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Realistic or Modern hollywood arts: main (open!!)
geminiy
v tired
Charlie eagerly awaited Lin’s response, the straw to her slushie laying gently between her teeth. She wasn’t surprised by his answer, which he had stated was ‘obvious’, but that didn’t stop Charlie’s nose from scrunching up as she dropped the slushie from her lips.
“Oh gross. I mean, I’m not shocked, but ewwww.” Charlie giggled, leaning back into the tree behind her, legs outstretched. “I have to disagree. Mono all the way.”
Tilting her head back so that the fading rays of sunshine were on her skin, Charlie closed her eyes as she listened to Lin talk. Ah yes, mononucleosis. Perfect first date conversation, obviously. As odd as the conversation was, it was sort of a staple of their friendship. How often did they ever sit down and have a genuinely serious conversation that didn’t turn the heads of eavesdroppers? It was a sort of beacon to help keep the incessant worry at bay.
Charlie would be lying through her teeth if she wasn’t terrified of everything changing. All aspects of their friendship would inevitably change with time. There was too much out in the open, too many secrets softly spoken to pretend that nothing was said. Suppose the clock struck midnight. What would happen then? Would they pretend nothing happened? Would everything go back to normal with repressed feelings and failed attempts to move beyond them? Would they feel pressured to be some sort of couple to appease people? And if they truly did end up getting along as a couple, how would things change then?
Sighing heavily, Charlie focused back onto Lin’s words as her face was still turned towards the setting sun. She needed to stop overthinking everything.
“Cultured mouth, for sure. Assuming you’re talking about bacterial culture, that is.” Charlie answered with a calm certainty, a soft smile on her lips as the cooling evening breeze nipped at her cheeks. “The mouth has like two hundred different bacteria in it at all times. They’re important in the beginning stages of chemical digestion since they help break down compounds in food. So, technically, I already have a cultured mouth. So do you. Besides, a vomit dress is very 2010 Lady Gaga and absolutely disgusting.”
Charlie fell silent again, her eyes still shut as she took in the sounds of the fair, grounding herself with the feeling of the tree behind her back and the wind on her skin. After a moment, Charlie opened her eyes and looked to Lin with a grin on her face.
“You know, I didn’t actually expect to have fun on this whole blind date thing. Like I almost made plans for this evening with some friends because I figured I was gonna get ditched or absolutely despise this date.” Charlie laughed, pulling her knees up towards her chest. “So to say things are going a whole lot better than expected would be an understatement. See, normally this is the part where the girl’s supposed to be all ‘omg thank you for the great date you absolute hunk’ or some shit but I don’t think you’ve earned the thank you or whatever. We still have like six rides to ride before the bonfire starts and you have a confession to give.”
Standing up from her spot leaning against the tree, Charlie downed the last bit of her slushie before sinking the empty cup into a nearby trash can. Turning to Lin, Charlie triumphantly placed her hands on her hips and nodded to one of the nearby rides as a mischievous grin tugged at her lips.
“Race ya there, slowpoke! You can rehearse your confession while you’re eatin’ my dust!”
The sun had finished setting by the time they were through all the rides, the sun had set beyond the treeline and skyscrapers in the distance, the only light at the fair coming from the dazzling lights of the fair twinkling from the booths and attractions. Somewhere at the edge of the fair, plumes of smoke were curling into the night sky from the newly lit bonfire.
After stepping off the platform of the final ride, Charlie checked the time on her phone. 10:45pm. How the hell was there still over an hour until midnight? Groaning dramatically, Charlie shoved her phone into her back pocket before grabbing Lin’s hand, tugging him gently along as she walked backwards in front of him.
“Okay, last stop of the evening: we gotta go to the bonfire. I don’t know why but it is honestly my favourite part of the fair.” Charlie chirped as she repositioned herself by Lin’s side, one of her hands in his while the other clinged to George the Rastabanana. “My first year here, I accidentally singed the ends of my hair right off because I got too close to the fire. I had this really weird bob cut for like a year after that. Extensions are true saviours because oh boy, I looked like a Karen. My poor hair.”
Heading outside the fair limits and back to the gardens where they had met up earlier, Charlie couldn’t help but pick up her pace. Reaching the log benches surrounding the fire, Charlie dropped her bag down onto the seat and placed George down as well. Looking up at the fire, Charlie counted the logs inside of it. Eyebrows furrowing together, she crossed her arms over her chest.
“Why do they always feel the need to make this thing taller than me? There should be some sort of rule. No fires taller than Charlie Howell.” Charlie joked as she walked over to the table with the fixings for s’mores. Pushing a marshmallow onto the end of one of the sticks, she went back over to their seat at the bonfire and began to roast it. Squishing together the s’more, she held it up and made a ‘cheers’ motion to Lin’s. “Bon appetit!”
“Oh gross. I mean, I’m not shocked, but ewwww.” Charlie giggled, leaning back into the tree behind her, legs outstretched. “I have to disagree. Mono all the way.”
Tilting her head back so that the fading rays of sunshine were on her skin, Charlie closed her eyes as she listened to Lin talk. Ah yes, mononucleosis. Perfect first date conversation, obviously. As odd as the conversation was, it was sort of a staple of their friendship. How often did they ever sit down and have a genuinely serious conversation that didn’t turn the heads of eavesdroppers? It was a sort of beacon to help keep the incessant worry at bay.
Charlie would be lying through her teeth if she wasn’t terrified of everything changing. All aspects of their friendship would inevitably change with time. There was too much out in the open, too many secrets softly spoken to pretend that nothing was said. Suppose the clock struck midnight. What would happen then? Would they pretend nothing happened? Would everything go back to normal with repressed feelings and failed attempts to move beyond them? Would they feel pressured to be some sort of couple to appease people? And if they truly did end up getting along as a couple, how would things change then?
Sighing heavily, Charlie focused back onto Lin’s words as her face was still turned towards the setting sun. She needed to stop overthinking everything.
“Cultured mouth, for sure. Assuming you’re talking about bacterial culture, that is.” Charlie answered with a calm certainty, a soft smile on her lips as the cooling evening breeze nipped at her cheeks. “The mouth has like two hundred different bacteria in it at all times. They’re important in the beginning stages of chemical digestion since they help break down compounds in food. So, technically, I already have a cultured mouth. So do you. Besides, a vomit dress is very 2010 Lady Gaga and absolutely disgusting.”
Charlie fell silent again, her eyes still shut as she took in the sounds of the fair, grounding herself with the feeling of the tree behind her back and the wind on her skin. After a moment, Charlie opened her eyes and looked to Lin with a grin on her face.
“You know, I didn’t actually expect to have fun on this whole blind date thing. Like I almost made plans for this evening with some friends because I figured I was gonna get ditched or absolutely despise this date.” Charlie laughed, pulling her knees up towards her chest. “So to say things are going a whole lot better than expected would be an understatement. See, normally this is the part where the girl’s supposed to be all ‘omg thank you for the great date you absolute hunk’ or some shit but I don’t think you’ve earned the thank you or whatever. We still have like six rides to ride before the bonfire starts and you have a confession to give.”
Standing up from her spot leaning against the tree, Charlie downed the last bit of her slushie before sinking the empty cup into a nearby trash can. Turning to Lin, Charlie triumphantly placed her hands on her hips and nodded to one of the nearby rides as a mischievous grin tugged at her lips.
“Race ya there, slowpoke! You can rehearse your confession while you’re eatin’ my dust!”
✩══════════════════✩
The sun had finished setting by the time they were through all the rides, the sun had set beyond the treeline and skyscrapers in the distance, the only light at the fair coming from the dazzling lights of the fair twinkling from the booths and attractions. Somewhere at the edge of the fair, plumes of smoke were curling into the night sky from the newly lit bonfire.
After stepping off the platform of the final ride, Charlie checked the time on her phone. 10:45pm. How the hell was there still over an hour until midnight? Groaning dramatically, Charlie shoved her phone into her back pocket before grabbing Lin’s hand, tugging him gently along as she walked backwards in front of him.
“Okay, last stop of the evening: we gotta go to the bonfire. I don’t know why but it is honestly my favourite part of the fair.” Charlie chirped as she repositioned herself by Lin’s side, one of her hands in his while the other clinged to George the Rastabanana. “My first year here, I accidentally singed the ends of my hair right off because I got too close to the fire. I had this really weird bob cut for like a year after that. Extensions are true saviours because oh boy, I looked like a Karen. My poor hair.”
Heading outside the fair limits and back to the gardens where they had met up earlier, Charlie couldn’t help but pick up her pace. Reaching the log benches surrounding the fire, Charlie dropped her bag down onto the seat and placed George down as well. Looking up at the fire, Charlie counted the logs inside of it. Eyebrows furrowing together, she crossed her arms over her chest.
“Why do they always feel the need to make this thing taller than me? There should be some sort of rule. No fires taller than Charlie Howell.” Charlie joked as she walked over to the table with the fixings for s’mores. Pushing a marshmallow onto the end of one of the sticks, she went back over to their seat at the bonfire and began to roast it. Squishing together the s’more, she held it up and made a ‘cheers’ motion to Lin’s. “Bon appetit!”
coded by natasha.
geminiy
v tired
“Wow. That guy fucking sucks.”
Eli’s hand slapped over his mouth in an attempt to stop the words that had already slipped from his lips. He was not one to insult someone, nor was it characteristic of him to swear while doing so. Typically, Eli would have felt bad about the whole ordeal, trying to look for positivity within the bad to cheer Jan up. But there was nothing he could think to say or do that would express how absolutely pissed off he was that someone would do something as horrible as that to someone as amazing as Jan.
“I’m…” Eli stopped himself again. He was going to apologize on pure instinct, trying to smooth things over. But why should he? Someone who acted like that did not deserve an apology, especially not if he hadn’t tried to smooth things over with Jan. “You know what? I’m not sorry for saying that. He really does seem like a complete jerk. I can’t believe he’d do that to you.”
Before Eli could say anything else, Jan was joking about giving back his jacket and closing her eyes so that she wouldn’t see Eli leaving her. Then she was ACTUALLY closing her eyes, causing Eli’s stomach to sink. He was angry. It took a lot to make Elias Johannes angry, the short fuse of the twins went to Genevieve. But, for the first time in a very long time, Eli was genuinely angry.
He wasn’t angry at Jan, she hadn’t done a thing wrong to make him mad. No, he was furious at a person he had never and likely would never meet. Mad at Jan’s ex, mad at the person who broke up with her for him, mad at the so-called “friends” that hadn’t bothered to speak to her after she left for Hollywood Arts. How did someone so good end up with so many awful people in her life? Was it the luck of the draw, or the lack thereof? Was it the type of fate that was supposed to make her into a stronger person? There was no valid reason for something so awful to happen to Jan.
And there she was with her eyes closed, as if she had been abandoned at the first sight of ‘imperfection’ before. That was the only possible reason that she was doing what she was. She was used to people leaving whenever she was open with them. It broke Eli’s heart that someone would do that to another person, especially someone as good as Jan.
Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately (he wasn’t entirely sure), Eli had zero intention of leaving. Instead, Eli scooted to the edge of the table and gently took Jan by the shoulders, guiding her into his chest as he wrapped her arms around Jan’s torso, his chin resting on the top of her head. If there was one thing Eli was known for, it was his amazing hugs.
“Well shucks. Here I was thinking you were some spy or something.” Eli joked softly, one of his hands pulling some of Jan’s hair away from the side of her face with a gentle swoop. “Thank you for telling me, I really appreciate that you trust me enough to tell me a sensitive part of your history. I would be lying if I said I knew what to say in response to all of that so I shall simply say that your past doesn’t define you. It sounds to me like you got the short end of every stick and got put in with a bad group of people. I find it difficult to understand why anyone would do something like that to another person but I can’t say that it isn’t believable. People are so cruel sometimes.”
Releasing Jan from his embrace, Eli scooted backwards a bit more onto the tabletop to give Jan some space.
“I am so incredibly sorry that happened to you Jan.” Elias said after a moment of quiet, offering a gentle smile down to the girl.
“Sometimes I try to figure out why people do the things they do. I always assume there must be a reason why people are so cold and cruel. But some people, some actions, I just can’t understand. That is the part that hurts. I cannot begin to understand why someone would do that to you, how friends can blatantly turn away from each other in a time of need. I wish there was more that I could say that could take away that pain from you, to make it feel better, but there isn’t. However, if it is any consolation, I would like to prove to you that not everyone you meet will hurt you like that.” Eli hopped off the table and held his hand out, nodding to the Ferris wheel towering in the distance. “So, if you would like, why don’t we go ride that Ferris wheel? I remember you said you’d never been on one. Plus, you can see all the cool sights of LA from up there, I can point them out!”
Eli’s hand slapped over his mouth in an attempt to stop the words that had already slipped from his lips. He was not one to insult someone, nor was it characteristic of him to swear while doing so. Typically, Eli would have felt bad about the whole ordeal, trying to look for positivity within the bad to cheer Jan up. But there was nothing he could think to say or do that would express how absolutely pissed off he was that someone would do something as horrible as that to someone as amazing as Jan.
“I’m…” Eli stopped himself again. He was going to apologize on pure instinct, trying to smooth things over. But why should he? Someone who acted like that did not deserve an apology, especially not if he hadn’t tried to smooth things over with Jan. “You know what? I’m not sorry for saying that. He really does seem like a complete jerk. I can’t believe he’d do that to you.”
Before Eli could say anything else, Jan was joking about giving back his jacket and closing her eyes so that she wouldn’t see Eli leaving her. Then she was ACTUALLY closing her eyes, causing Eli’s stomach to sink. He was angry. It took a lot to make Elias Johannes angry, the short fuse of the twins went to Genevieve. But, for the first time in a very long time, Eli was genuinely angry.
He wasn’t angry at Jan, she hadn’t done a thing wrong to make him mad. No, he was furious at a person he had never and likely would never meet. Mad at Jan’s ex, mad at the person who broke up with her for him, mad at the so-called “friends” that hadn’t bothered to speak to her after she left for Hollywood Arts. How did someone so good end up with so many awful people in her life? Was it the luck of the draw, or the lack thereof? Was it the type of fate that was supposed to make her into a stronger person? There was no valid reason for something so awful to happen to Jan.
And there she was with her eyes closed, as if she had been abandoned at the first sight of ‘imperfection’ before. That was the only possible reason that she was doing what she was. She was used to people leaving whenever she was open with them. It broke Eli’s heart that someone would do that to another person, especially someone as good as Jan.
Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately (he wasn’t entirely sure), Eli had zero intention of leaving. Instead, Eli scooted to the edge of the table and gently took Jan by the shoulders, guiding her into his chest as he wrapped her arms around Jan’s torso, his chin resting on the top of her head. If there was one thing Eli was known for, it was his amazing hugs.
“Well shucks. Here I was thinking you were some spy or something.” Eli joked softly, one of his hands pulling some of Jan’s hair away from the side of her face with a gentle swoop. “Thank you for telling me, I really appreciate that you trust me enough to tell me a sensitive part of your history. I would be lying if I said I knew what to say in response to all of that so I shall simply say that your past doesn’t define you. It sounds to me like you got the short end of every stick and got put in with a bad group of people. I find it difficult to understand why anyone would do something like that to another person but I can’t say that it isn’t believable. People are so cruel sometimes.”
Releasing Jan from his embrace, Eli scooted backwards a bit more onto the tabletop to give Jan some space.
“I am so incredibly sorry that happened to you Jan.” Elias said after a moment of quiet, offering a gentle smile down to the girl.
“Sometimes I try to figure out why people do the things they do. I always assume there must be a reason why people are so cold and cruel. But some people, some actions, I just can’t understand. That is the part that hurts. I cannot begin to understand why someone would do that to you, how friends can blatantly turn away from each other in a time of need. I wish there was more that I could say that could take away that pain from you, to make it feel better, but there isn’t. However, if it is any consolation, I would like to prove to you that not everyone you meet will hurt you like that.” Eli hopped off the table and held his hand out, nodding to the Ferris wheel towering in the distance. “So, if you would like, why don’t we go ride that Ferris wheel? I remember you said you’d never been on one. Plus, you can see all the cool sights of LA from up there, I can point them out!”
coded by natasha.
sunshineysoul
queen of bright-moon
code by valen t.
gh0stwriter
Junior Member
code by ditto (head empty go bonk)
sunshineysoul
queen of bright-moon
code by valen t.
geminiy
v tired
Charlie watched as Lin burned his marshmallows to a crispy, charcoaled mess before shoving them between two graham crackers. Although the two tapped their s’mores together in true cheers fashion, Charlie’s nose still remained scrunched as she watched Lin chow down on the gooey mess. Was it still considered marshmallow? Did the extreme heat have any effect on the caloric content? Was it even safe to consume if it was that crispy?
“Hotter? Come on, I’m surprised there was anything left in that thing. Like it is more burnt dust than marshmallow!” Charlie laughed through her look of disgust, biting into her own treat. At the sweet taste on her tongue, Charlie danced around in her seat as her face softened into a gentle smile. “Now this roasted to golden-perfectness is delicious. You should try roasting the marshmallow and not searing it like a steak.”
Silence fell upon the pair, just the sound of the crackling fire and carnival music somewhere in the distance dancing on the night air. The night, as far as Charlie was concerned, was absolutely perfect. She was certain she’d eaten her weight in artery-clogging fair food, her head was still spinning from the countless rides, her throat sore from laughing and joking for hours on end. It was effortless, natural. Truly a date for the record books.
Oh yeah... It was a date. If she was being honest, Charlie forgot about that little tidbit of information. The label didn’t mean anything, right? A hangout by any other name is still a hangout. Just two bros hanging out by a fire, eating s’mores (and whatever the hell that charred mess was that Lin ate), enjoying a wonderful night at a fall fair that they went to every year. Totally normal. No racing hearts or sweaty palms or lumps in throats. Just chill.
But then Lin was moving closer, talking about what Charlie had said earlier about thanking him. Then, his hand was on her’s, his lips smoothly giving her thanks for an amazing date, which Charlie really didn’t understand considering she hadn’t done anything that she wouldn’t have done with him before the whole mystery date debacle. The curtains pulled away, once again revealing the side of Lin that wasn’t all jokes and FWF. Charlie was getting used to seeing him that way and it was a nice change, even though it still felt mildly eerie. But then, beyond it all, there was a glimmer of the sweet taste of victory. It was a confession, right on the tip of his tongue, almost slipping from his lips, retracted as quickly as it had appeared. The moment clearly wasn’t over as they inched closer.
Fuck it. Fuck the bet.
Charlie reached her hand up, her hand delicately resting on the side of Lin’s neck as if she was pulling him closer.
“Round two!”
Lin pulled away, echoing the child’s words as he grabbed his stick and dashed off, leaving Charlie by herself.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Charlie growled to herself, her eyes scanning the crowd for the little bugger that had called out, subsequently slicing through the moment like a hot knife through butter. “Round two my ass. I can’t even get a round one!”
Charlie didn’t protest when Lin suggested going home. The crowds of the fair had begun to dissipate noticeably, the flickering flames bonfire starting to grow duller by the minute. After an entire day of thrills and spills and a rollercoaster of emotions and expectations, Charlie was tired. It took a lot to fatigue the girl, naturally being a ‘go go go’ kind of individual, but keeping a guard up all day long while on a date with someone she had hardly expected to have ever been on a date with in the first place was a new level of exhausting.
Still, she wasn’t losing that damn bet. Charlie Howell was no loser.
“Charming, perhaps. But you’re still not gonna get a confession from me, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Charlie laughed as they exited through the gates. It felt natural as her hand gravitated toward Lin’s, their fingers interlacing as if they had been holding hands forever.
The walk went along like the rest of the night: simply and joyfully with Lin chattering away beside her. When the apartment building finally came into view, a pang of sadness ripped through her stomach. It was over. Their date, although oddly created and thoroughly unexpected, was finally over. Charlie had thought that morning that she would be glad that the stupid blind date was over so that she could collect her prize. How ironic that the ‘prize’ for winning would have just been to spend more time with Lin. Guess she made where she stood on their relationship quite obvious.
Each step felt agonizing as if her shoes were made of lead. Charlie just wanted to stop on the stairs, firmly plant her feet and not move like a child who didn’t want to go home. Sneakily, she checked the time on her phone. 11:52pm. There was no way she was going to make it. At her front door, Charlie paused as she unlocked the door, her nervous fingers shaking the key slightly as she twisted open the lock. She listened for a moment, wondering if anyone was inside. There were no lights shining from under the door, no sound of voices or television or music leaking through the paper thin walls.
“Goodbye, Charlie. Thanks for the great night.”
No. There didn’t need to be a goodbye. Charlie had a perfectly serviceable EMPTY apartment behind her. Josie said she’d be home sometime around midnight but Charlie knew she could convince her to stay out later if needed, same thing with Amy. And Trevor… Well, who knew what Trevor was up to. Besides, if they went inside and talked for a few minutes, it would be midnight o’one soon enough. Then, the stupid bet would be over and Charlie could say everything that had been on her mind all day.
Who was she kidding? If she took Lin inside, there would be minimal talking.
“Right…” Charlie mustered, looking down at her feet. How much did the bet mean to her anyways? Surely losing wouldn’t be that bad? And hell, she’d still technically win in the end. Perhaps not the bet but Charlie was damn sure that their little escapade wasn’t going to end after the fair, even if she had to fight for it herself.
Finally looking up to Lin, her eyes changed their tone. Was it frustration? Confusion? Joy? They read a tale of uncertainty and caution, an incredibly uncharacteristic look for Charlie. She was usually so quick to act, courageous and bold in her actions that often came without thought. It wasn’t often that Charlie didn’t speak her mind or do whatever she wanted. She even prided herself on her free-spirited nature. But there she was, outside of her apartment, absolutely unable to do anything.
“Lin, I…” Charlie attempted again, still looking up at her friend. Her eyebrows were knit together in her signature look of concentration. There were words somewhere in her brain that had been aching to get out all day yet they disappeared as soon as the opportunity to truly say them.
Fuck it. You can do it Charlie. Woman up!
“Hi uh I really enjoyed tonight and I propose we do this, uh, a lot more often because I really had fun. Thank you that is all. Goodnight Lin.”
SLAM. CLICK.
What the hell had happened? Why had Charlie gone blind?
Oh wait. She was inside her apartment. Reaching to her right, Charlie flicked on the lights. Yup, it was her apartment. There was her couch and her TV and oh look, her hallway! Man, Charlie loved that hallway.
It took Charlie’s mind a moment to catch up with her body.
She had been standing outside, looking up to Lin, when Jasper the Cowardly Ghost (the cousin of Casper, we don’t really talk about him much) possessed her. Then, there was exorcist style word vomit where Charlie was fairly certain she had asked Lin to go on dates again, though she couldn’t be sure. Then, she had subsequently told him goodnight and…
“Oh my gosh.” Charlie audibly spoke, spinning around to faced the closed and locked door behind her.
She had slammed the door right in Lin’s face.
No hug.
No kiss.
Not even a firm fucking handshake.
Just a door RIGHT IN HIS FACE.
Charlie rocked up onto her toes to look through the peephole. She couldn’t see Lin. What the fuck had she done?
Stumbling over to the couch, Charlie slid down onto one of the seats, staring idly at the door. Her glance moved to the clock by the television. 12:01am. She had done it. Theoretically, she had won the bet.
Why did this victory feel so shitty?
Charlie grappled with what to do. Should she run after him, Hallmark movie style, and apologize for being a raging idiot? Should she text him and apologize? Should she drink her sorrows away? She didn’t know. Charlie just sat there, her eyes bouncing between the locked door and the digital clock.
12:02am.
12:03am.
12:04am.
12:05am.
No noise. No knock. No text. No call.
Nothing.
Just silence. Just Charlie. Alone. In her apartment. After a perfect date. With the dude she had a massive crush on. Who’s face she slammed her door on. Greaaaaaat. Just fucking peachy.
“Hotter? Come on, I’m surprised there was anything left in that thing. Like it is more burnt dust than marshmallow!” Charlie laughed through her look of disgust, biting into her own treat. At the sweet taste on her tongue, Charlie danced around in her seat as her face softened into a gentle smile. “Now this roasted to golden-perfectness is delicious. You should try roasting the marshmallow and not searing it like a steak.”
Silence fell upon the pair, just the sound of the crackling fire and carnival music somewhere in the distance dancing on the night air. The night, as far as Charlie was concerned, was absolutely perfect. She was certain she’d eaten her weight in artery-clogging fair food, her head was still spinning from the countless rides, her throat sore from laughing and joking for hours on end. It was effortless, natural. Truly a date for the record books.
Oh yeah... It was a date. If she was being honest, Charlie forgot about that little tidbit of information. The label didn’t mean anything, right? A hangout by any other name is still a hangout. Just two bros hanging out by a fire, eating s’mores (and whatever the hell that charred mess was that Lin ate), enjoying a wonderful night at a fall fair that they went to every year. Totally normal. No racing hearts or sweaty palms or lumps in throats. Just chill.
But then Lin was moving closer, talking about what Charlie had said earlier about thanking him. Then, his hand was on her’s, his lips smoothly giving her thanks for an amazing date, which Charlie really didn’t understand considering she hadn’t done anything that she wouldn’t have done with him before the whole mystery date debacle. The curtains pulled away, once again revealing the side of Lin that wasn’t all jokes and FWF. Charlie was getting used to seeing him that way and it was a nice change, even though it still felt mildly eerie. But then, beyond it all, there was a glimmer of the sweet taste of victory. It was a confession, right on the tip of his tongue, almost slipping from his lips, retracted as quickly as it had appeared. The moment clearly wasn’t over as they inched closer.
Fuck it. Fuck the bet.
Charlie reached her hand up, her hand delicately resting on the side of Lin’s neck as if she was pulling him closer.
“Round two!”
Lin pulled away, echoing the child’s words as he grabbed his stick and dashed off, leaving Charlie by herself.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Charlie growled to herself, her eyes scanning the crowd for the little bugger that had called out, subsequently slicing through the moment like a hot knife through butter. “Round two my ass. I can’t even get a round one!”
Charlie didn’t protest when Lin suggested going home. The crowds of the fair had begun to dissipate noticeably, the flickering flames bonfire starting to grow duller by the minute. After an entire day of thrills and spills and a rollercoaster of emotions and expectations, Charlie was tired. It took a lot to fatigue the girl, naturally being a ‘go go go’ kind of individual, but keeping a guard up all day long while on a date with someone she had hardly expected to have ever been on a date with in the first place was a new level of exhausting.
Still, she wasn’t losing that damn bet. Charlie Howell was no loser.
“Charming, perhaps. But you’re still not gonna get a confession from me, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Charlie laughed as they exited through the gates. It felt natural as her hand gravitated toward Lin’s, their fingers interlacing as if they had been holding hands forever.
The walk went along like the rest of the night: simply and joyfully with Lin chattering away beside her. When the apartment building finally came into view, a pang of sadness ripped through her stomach. It was over. Their date, although oddly created and thoroughly unexpected, was finally over. Charlie had thought that morning that she would be glad that the stupid blind date was over so that she could collect her prize. How ironic that the ‘prize’ for winning would have just been to spend more time with Lin. Guess she made where she stood on their relationship quite obvious.
Each step felt agonizing as if her shoes were made of lead. Charlie just wanted to stop on the stairs, firmly plant her feet and not move like a child who didn’t want to go home. Sneakily, she checked the time on her phone. 11:52pm. There was no way she was going to make it. At her front door, Charlie paused as she unlocked the door, her nervous fingers shaking the key slightly as she twisted open the lock. She listened for a moment, wondering if anyone was inside. There were no lights shining from under the door, no sound of voices or television or music leaking through the paper thin walls.
“Goodbye, Charlie. Thanks for the great night.”
No. There didn’t need to be a goodbye. Charlie had a perfectly serviceable EMPTY apartment behind her. Josie said she’d be home sometime around midnight but Charlie knew she could convince her to stay out later if needed, same thing with Amy. And Trevor… Well, who knew what Trevor was up to. Besides, if they went inside and talked for a few minutes, it would be midnight o’one soon enough. Then, the stupid bet would be over and Charlie could say everything that had been on her mind all day.
Who was she kidding? If she took Lin inside, there would be minimal talking.
“Right…” Charlie mustered, looking down at her feet. How much did the bet mean to her anyways? Surely losing wouldn’t be that bad? And hell, she’d still technically win in the end. Perhaps not the bet but Charlie was damn sure that their little escapade wasn’t going to end after the fair, even if she had to fight for it herself.
Finally looking up to Lin, her eyes changed their tone. Was it frustration? Confusion? Joy? They read a tale of uncertainty and caution, an incredibly uncharacteristic look for Charlie. She was usually so quick to act, courageous and bold in her actions that often came without thought. It wasn’t often that Charlie didn’t speak her mind or do whatever she wanted. She even prided herself on her free-spirited nature. But there she was, outside of her apartment, absolutely unable to do anything.
“Lin, I…” Charlie attempted again, still looking up at her friend. Her eyebrows were knit together in her signature look of concentration. There were words somewhere in her brain that had been aching to get out all day yet they disappeared as soon as the opportunity to truly say them.
Fuck it. You can do it Charlie. Woman up!
“Hi uh I really enjoyed tonight and I propose we do this, uh, a lot more often because I really had fun. Thank you that is all. Goodnight Lin.”
SLAM. CLICK.
What the hell had happened? Why had Charlie gone blind?
Oh wait. She was inside her apartment. Reaching to her right, Charlie flicked on the lights. Yup, it was her apartment. There was her couch and her TV and oh look, her hallway! Man, Charlie loved that hallway.
It took Charlie’s mind a moment to catch up with her body.
She had been standing outside, looking up to Lin, when Jasper the Cowardly Ghost (the cousin of Casper, we don’t really talk about him much) possessed her. Then, there was exorcist style word vomit where Charlie was fairly certain she had asked Lin to go on dates again, though she couldn’t be sure. Then, she had subsequently told him goodnight and…
“Oh my gosh.” Charlie audibly spoke, spinning around to faced the closed and locked door behind her.
She had slammed the door right in Lin’s face.
No hug.
No kiss.
Not even a firm fucking handshake.
Just a door RIGHT IN HIS FACE.
Charlie rocked up onto her toes to look through the peephole. She couldn’t see Lin. What the fuck had she done?
Stumbling over to the couch, Charlie slid down onto one of the seats, staring idly at the door. Her glance moved to the clock by the television. 12:01am. She had done it. Theoretically, she had won the bet.
Why did this victory feel so shitty?
Charlie grappled with what to do. Should she run after him, Hallmark movie style, and apologize for being a raging idiot? Should she text him and apologize? Should she drink her sorrows away? She didn’t know. Charlie just sat there, her eyes bouncing between the locked door and the digital clock.
12:02am.
12:03am.
12:04am.
12:05am.
No noise. No knock. No text. No call.
Nothing.
Just silence. Just Charlie. Alone. In her apartment. After a perfect date. With the dude she had a massive crush on. Who’s face she slammed her door on. Greaaaaaat. Just fucking peachy.
location
the apartment
mood
'I am a complete and utter fuckup without an ounce of knowledge in my brain'
outfit
autumn vibes
tags
lin
ohdittoh
the roomies (mentioned)
coded by natasha.
Kitsune2202
One Thousand Club
Amethyst K. Jones
coded by incandescent
Amy watched his movements, his eyes, scanning for answers. It looked like he was having an internal panic attack at the question and honestly as much as she knew he didn't deal with emotional situations that well...it's been over a year? In a year he still couldn't think of the words to say to her? Had he even tried before right now to? However before she would let her min run rampant and probably make things ten times wore then they might actually turn out to be...she waited. She waited patiently with pleading eyes that he wouldn't turn away again. that he wouldn't leave things like this again.
When he finally began to speak it was choppily, and while technically his words made sense...they didn't register for her. She couldn't understand how he meant the words. "A song?" She questioned softly mostly to herself as she looked down in thought. She thought back to the songs she was working on while they were together, and the only really lovely dovey song was 10,000 hours. But how was that scary? How did her, an R&B singer, writing a song about having feelings for someone scare him? Honestly a different song titled Lay up was much closer to how she really felt, but her manager at the time pushed for her to make something deeper, stronger, so she delivered. That was her job. Not that she didn't have strong feelings for Nate, she honestly believed that had he not disappeared...she could've genuinely fell in love with him. She was on the road of it after all. She'd been incredibly happy when she was with him, and for the first time she felt like she could relax and be herself in this crazy place aside from when she hung with Trev, and Charlie.
Even if that song was her true feelings...which they were to an extent, she only embellished a tiny bit. That's her job! She's supposed to write about love, and heartbreak, and the occasional girl power or black empowering song. Yes she sang from the heart to the best of her ability, but she also knew she needed to delivered songs that would SELL. She thought he understood that? "You got scared of being with me because I wrote a song about how I was developing feelings for you? Isn't that what's supposed to happen?" She finally looked back up at him because this question was for him. "We could've slowed things down. I could've talked to my managers and wrote something else to release if you wanted things to stay more private. I...I was only trying to...it was supposed to just be a nice gesture. Up till that point I was an R&B singer with zero love songs, and I mean I didn't even say I love you in it so honestly my managers weren't totally satisficed in the end. I kinda wished you'd just told me then I could've done something else..." She sighed. That's what she get's for trying to please everyone else. She shouldn't have even tried.
That was just the thing it wasn't even a full love song. The lyrics were they "could be so in love" not that they were. Because she believed they were on the same page that things were growing. But maybe that was just her. Clearly things didn't mean as much to him especially if it was so easy to just walk away from. With time, communication, and a little patience they could've been something special, they could've loved. But… that didn't happen cause he didn't let it. She asked for more time in her song and his response was to take all of it away.
The conversation shifted and she was back to being uncomfortable, and a bit irritated. "Yah it was shitty what THEY did." She folded her arms across her chest. No she wouldn't let him get away with acting like once again Evie was innocent in what happened. Yes Dei is #1 to blame but she isn't blameless. "She's not innocent and I wish you'd stop acting like she was. I'm not nearly as angry with her as I am with him...I'm still upset and I've got every right to be. Sure we aren't close. But we were civil, amicable. When you or Gen weren't around I was one of the only people who didn't jump down her throat on twitter when she made certain comments that now have proven to be very true, and now? I kinda wish I had. I tried to help her, and calm the others down. She even told me that things were cool between us. So for her to do that after the fact? It's vile and deceitful. You expect that kinda thing from strangers or people who consider you an enemy. Not people who casually talk to you and smile in your face and tell you everything is ok. I guess disappointed is more what I feel towards her rather then rage." Because there was a moment when she did believe her and Evie could've been cool eventually, could've been friends...but now that was gone. "Because that wasn't a bridge I thought I'd have to burn, but now I do."
She didn't wanna get into it really with the Evie talk. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt now that he'd take her side and defend her regardless. To be fair she supposed it was just their thing now. They both did shitty things and rather then call each other out on their bull shit they would rather enable them and defend them even if they were horribly wrong. "Doesn't matter now tho. She got what she wanted, and so did he. He's now getting what he deserves, and I kinda hope things keep spiraling for him. As for her? I believe everyone in due time gets what they deserve because you can't run from your choices forever." She sighed for the first time feeling actually a bit better. "With that being said." She placed her hand gently on his shoulder, "I...I forgive you Nate. Despite everything I don't think you're the realm of the scum of the earth. And aside from you're cowardly way of breaking up, you were an amazing boyfriend. So next time, maybe at least text bye." She'd been meaning to say that to him for a while. She wasn't still angry about the ghosting, just hurt...and while she didn't particularly like his apology...it was an honest one. It was real. Would they ever be friends again? Probably not which sucked, but that's life. "I hope you'll be careful with all this. With her, with Chas, and Kordei, and all the drama that comes with the lot of them. I don't think Karma is done with everyone just yet." She placed a kiss on his cheek and then started walking past him. "Enjoy the rest of your time at the fair, I'mma find a ride home." She'd gotten a text from Saint that he'd be her ride, so as weird as it might be, she really just wanted to be home right now. She waved and walked in the direction of the front of the fair to meet him.
When he finally began to speak it was choppily, and while technically his words made sense...they didn't register for her. She couldn't understand how he meant the words. "A song?" She questioned softly mostly to herself as she looked down in thought. She thought back to the songs she was working on while they were together, and the only really lovely dovey song was 10,000 hours. But how was that scary? How did her, an R&B singer, writing a song about having feelings for someone scare him? Honestly a different song titled Lay up was much closer to how she really felt, but her manager at the time pushed for her to make something deeper, stronger, so she delivered. That was her job. Not that she didn't have strong feelings for Nate, she honestly believed that had he not disappeared...she could've genuinely fell in love with him. She was on the road of it after all. She'd been incredibly happy when she was with him, and for the first time she felt like she could relax and be herself in this crazy place aside from when she hung with Trev, and Charlie.
Even if that song was her true feelings...which they were to an extent, she only embellished a tiny bit. That's her job! She's supposed to write about love, and heartbreak, and the occasional girl power or black empowering song. Yes she sang from the heart to the best of her ability, but she also knew she needed to delivered songs that would SELL. She thought he understood that? "You got scared of being with me because I wrote a song about how I was developing feelings for you? Isn't that what's supposed to happen?" She finally looked back up at him because this question was for him. "We could've slowed things down. I could've talked to my managers and wrote something else to release if you wanted things to stay more private. I...I was only trying to...it was supposed to just be a nice gesture. Up till that point I was an R&B singer with zero love songs, and I mean I didn't even say I love you in it so honestly my managers weren't totally satisficed in the end. I kinda wished you'd just told me then I could've done something else..." She sighed. That's what she get's for trying to please everyone else. She shouldn't have even tried.
That was just the thing it wasn't even a full love song. The lyrics were they "could be so in love" not that they were. Because she believed they were on the same page that things were growing. But maybe that was just her. Clearly things didn't mean as much to him especially if it was so easy to just walk away from. With time, communication, and a little patience they could've been something special, they could've loved. But… that didn't happen cause he didn't let it. She asked for more time in her song and his response was to take all of it away.
The conversation shifted and she was back to being uncomfortable, and a bit irritated. "Yah it was shitty what THEY did." She folded her arms across her chest. No she wouldn't let him get away with acting like once again Evie was innocent in what happened. Yes Dei is #1 to blame but she isn't blameless. "She's not innocent and I wish you'd stop acting like she was. I'm not nearly as angry with her as I am with him...I'm still upset and I've got every right to be. Sure we aren't close. But we were civil, amicable. When you or Gen weren't around I was one of the only people who didn't jump down her throat on twitter when she made certain comments that now have proven to be very true, and now? I kinda wish I had. I tried to help her, and calm the others down. She even told me that things were cool between us. So for her to do that after the fact? It's vile and deceitful. You expect that kinda thing from strangers or people who consider you an enemy. Not people who casually talk to you and smile in your face and tell you everything is ok. I guess disappointed is more what I feel towards her rather then rage." Because there was a moment when she did believe her and Evie could've been cool eventually, could've been friends...but now that was gone. "Because that wasn't a bridge I thought I'd have to burn, but now I do."
She didn't wanna get into it really with the Evie talk. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt now that he'd take her side and defend her regardless. To be fair she supposed it was just their thing now. They both did shitty things and rather then call each other out on their bull shit they would rather enable them and defend them even if they were horribly wrong. "Doesn't matter now tho. She got what she wanted, and so did he. He's now getting what he deserves, and I kinda hope things keep spiraling for him. As for her? I believe everyone in due time gets what they deserve because you can't run from your choices forever." She sighed for the first time feeling actually a bit better. "With that being said." She placed her hand gently on his shoulder, "I...I forgive you Nate. Despite everything I don't think you're the realm of the scum of the earth. And aside from you're cowardly way of breaking up, you were an amazing boyfriend. So next time, maybe at least text bye." She'd been meaning to say that to him for a while. She wasn't still angry about the ghosting, just hurt...and while she didn't particularly like his apology...it was an honest one. It was real. Would they ever be friends again? Probably not which sucked, but that's life. "I hope you'll be careful with all this. With her, with Chas, and Kordei, and all the drama that comes with the lot of them. I don't think Karma is done with everyone just yet." She placed a kiss on his cheek and then started walking past him. "Enjoy the rest of your time at the fair, I'mma find a ride home." She'd gotten a text from Saint that he'd be her ride, so as weird as it might be, she really just wanted to be home right now. She waved and walked in the direction of the front of the fair to meet him.
Kitsune2202
One Thousand Club
Stella J. Bailey
coded by incandescent
Stella probably should've felt bad that she was relieved when the other three wondered off instead of joining them...but she didn't. They wanted to stuff their faces, and she didn't want that to be ALL she did today. Not to mention she had less of a chance of being annoyed if it was just her and a friend rather then a friend and three strangers. She nodded along listening to Zeph's words about which cup to choose, "Blue one in the back got it!" If she was going to ride everything might as well get the best experience of them all. Not to mention Zeph was so ecstatic she shouldn't help but feel a bit of it rub off on her. She was kind of looking forward to how fast this teacup could actually go.
She playfully rolled her eyes at his question, "I'm not about to puke in public, don't worry so much." She playfully hit his chest with the back of her hand. She had a reputation to keep clean, and pictures of her puking off of a children's ride going viral wasn't something she wanted to be a part of that reputation. As much as it seemed everyone liked to think of this as a normal fair event the fact was everyone knew that anyone who is anyone would be here, which meant paparazzi's were surely lurking waiting for the next scoop of 15 min. of fame. She'd rather not make a scene unless it was one to her benefit. Protecting your brand was somewhat of a foreign concept to a good chunk of her peers while she never would understand how.
Above all that superficial reasons, the main one was...Zeph looked happy. Happier then he'd been the past few months since his mother's passing, and she kind of wanted to help in whatever way she could to keep it that way. For at least as long as she could, and if that meant riding rides until her guts turned to mush and holding them in until she got home...so be it. Even if it'd feel like she was dying in the process she'd do it. She wondered if he was actually ok though? It's only been a few months and he's kept himself together like a champ, but was that natural? Was this what grieving looked like? She'd never lost a close family member before so she had no idea how he felt or how to really help. What was healthy moving along and what wasn't? All that Ronnie and Mike mess surely couldn't be helping either. She was actually pretty surprised but grateful that they hadn't run into them while they were here running around. He'd told her already that Ronnie apparently decided to accept that dicks offer to be her date, and while he seemed fine over messenger about it...she wasn't sure how Zeph would react to actually seeing the girl on a date with him.
"Plus it's a little too late to ask now. You're stuck with me whatever happens cause I'm a lady of my word." She hummed grinning up at him. It didn't take long for the lines to move, she successfully made it through the teacups, the graviton, and several other rides she couldn't remember the name of because she was sure by the end of the night it'd all be one big dizzy blur anyways. Thank goodness she only had that cider, or Zeph might not have made it. They took a brief break so she could try her hand at winning a prize for herself in a game she was completely convinced was rigged, but damn did she want that stuffed zebra. Zeph wound up winning it, but her pride wouldn't let her admit that, so she summed it up with a iconic "I let you win, so it wouldn't look like you were outdone by a girl." Was that just her pride talking? Of course it was! Was she still going to keep the Zebra despite that? Once again of course. She hoped by now he knew she didn't really mean it and was thankful...the words were just tough for her most of the time.
As they left the stand she hummed, "I think we've hit all the rides finally. Wanna finish off by grabbing a snack and hitting the Ferris Wheel?" She asked curiously. By now she was actually kinda hungry, and with the most action packed rides out of the way she felt it was finally safe to nibble on something. "Or just the Ferris Wheel and we grab something to eat on the way home, I'm not picky." She wasn't sure how he came to the fair, but she wouldn't mind getting a uber for the both of them if he needed a lift.
She playfully rolled her eyes at his question, "I'm not about to puke in public, don't worry so much." She playfully hit his chest with the back of her hand. She had a reputation to keep clean, and pictures of her puking off of a children's ride going viral wasn't something she wanted to be a part of that reputation. As much as it seemed everyone liked to think of this as a normal fair event the fact was everyone knew that anyone who is anyone would be here, which meant paparazzi's were surely lurking waiting for the next scoop of 15 min. of fame. She'd rather not make a scene unless it was one to her benefit. Protecting your brand was somewhat of a foreign concept to a good chunk of her peers while she never would understand how.
Above all that superficial reasons, the main one was...Zeph looked happy. Happier then he'd been the past few months since his mother's passing, and she kind of wanted to help in whatever way she could to keep it that way. For at least as long as she could, and if that meant riding rides until her guts turned to mush and holding them in until she got home...so be it. Even if it'd feel like she was dying in the process she'd do it. She wondered if he was actually ok though? It's only been a few months and he's kept himself together like a champ, but was that natural? Was this what grieving looked like? She'd never lost a close family member before so she had no idea how he felt or how to really help. What was healthy moving along and what wasn't? All that Ronnie and Mike mess surely couldn't be helping either. She was actually pretty surprised but grateful that they hadn't run into them while they were here running around. He'd told her already that Ronnie apparently decided to accept that dicks offer to be her date, and while he seemed fine over messenger about it...she wasn't sure how Zeph would react to actually seeing the girl on a date with him.
"Plus it's a little too late to ask now. You're stuck with me whatever happens cause I'm a lady of my word." She hummed grinning up at him. It didn't take long for the lines to move, she successfully made it through the teacups, the graviton, and several other rides she couldn't remember the name of because she was sure by the end of the night it'd all be one big dizzy blur anyways. Thank goodness she only had that cider, or Zeph might not have made it. They took a brief break so she could try her hand at winning a prize for herself in a game she was completely convinced was rigged, but damn did she want that stuffed zebra. Zeph wound up winning it, but her pride wouldn't let her admit that, so she summed it up with a iconic "I let you win, so it wouldn't look like you were outdone by a girl." Was that just her pride talking? Of course it was! Was she still going to keep the Zebra despite that? Once again of course. She hoped by now he knew she didn't really mean it and was thankful...the words were just tough for her most of the time.
As they left the stand she hummed, "I think we've hit all the rides finally. Wanna finish off by grabbing a snack and hitting the Ferris Wheel?" She asked curiously. By now she was actually kinda hungry, and with the most action packed rides out of the way she felt it was finally safe to nibble on something. "Or just the Ferris Wheel and we grab something to eat on the way home, I'm not picky." She wasn't sure how he came to the fair, but she wouldn't mind getting a uber for the both of them if he needed a lift.
geminiy
v tired
What should she do?
She should panic right?
Right. Definitely. That was the most effective course of action.
So panic, she did.
Charlie found herself pacing the kitchen, relishing the feeling of the cold tile underfoot as her hand rubbed nervous lines across the back of her neck and the dulling light flickered overhead. They really needed to change those lightbulbs.
The analogue clock that hung above the sink ticked away, the soft click signalling a second going by ringing loudly in Charlie’s ears as if taunting her with the passage of time. Her phone sat on the counter, the screen eerily dark. No notifications, no music playing, no stupid videos to fill the quiet apartment. Surely Charlie didn’t actually expect Lin to text her or call her or anything of the sort. She had slammed the door in his face! It wasn’t even a gentle close like you see in those teen coming-of-age movies where the girl slides down the other side of the door a blushing mess because her date was #Perfect. No. It had been a full on, WWE style SLAM.
Although, Charlie had to admit that she was impressed by her own mutant strength. 10/10, good form.
"Care to tell me… apartment door… something…”
Although the words were rather unclear, there was one thing that was certain: that was Joey’s voice. It was unmistakable, even though it was muffled through the door and walls. Her voice brought an audible calm before an additional wave of panic. What would she think? Charlie had been a total next-level bitch! Of course, Josie would never judge her for anything.
Charlie slowly walked to the door, peering through the peephole into the hallway. Joey was clearly seen, standing right in front of the door. Throwing open the door without another thought, Charlie shot her other hand out to gently grab Josie’s wrist as she stepped out into the hallway.
“Jo, who the hell are you talking-” Charlie’s mouth ran dry. “Lin?’
Great.
SLAM! CLICK!
Charlie slammed the door again, habitually twisting the lock shut. Joey was outside talking to Lin. Why was he still there? Did she hit him in the face or something? A mild concussion is the only plausible reason why Lin was still standing outside her apartment door after she had promptly slammed the door in his face. And then there was Josie. Was she supposed to be home? Charlie looked at the clock again.
12:12am.
Oh my gosh. She fricking slammed the door again!
Opening the door again, Charlie threw on her best smile to try to hide the worry behind her eyes.
“Liiiiin, heyyyyy!” Charlie struggled out, looking to Josie and then back to the boy. “Funny meeting you here! What are you doing in the neighbourhood?”
Wow. Impressive communication skills Charlie.
Charlie leaned her head back to rest against the doorframe. This whole thing was stupid. A truly top tier level of idiocy. Why was she panicking so much? There was no reason for it! It was just Lin, someone she knew and cared about and never had a problem talking to before. She was only running away from her feelings out of fear.
Taking a deep breath, Charlie turned to her cousin, releasing her wrist from her grasp.
“Hey, Jo? You mind giving Lin and I a minute?” Charlie asked, the false confidence gone from her voice. She pushed open the door behind her, nodding for Josie to go inside.
They were alone. Charlie took another breath. She wasn’t going to play any more games. No more running, no more hiding.
“I am so fucking sorry that I slammed that door in your face.” Charlie spoke calmly, crossing her arms over her abdomen as she looked up at Lin. “I just sorta panicked. I guess the whole day I’ve just sorta been running through what I wanted to say so much that, when the moment presented itself, I just didn’t really know what to say.”
Charlie paused, dropping her gaze to the floor. Her next words had to be chosen carefully in order to get her message across. The last thing she wanted to do was to spew another long flow of word vomit and disappear out of pure embarrassment into the apartment again. But how could she say everything that was going on in her head? The thoughts she had tried so hard to push down had bubbled to the surface, begging to be released into the open.
Charlie had spent a great deal of time thinking about how she would tell Lin she liked him, if she even did at all. The most likely scenario was at some high school reunion years down the road where she would jokingly tell Lin that she liked him in their junior year. It wouldn’t have meant anything, the two of them both being adults with established careers and maybe even significant others of their own. She also considered the idea that it would come out when they drank together next. They’d laugh about the awkwardness, Lin would politely turn her down, and they would move on. Never, in any of those scenarios, did Charlie anticipate going on a blind date with him, which would turn out to be the best date she had ever been on, and then confessing to him outside of her apartment.
“Fuck it.” Charlie spoke with a soft laugh. Taking Lin’s hand, she wrapped his carefully in both of hers, holding it tightly as she spoke. She was certain he could feel her fingers shaking. “I really like you Lin. That much is obvious, I know. But I really do like you. And before you taunt me saying ‘ha ha, I win’, it is past midnight, so I can say whatever I want and we technically still both win.”
She paused again, thinking of her next words. So far, so good.
“I had a really great time tonight. Honestly, it was one of the best dates I’ve ever been on. I never really expected we would ever actually go on a date of any kind but I’m really glad we did. I haven’t had this much fun in… Well, ever. Dates are usually so stiff and you’re always trying to impress someone. But I guess it was easier with you because we were already friends.” Charlie’s inner monologue spewed out, her mind turning off as she spoke. “I guess what I’m saying is, uh, I really like you and I don’t know if you like me back, though it sorta feels like you do unless I totally misread the situation again, which I am super sorry if I did because I-”
Charlie forced herself to stop speaking, her face flushing red.
“I, uh… I’m rambling again.” Charlie laughed, some of her anxiety melting away. In fact, a small ounce of boldness in her system.
This wasn’t nearly as terrifying as she thought it would be! Reaching up, Charlie ran her hand along Lin’s face, resting it on the back of his neck as she rocked up to the tips of her toes and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. Her heart was still racing in her chest, her mind running wild. But, beyond all of that, she felt almost… Calm.
Dropping back down onto her heels, Charlie released Lin’s hands. Now that she was thinking about what she was saying, Charlie was convinced she sounded pretty dumb.
“Hey, uh, Linny?” Charlie spoke again, looking up at Lin. “Please say something. Because I’m spewing all these feelings out here and my heart is sorta wanting to ask you to be my boyfriend or whatever but the brain hasn’t caught up yet.”
coded by natasha.
