression, and anger issues, but charlotte helps him with all of that. he also helped her with her anxiety, always by her side. he told himself that she needed him, but in reality, he needed her. she kept him sane. when nico was eight, his mother remarried and when he was nine, she became pregnant with his younger sister. two years later, the two got divorced because he was a no good lousy drunk. when nico was twelve, nico's crush on charlotte began. he pushed it away for a few years and ignored it, but then high school rolled around and he decided to ask her out. he just needed to find the right moment. then the idiotic jock named lukas beat him to it. he despises him, but doesn't voice it to his best friend.

    kin: mother - lori stonem, father - mike stonem [deceased], ex step-father - tony richardson, older brother - jake stonem [21], older sister - michelle stonem [19], younger half-sister - cassie richardson [8]

    love interests: charlotte & morgan

    friends: charlotte & mitch

    foes: morgan & lukas

    faceclaim: joseph morgan


    Charlotte Lynn Winter ☾

    Charlotte woke with a start, a gasp escaping her parted lips as she sat up suddenly. She panted softly, the only thing breaking the silence was her pants and Nico's soft breaths as he laid beside her. Charlotte ran a hand through her blonde curls and looked over at her best friend. This is how they spent most nights. Nico would stay the night at her house and they'd get popcorn and all assortments of snacks and watch movies. They often did face masks or other girly things, Nico didn't mind. Charlotte knew he played all tough toward the world but he seemed to melt around her, becoming the child he was when they met. She smiled softly, watching his sleeping figure. He was sleeping peacefully, his breaths soft and his face relaxed. She leaned over and kissed his forehead before crawling out of bed. She ruffled her hair with a yawn as she made her way to her bathroom. She turned on the hot water to take a shower as she shut the door. She left it open a crack, wanting to hear if Nico had another nightmare. She stripped off her clothes from the night before and tossed them into a hamper nearby. She stepped inside the shower and took a quick shower. She quickly washed her hair and body and face and then turned off the water and wrapped a towel around her wet body. She always woke before Nico and always took quick showers so that if he had a nightmare, she could rush and comfort him. Charlotte brushed her teeth, all while keeping an ear out for her best friend. She then brushed her wet hair and walked out to her room. She saw him still sleeping soundly on her bed and she smiled softly. She held the towel tightly around ehr body and moved to grab some undergarments. She searched through her drawers and hummed as she did so, one foot curling behind the other. She grabbed the bra and panties she wanted to wear and then searched through her pants drawer. She grabbed the jeans she wanted and then walked to her closet. All the while, she would glance at Nico. She wanted him to sleep in as much as he could. She knew he had trouble sleeping and she loved how peaceful he looked when he slept. Charlotte grabbed the sweater she wanted and then walked back to the bathroom to change, making sure to leave it cracked. She set her clothes out on the counter and slipped on her undergarments. She looked at her reflection in the mirror as she stood there in her undergarments. She felt disgusted by her reflection and she hugged herself, tears welling in her eyes. She sniffled and slipped on the sweater and her jeans, pulling down the sleeves to cover her palms. She walked out to her bedroom and pulled one of her sleeves up to her lips, covering her mouth. She felt the anxiety getting worse and she walked over to Nico, gently shaking him awake. Tears brimmed her eyes as she seemed to coil into herself.


    "Nico, wake up." Her soft voice was filled with innocence and the need to be held. She sniffled as she looked down at him.


    -- sorry this sucks XD


               

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    nicholas michael stonem//seventeen//human


    Taking in a heavy, shaky breath, Nico looked at his surroundings. He was in a forest; one bathed in blood. He was having trouble avoiding retching from the sharp stench that had become all too familiar to him.

    The smell of warm, freshly drawn blood filled his nostrils as he inhaled. He then steadily made his way through the forest. The grass below his feet was splattered with blood; almost like crimson dew. It stained the trees and the stones around him. He knew from experience that he couldn't touch the blood. It was acidic, but only towards him. It would dissolve his flesh within seconds.

    The atmosphere was cool, chilly, though there was no breeze. It almost sent shivers down his spine. The smell of burnt hair and flesh filled the air. The echo of long forgotten battle cries and pleads for mercy could be heard in the distance.

    As he made his way through the woods, it began to rain. A slight drizzle, hardly more than a sprinkle. It created a mist that he had to wade through to get to his destination.

    Nico knew that there was a clearing somewhere in this forest. Somewhere, somewhere.

    From the forest to his right, he heard the infamous, desperate cry for help. The cry was strangled, so he knew that the person was in pain. He began to move in that direction, ignoring any of the wailing from others.

    When he reached the clearing, he saw something that made his knees grow weak. The male froze at the familiar face. His older brother, Jake, laid in the center of the clearing. His skin was pale gray in the early morning light.

    Nico trembled at the sight, even though he was used to it. A heavy breath escaped from his lips, wanting to be a sigh, as he turned away from his brother's corpse.

    Jake had been like a father figure to him, the protective older brother who watched out for him. Seeing him lay there, dead, made his breathing uneven.

    He kept his eyes dry, unwilling to cry. It was only a dream, after all. No, not a dream. A nightmare.

    Another cry from the woods made him freeze again. Another one? Normally this place only showed him the corpse of one person he cared for, but a second one?

    Nico began to travel toward these bloodcurdling screams; a pit growing deeper and deeper within his stomach.

    That's when he found the field and, laying in the center, was Charlotte. Her golden hair was swept to the side and her sparkling blue eyes were closed forever now. At least, in this world.

    This dream realm hadn't shown him Charlotte, never. Not since it began the first night after finding his father's corpse in the study.

    Rushing forward, Nico fell to his knees beside Charlotte. He then cupped her cheek in his hand. He knew that she was dead, she wouldn't wake. They never did.

    At least, that's what he thought.

    The moment his skin touched hers, her eyes fluttered open and met his. Her gaze was filled with pain, sorrow, and fear. She opened her mouth, as if to say something, but no voice was heard. Her lips moved, though, and he could make out one word. No, a name.

    Niklaus.

    Then Charlotte's eyes closed again and her head fell limp to the side; a soft breath escaping her parted lips.


    Nico woke with a start; gasping for breath. The male's blue eyes were wide as he panted; his fists clenched.

    "No. No, no, no...." He groaned out the word uncontrollably; squeezing his eyes shut. "Caroline, no... Caroline..."

    Curling into himself, he shuddered as a single tear fell from his closed eyes. He then struggled with the sheets; as if they were an enemy constricting him. He screamed as he fought an invisible foe.

    It would take one of Charlotte's lullabies to end this episode. She would hold him still, as best she could, and sing to him. Humming a song that would ease his mind and bring him back to reality.

    Until then, he was flailing helplessly; punching and kicking at the air.


    Charlotte Lynn Winter ☾

    Once Charlotte saw that Nico was having a nightmare, her demeanor completely changed. She seemed to turn off the panic and instead focus on her best friend. He needed her more than she needed him right now. She moved to lay his head in her lap, cooing softly at him as she tried to hold him still. "Nico, it's okay. I'm here. You're safe." Charlotte whispered softly, kissing his forehead. She brushed his hair from his face and smiled down at him softly. She gently ran her hands through his hair and hummed softly, her blue eyes sparkling in the early morning light. She pulled her hair to the side, knowing she would have to sing him one of her lullabies. She gently brushed her hands through his short hair, studying his features. She watched the terror in his facial expressions and she felt a pain in her chest, just watching him in such distress. She grabbed his hand and held it in her own, intertwining their fingers. Her hums turned into a soft song as she began to sing. She looked down at him, much like she was very much in love with him. She just didn't realize she was, yet. She sang softly, her voice soft and melodic. She was stunning, especially in the early morning sun. "Even though we ain't got money, I'm so in love with you honey. And everything will bring a chain of love. In the morning when I rise, you bring a tear of joy to my eyes and tell me, everything is gonna be alright." Charlotte sang, her voice warm and almost alluring. She smiled softly down at her best friend. She knew this was one of his favorites for her to sing and she adored the song, so she didn't mind. Once she saw him begin to relax, she sighed softly. She still continued to sing, just to be sure. "Seems as though a month ago I was beta chi, never got high. Oh, I was a sorry guy. And now, a smile, a face, a girl that shares my name. Now I'm through with the game, this boy will never be the same." Charlotte continued and then she kissed the top of his head, seeing him breathing evenly and saw that he was becoming himself again.


               

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    nichloas michael stonem//seventeen//human


    Nico swallowed thickly as her heard Charlotte begin to sing. At first, he hadn't recognized her. But then he heard her soothing voice and his screaming faltered. His breathing slowed as he looked up at Charlotte with heavy-lidded eyes. His jaw became slack as he stared up at her while she sang. In the light of dawn, she looked like she had a halo. She was his angel. He never dared call her that, though.

    Once his eyes were no longer cloudy with fear, Nico reached up and combed his fingers through Charlotte's golden tendrils. Her curls were smooth and glossy. Looking at her now, he knew that she looked plenty alive. She wasn't dead. She was okay.

    Groaning, Nico brought his hand back down and sat up. There was a sheen of sweat on his forehead and his throat was raw from the screaming. He was only wearing sweatpants, so you could see his muscular chest covered in sweat.

    "Sorry, Lottie. I hope I didn't hurt you." The male looked down at his hands; the ones that had been swinging at the air. He wouldn't be able to forgive himself if he had hurt her.

    Without turning to look at her, he told her, "Thanks for bringing me back. I now know its not the end of the world."

    For a moment, Nico stared vacantly at the wall; remembering his nightmare. Charlotte had seemed so real. She had really seemed dead. He still wasn't sure what to make of it.

    Running a hand through his dirty blond hair, Nico stood and walked toward the window. He then stared up at the sky. The sun was rising over the horizon; turning the sky a bright orange with a blush of purple and golden.

    "I should probably head home." He said in a low, deep voice.

    School started in a few hours and he needed to get ready. Lucky for him, he lived right next door. The windows to their bedrooms faced each other. There was also a tree in the middle which Nico used to travel between bedrooms without anyone noticing.

    The Stonem family had moved next door shortly after the death of his father. That's when he met Charlotte. They had been just children, seven years of age, but had stayed friends for years after that. And he hoped for the rest of their lives.

    He hoped for more, though. He wanted to be lovers, not friends. Charlotte always knew the right thing to say, always knew how to calm him down and keep him out of trouble. He liked to think of himself as her protector, but in reality... She was his.



    //i'm listening to hostage by billie eilish and i love it to this scene//


    Charlotte Lynn Winter ☾

    The blonde beauty smiled softly as his hand went to her curls, her eyes shimmering. She leaned into his touch with a soft sigh. She watched at he sat up and stared at his hands. She opened her mouth to speak but he spoke first. She blinked at his words and she pulled one of her legs to her chest. She looked up at her Nico, her gaze soft. She was like a porcelain doll. She was sensitive and very breakable. And Nico knew this. That was why he protected her so fiercely. She watched as he spoke again, this time staring vacantly at the wall. She crawled over to be beside him, laying her head on his shoulder. She stared out the window at his bedroom and inhaled deeply. As he stood, she sat up and watched him. He spoke of going back home and she felt her heart wrench. She reached out to him while his back was turned to her but she retracted her hands slowly. Her eyes became swallowed with sadness and she moved to hug herself. "Stay." Charlotte's mouse-like voice broke the silence as she reached out for her dear friend. She looked up at him, clearly needing him to stay by her side. She wasn't sure why but her anxiety was already so terrible today. So much so, it nearly brought her to tears just to think. She whimpered and tugged at his arm, pulling him back down onto the bed with her. She wrapped her arms around his torso as she leaned against him. "What was the nightmare about, Nico?" Charlotte whispered softly, her voice calming and warm. She looked up at him, her blue eyes shimmering.


    -- sorry by halsey is perfect for charlotte

               

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    nicholas michael stonem//seventeen//human


    Nico, even though he was pulled back onto the bed, continued to stare out of the window. He knew that she wanted him to stay, so he would. It was still early and they had time before class started. It was the last day of school before winter break began.

    It was already freezing cold in Nevada, though it hadn't snowed in the past couple of days. Lucky for him. He hated driving in the snow or rain. He was always afraid of wrecking. Especially because he drove Charlotte to school and he would hate for her to get hurt. Or worse.

    He was too busy thinking about the weather that he hadn't realized Charlotte was speaking to him. "What? Oh, right."

    He then groaned when he realized what she had asked. She always asked about the nightmares, but he never told her. She was too fragile and he didn't want her having to bear his troubles.

    They'd been awake for fifteen minutes and she was already asking question she knew she wouldn't get the answer to.

    "I don't want to talk about it." He said in a serious tone.

    Turning to look at her, finally, he noticed the tears in her eyes. "Charlotte..."

    Reaching forward, he ran a hand through her blonde curls again. She had the perfect hair. It was long with a smooth, glossy texture.

    "Are you alright?" He already knew the answer, of course. He still felt the need to ask, though.


    //now listening to all we do by oh wonder like yes please//



    Charlotte Lynn Winter ☾

    Charlotte frowned when Nico said he didn't want to talk about the nightmare but she decided not to pry. The last thing she needed was for them to have an argument. She curled up at his side, hugging his arm, She heard his words and she closed her eyes, letting the silent tears roll down her cheek. She inhaled shakily and pulled her sleeves to cover her palms, a sign that her anxiety was really bad. She buried her face in his shoulder and felt her heart wrench. She wasn't sure why but she didn't want to leave this room. She wanted to stay here with Nico forever. She exhaled shakily as more silent tears rolled down her cheeks. She had a gut feeling that something was going to change their lives, forever. She didn't want that to happen. She curled up beside him, her petite body so small compared to his muscular one. She sighed, pressing her cheek to his shoulder. She sniffled and looked up at him, a soft smile on her lips. It was obvious she was trying to pretend she was okay. "Just my anxiety. It's really bad today. I don't want to leave the room." Charlotte whispered as she hugged his arm closer to her. She looked out the window, knowing it was cold on the other side of that glass. She loved the winter and the snow. But she also loved summer and the sunshine. She couldn't decided which she liked more. Charlotte inhaled shakily and moved to hold her stomach with one hand. One thing Nico always got mad at her about, was her self harm. She cut herself sometimes when the anxiety got to be too much, same with her depression. She would even starve herself sometimes. She hadn't eaten in two days and her stomach roared for food. She whimpered, knowing she had been caught. She hid in Nico's shoulder, hoping he wouldn't be too mad at her.


               

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    nicholas michael stonem//seventeen//human


    Nico glanced around Charlotte's room while she spoke. It was covered in cutesy decorations and polaroid pictures of the two of them. Though there was also some of her and Lukas, which he despised. He never thought that jock was good enough for her.

    Charlotte was very friendly, but she was close to very few people. He wished she'd make more friends, but at the same time, he didn't want to share her. Especially with Lukas. The guy was just no good.

    When he felt Charlotte hug his arm and lay her cheek on his shoulder, he wrapped a protective arm around her. Then she told him that her anxiety had been bad and he frowned. Both of them related to each other because, even thought they were surrounded by people, they felt completely alone sometimes. So he understood how she felt.

    Then her stomach growled and he knew that she hadn't eaten in a couple of days.

    With a sad smile, Nico leaned forward and planted a dry kiss on Charlotte's cheek. It was just him being friendly, nothing more. But then he pulled away and saw how close their lips were in that moment. For a second there, he planned to lean forward and actually kiss her. But then he thought better of it, shook his head, and backed away.

    "Lets get out of here." Nico said; taking Charlotte's hand in his. He then headed for the window.

    Reaching out, he grabbed a tree branch, he climbed onto the oak tree and stood; reaching out for Charlotte's hand.

    "Don't worry. I've got you." He assured her; his hand outstretched for hers.

    When she hesitated, he added, "I know you don't want to leave this room, but you've got to eat something. I figured we could grab a bite at Tony's."

    Tony's was kind of their place. They personally knew the owner and he always gave them a discount. It was their safe place and it was only a couple blocks away from their houses.



    Charlotte Lynn Winter ☾

    When her stomach growled, she expected him to be furious. He usually did get angry when she had been starving herself but today, he was calm. He even kissed her cheek. After he kissed her cheek, she looked up at him and they both noticed how close their lips were. Her eyes darted to his lips and back up to his eyes as her cheeks burned a bright red. She gulped and her heart began to pound against her chest. But then he stood and the moment was gone. She exhaled shakily, feeling as if she had come crashing back to reality. She blinked. Why had she just wanted him to kiss her? She was with Lukas. She shouldn't be thinking about kissing anyone but Lukas. Then again, she hadn't even had her first kiss yet. Charlotte looked up at her best friend as he grabbed her hand and led her to her bedroom window. She whimpered and watched him climb out onto the tree. She saw him reach out and her blue eyes shimmered with innocence. She bit her bottom lip, obviously nervous about going to the outside world. She then realized he was shirtless and had no shoes on. She giggled softly. He must be freezing. She ran over to her closet and grabbed one of his shirts that she often stole and a pair of his converse he had left over the week before. She shoved them into a bag and put the bag over her shoulders. She climbed out the window and grabbed his hand. She gasped and pulled herself to him, clinging to him. She was afraid of heights, even just from a tree. As children, Nico was always the more adventurous one. He would do the risky things while Charlotte watched from the ground below, praying he wouldn't get hurt. She watched him climb down, ready to catch her if she fell. She whimpered and tossed her bag down to him, motioning for him to open it. While he put on a shirt and shoes, she slowly climbed down. Once she was safe on the ground, she let out a small laugh. She then grabbed Nico's hand with a wide grin and took off running toward Tony's.


    -- I figured they could run into Lukas there and there would be trouble muahahaha


               

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    nicholas michael stonem//seventeen//human


    Nico was usually furious with her for not eating, but her anxiety was already so high. He thought it was better to be gentle with her than to be forceful.

    He hadn't thought his plan through, he realized as he stepped outside, but he didn't mind. He would go to Tony's shirtless and barefoot in the below freezing weather. But then Charlotte, being the pure girl she was, thought about his well being and grabbed him some clothes.

    There was innocence sparkling in her eyes, one that he felt the need to protect. He watched it the whole time she made her way down the tree. He was prepared to catch her if she fell, but she didn't seem to need it.

    Once she was down, she ran for it. Shaking his head, Nico followed after her. He laughed as he chased her down the street at around 7:00 AM. He had a rather loud laugh, one of those obnoxiously contagious ones. He hated it which is why he didn't laugh often.

    Once he caught up to her, he slowed his pace and they began to walk. At this point, they were almost to Tony's.

    As they walked, he passed by a bed of pink peonies. Reaching down, Nico plucked one and placed it behind Charlotte's ear.

    Once they reached Tony's, Nico opened the door for her and led her inside. They took a booth in the back, next to a window that overlooked the front.

    A waitress named Myrtle approached at a languid pace, taking her time. Once she reached them, she asked about beverages. Nico ordered a latte and then let Charlotte order.

    Once they were alone again, Nico crossed his arms and leaned back into his seat.

    "What am I going to do with you?" He teased before scratching at his head in a thoughtful manner.

    "I'm going to order you everything on the kid's menu and you're going to eat it." He said with a laugh that he meant to be quiet, but it came out loud as always.


    Charlotte Lynn Winter ☾

    The innocent girl let out a squeal as her best friend ran after her, laughing. She adored his laugh and she wished she heard it more often. Once he caught up, she slowed herself down to a walk and she panted softly, a playful gleam in her blue eyes. She giggled and looked at him, her demeanor changed now that Nico had a plan to cheer her up and get her out of her own head. As they walked, she blinked as Nico stopped and grabbed a flower. He placed it behind her ear and she blushed brightly, looking at her feet coyly. She looked up at him, her empty back pack slung over her shoulders. She had just used it to carry his clothes but now it was empty. She wasn't sure what she would use it for, but she'd find something. As they approached Tony's, she hummed. Her arms were outstretched to her sides, balancing her as she walked on an invisible tight rope. She hummed as she walked carefully, knowing her clumsiness would be the ruin of this little game. She stuck out her tongue in concentration and then smiled triumphantly as she reached the end of the invisible tightrope. She looked up at Nico, a beaming smile on her face. The two had arrived at Tony's and he opened the door for her. She blushed and slipped inside and into a booth. She looked around curiously, even though it always looked the same every time. She looked up at the waitress as she approached and smiled warmly at the woman. She ordered a chocolate milk, with a please and thank you. Charlotte then turned her blue gaze to her best friend as he asked what he was going to do with her. She blushed and then her lips formed a pout as she tried to look angry and ferocious. Didn't exactly work in her favor. She did look adorable, though. She then scoffed at his words and tossed a creamer packet at him with a playful sneer. "I can't eat all of that, silly goose! I'll take one kids meal. Maybe two." Charlotte added with a giggle as she leaned forward.


    Then, suddenly, the football boys came through the diner. They were hooting and hollering and making a bunch of noise, which obviously annoyed everyone in the diner at that time. Lukas saw Nico and their gazes met before he saw Charlotte. A smirk lifted onto his lips as he approached his girl. She slid into the booth beside her and the panic was clear in Charlotte's face. She didn't want to be touched by anyone but Nico right now. Lukas greeted his girlfriend and then noticed the flower. He picked it out of her hair, making her eyes well with tears. He wrapped an arm around his girlfriend and squeezed her to him, which made her squeak in pain. She tried to pry herself out of his arms but Lukas held her there. Lukas then looked across as Nico, obnoxiously chewing his gum. Lukas glared daggers at Nico and smiled deviously. "Hiya, Nicolas. Why aren't yall getting ready for school? It's the last day before winter break." Lukas chuckled. Charlotte tried to push his arm off but his grip tightened, causing her to whimper, a tear rolling down her cheek.


    -- you can powerplay lukas anytime btw


               

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    nicholas michael stonem//seventeen//human


    Nico glanced over the menu while waiting for the waitress, even though he knew it all by heart. It was Friday, which meant their lunch special was their chicken fingers. Which was great because their chicken fingers were mad good. Because of this, Friday was naturally a day of joy.

    When Charlotte spoke about not being able to eat more than two kids meals, he scoffed and said, "Well I'm starving."

    Just then, the waitress came up and took their orders. Nico ordered two plates of chicken fingers, one for each of them, and a side salad for himself. Even though it was just wilted green lettuce and shredded carrot, he still loved it. Especially with spicy ranch.

    Once they had ordered, he heard a commotion coming from a group of jocks entering the diner. It made Nico roll his eyes and sip at his latte; trying his best to ignore them. But then Lukas, Charlotte's boyfriend, slid into the booth next to her and started touching her. Which was bad news considering she didn't want to be touched, especially by him, right now.

    "Don't touch her." Nico said abruptly; his heated gaze stuck on Lukas. The male had a dark side that he normally kept hidden, but this guy always got it to come out somehow. He could feel the darkness seeping through.

    Lukas chuckled, as if this was a funny joke. "What did you say?"

    "Can't you tell she doesn't want you to touch her?" Every second he kept his hands on her, his fists clenched even harder. He was sitting in a rigid manner; staring at a tear that was trailing down Charlotte's cheek.

    "You want me to touch you. Don't you, baby?" Lukas said menacingly; grabbing a fistful of her hair and forcing her to look at him.

    Slamming his fists on the table, Nico stood and grabbed Lukas' shirt; pulling him over the table. Their faces were an inch apart and he was practically growling.

    Before any punches could be thrown, a man walked up to them saying, "Hey, hey, hey. No fighting in my diner."

    Tony stood in all of his glory. And by glory he meant a muscular, tanned man with a buzz cut and an assortment of rings on his fingers. He worked out every other day and did yoga every morning so he could stay fit. And though he owned a restaurant, he really wanted to be an artist.

    Nico, ever so slowly, let go of Lukas' shirt. He then sat back down in his seat; his gaze lowered, as if ashamed.

    Lukas huffed and turned to Charlotte. "I'll see you in first period." With that, he went back to the other jocks.

    He really was no good for her. He didn't love her or even care about her. Not like Nico did.

    Tony crossed his arms and shook his head. "You trying to start trouble, kid? What would I tell your mother if you came home with a black eye?"

    Nico opened his clenched fists and stared down at the bloody crescent moon shapes on his palms. "I thought you didn't talk to mom anymore."

    Most people didn't know this, but Tony was Nico's ex step-dad. Tony always said he met his mom at the wrong time and that's why it didn't work out. Tony and Lori met shortly after the death of his father, Mike. She was still trying to cope and she thought the best way was to become a serial romantic. She went through men like she went through outfits. Tony fell in love with her, but she shut it down quickly. Then she turned up pregnant with his child; Nico's younger sister, Cassie. Tony then proposed and they were married for a couple of years. But there was endless fighting because his mother was paranoid and didn't feel like she could love again. So Tony became a drunk and his mom kicked him out. After the divorce, Tony tried his best to get his life together. He opened up a restaurant and hasn't touch a drop of rum in years. Nico knows that he misses his family and, honestly, Nico missed him too. But he figured his mom would never take Tony back. He was still nice to him, though. Treating him like his own kid.

    "We talk." Tony said slowly, as if unsure himself. He probably only talked to her so he could visit his daughter.

    Realizing he was being insensitive, he said, "Sorry, Tony. We can leave if you need us too."

    He didn't want to leave, he really wanted those chicken fingers, but he understood if they needed to.

    Tony simply laughed dramatically and wiped at an invisible tear. "Oh, kid. I'd never kick you out. Either of you. You're both my favorite customers. Regulars, even."

    Leaning forward, he made a point to loudly whisper, "Besides, I saw how that guy was treating my dear Lottie. I don't blame ya, kid."

    Looking to Charlotte now, he smiled warmly and said to both of them, '"If either of you are ever in trouble, or need a place to stay, come find me. I'll always watch out for you kids."

    With a final smile, he walked back behind the counter.

    Nico couldn't help but smile after him. He was a pretty good guy. He had turned over a new leaf. He was proof that anyone could change.


    //wow sorry the muse really hit me xD

    also i love tony like what a swell guy. he's so wholesome <3//



    Charlotte Lynn Winter ☾

    Charlotte flinched as Nico's aggression came out in his words. Her eyes met his as a few more silent tears rolled down her cheeks. She shakily exhaled, her face beautiful even though her eyes were wide with fear. She was pleading for Nico to help her but then, Lukas grabbed her hair. She let out a startled squeak and looked at her boyfriend, her lower lips quivering. She cried out as Nico yanked Lukas from her and she curled into the corner of the booth, hugging her knees to her chest. She held her hands over her ears as she cried, softly begging for them to stop. She then looked up with teary eyes as Tony broke up the fight between them. She shakily exhaled, her breathing uneven. She felt the panic rising in her body and she knew a panic attack was coming. She hated violence, it terrified her when people were angry around her or at her. Raising her voice was never a thing. She only ever raised her voice in excitement, never in anger. Charlotte watched as Lukas walked away, her body shaking. She tuned out Tony and Nico's conversation, her blue eyes looking over at her boyfriend. He was joking with the other jocks and one of them said, "Why are you even with that basketcase?" The young girl felt her heart stop as Lukas laughed with him. Then their gazes met and he smirked over at her. With that, Charlotte grabbed her bag and sprinted out the diner door. The jocks erupted into laughter, calling her crazy as she went. She sprinted down the road, the wind hitting her face harshly as she sobbed. She felt her legs give out from being so weak and she fell to the ground. She whimpered and let herself fall onto the frozen ground, curling up on the side of the road. She sniffled and let the tears race down her cheeks. She knew Nico would chase after her but she knew how badly he wanted those chicken fingers, she really wished he wouldn't. She sniffled as she sat up, brushing her blonde locks over her shoulder. She was covered in dirt and didn't seem in the condition to go to school. She wanted to disappear, forever. She hugged her knees to her chest as she looked to the side, seeing Nico approaching. She sniffled and shivered. "The football guys called me crazy and a basketcase and all Lukas did was laugh." Charlotte whispered as she looked up at her best friend. She whimpered, her heart hurting.


               

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    nicholas michael stonem//seventeen//human


    Just before anything happened, Nico's chicken fingers had arrived. He popped three into his mouth and chewed happily. But then he noticed how his best friend was acting weird.

    "Dude, you okay?" He raised an eyebrow at her behavior.

    When Charlotte stood and ran out of the diner, Nico sat still in his seat for a moment; almost frozen. He was trying to figure out why she had done this, but then he heard the jocks laughing and he knew.

    Standing himself, Nico slapped some cash onto the table and ran after her. She stopped, fell really, at the edge of the road. It was the interstate and he didn't want her to get too close.

    Falling to his knees beside her, he held her face in his hands and brought the top of her head to his lips.

    "Ignore them. Lukas is the smartest jock which is kind of like being the tallest dwarf. He's a gas station attendant waiting to happen." He tried to laugh convincingly, just to cheer her up, but it was no use today.

    He felt like shit for getting violent in front of her. He knew it only worsened her anxiety.

    "You can do better than him." He told her as he gently moved her head to face him.

    He wanted to add that he was better, that he always had been, but he didn't dare.

    Grabbing her arm, he helped her stand and said, "Let's get you back home. You can shower and I'll put a change of clothes in the dryer so they're warm whenever you get out."


    Charlotte Lynn Winter ☾

    The blonde beauty sniffled and exhaled shakily as her friend held her face in his hands and kissed the top of his head. She giggled softly at his words and gently brushed away the tears from her cheeks. When she moved to face him, she sighed and her eyes met his gaze. Hearing his words, she smiled softly. He may think that, but she didn't. She didn't think she deserved any kind of love and felt like anyone who showed her love was a fool. She felt like she deserved what Lukas had done to her. It was his brainwashing and her insecurities combined. She sniffled as he grabbed her arm and helped her stand. She whimpered softly and her legs wobbled from not having enough nutrition. When she ate, she ate very little. Her last full meal was weeks ago. She wrapped her arms around his neck, knowing he'd have to carry her. She sniffled and let him pick her up bridal style. She laid her head against his chest and hummed softly, her soft voice seeming to drown out her own thoughts. She didn't focus on much, just the fuzz that was on Nico's shirt. She hummed. He was warm, he always had been. She lifted her head a bit, not looking up but not so tucked into herself either. Her fingers tangled in his short locks and she twirled her fingers around the small locks, indicating that she was tired. Her anxiety wore her out, it had been that way since she got sick. "Can we skip school today? I just wanna lay in bed and watch movies with you." Charlotte added with a yawn. She hummed with content, her eyes slowly closing.


    By the time they got to her home, she was asleep in his arms. She muttered something in her sleep. As they walked inside, her father saw Nico carrying her. He saw the dirt and the mud and the tear stains on her cheeks. He stood and walked over to the two best friends. Her father gave a worried gaze to his daughter's sleeping state. He inhaled deeply and looked at Nico, a small thankful smile on his face. "You kids can skip school today. Let her rest and then make sure she takes her meds, please. Once she's feeling better, please let me know what happened." Her father spoke calmly and then nodded. "Thank you, Nico. For always taking care of her." Her father said and then walked back to where he had been sitting. Charlotte mumbled as they headed back to her room and she slowly opened her eyes, not fully awake but not fully asleep.


               

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    nicholas michael stonem//seventeen//human


    As Nico carried Charlotte back to her house, he passed by a few shops. One of them was a flower shop that his mother frequented often. She'd buy daffodils, his dad's favorite, and set them by his grave.

    A girl walked out of the shop with a bundle of violets and baby's breath. She had platinum blonde curls that bounced with every step. Her feline-like blue eyes looked right past him as she exited the small store. He felt like he knew her, but he wasn't sure from where.

    "Hey." He called out, trying to get her attention. Even though she must have heard him, she continued to walk. As she turned the corner, he thought about going after her. For some reason, he felt this pull towards her. But he was carrying Charlotte and he needed to get her back home.

    Once they were home, he noticed that she was sound asleep. Having an attack must have worn her out.

    Sometimes, when he was staying the night, he would stare out of the window at night. He'd be waiting for a shooting star. He wanted to wish her illness away so that she didn't have to be so, well, anxious.

    He understood that it didn't work that way with any mental illness. Not even his own. You couldn't just wish away your anxiety, depression, or any others.

    They never truly left you. Instead, you grow stronger and learn to live with it. You don't let it hold you back from enjoying everyday life.

    Charlotte just needed to learn to fight her demons and Nico planned to help her the best he could. But, in the end, it was her battle to fight.

    After her father told him of his gratitude, he smiled back and carried his best friend upstairs. Carefully setting her on the bed, he went over to the tv and turned on Netflix. He put on The Breakfast Club, a favorite of his.

    Glancing around her room, he realized that he spent most of his free time there. While she slept, he would listen to music and be alone in his thoughts. Sometimes they got bad, but he was able to fight off the darkness. Even though it was like a blackhole; sucking in every good thought and destroying it.

    He was sitting on the edge of the bed; pretending to watch the movie. Normally, he would have curled up next to Charlotte. But he was still furious with Lukas for treating his girlfriend that way. He didn't understand why she stayed with him. Did she truly not realize that she deserved better than that?

    Placing his head in his hands, he let out a small sigh and became lost in thought.




    Charlotte Lynn Winter ☾

    Charlotte woke from her small nap. Her eyes fluttered open and she looked up to see Nico. She saw his head in his hands and she frowned. She pushed herself to sit up, wrapping her arms around his body. She wasn't sure what was wrong but she wanted to make it go away. She pulled from the hug, her blue gaze meeting his as their lips were inches apart. She blinked, her eyes shimmering with innocence. She gently ran her hands through his hair, watching him carefully. "What is it?" She asked in a gentle voice, her breaths soft. She moved to sit beside him, her blonde curls bouncing. She smiled her warm smile, the smile that melted the coldest of hearts.


    -- sorry my muse died out of nowhere


               

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    nicholas michael stonem//seventeen//human


    Nico raised his head from his hands when he felt Charlotte's arms wrap around his waist. He was instantly pulled from his dark thoughts and faced with her vibrant smile. He couldn't help but smile back.

    "Nothing." He lied. he didn't normally talk about his feelings. Instead, he let it all bottle up inside until he exploded.

    Taking out his phone, he played the song The Good Side by Troye Sivan. He then set his phone aside and looked back at Charlotte.

    He knew everything about her. He knew how to be a good friend to her.

    He knew to text her back right away instead of waiting hours to respond. This way, she didn't have time to overthink. Overthinking kills a person's confidence. He also made sure she was never unloved. He always said good morning and good night. He also offered multiple random compliments. He never poked fun at her illness. He made sure he always heard her out and make it clear that he's always by her side. He knew that she often asked the same question ten times, just to make sure. She also said sorry at least three times a day and he would always promise that it was okay. He often ordered food for her once he memorized her favorite foods just so she didn't have to talk to strangers. He'd sometimes even make phone calls for her, like when she needed to schedule a doctor's appointment. He'd repeat the same directions three times, but end up just going with her. He texted as soon as he left somewhere so that she knew he was alright. He would hold her sweaty palms during an attack and reassure her. He was used to her constantly changing her mind and he would be patient with her. He was always early and never late. When she was nervous over seemingly simple tasks, he'd hold her until she calmed down.

    He knew her better than anyone. Including herself. They were the perfect match/ She just needed to see it. He hoped that one day she would.

    In return, she helped him with his depression. The demons that whispered in his ears that he was unloved, worthless, not good enough. She would sing to him and drown out the voices.

    "You should shower and change." He said; picking a leaf out of her hair.