Chapter Text
The scarf around Charlie’s neck was suffocating, the woolen fibers thick and ticklish on his skin. He adjusted the bloody thing over a dozen times, never quite satisfied with the way it hung around his neck. Pity, Tom had done a lovely job at knotting it too. But it was Charlie’s anxiousness that erased the man’s work, his itchy fingers needing a distraction while he waited.
The outside temperature called for dressing warm, the bitter air making passerby shiver and painting their noses pink. Downed in his thick outerwear and untangled scarf, Charlie felt anything but chilly, stuffy in fact.
His nerves were to blame for his current state, mind abuzz as he scanned every approaching bystander, searching for tousled brown hair and eyes akin to gold. An angel walking amongst men. And Charlie was lucky enough to be granted his company.
He had no idea what constituted a proper dinner date, overwhelmed by options. Alden made the decision for them both, suggesting a pizzeria that he frequented on occasion.
The pizzeria was small, sandwiched between a bar and a busy chippy on the corner. The awning displaying the pizzeria’s name had faded, leaving nothing but the colors of the Italian flag to distinguish its establishment to prospective customers.
That and the large neon sign spelling ‘FRESH PIZZA’ in the window.
Initially, they planned to meet soon after their first phone call. But Alden had been battling through the fray of his exams, leaving them to delay their first date. However, he wasn’t the only one with an occupied schedule.
Phoebe delivered on her promise of providing Charlie his forged documents, using them to apply to several shops in the downtown district. Admittedly her work was impressive, with one of his applications accepted on the spot. It was a simple job, a stock clerk at a grocery not far from home. Manual labor and inventory stocking, something that Charlie was no stranger to. All that mattered was contributing to the home.
As the sole legitimate provider around.
Upon news of his hire, Lester congratulated him in the manner he knew best, by urging Charlie to reap his discounts as soon as possible, preferably on Lester’s favorite liquor. Tom’s input? Adding wine to that list as well.
Speaking of the duo…
Charlie had no clue how to broach them about Alden. Tom and Lester were absent from the home during his and Alden’s nightly conversations, missing the hours he spent talking into the night. Daytime was no better as the two were trapped in sleep, with Charlie leaving the home for his new job.
In the case of Tom and Lester, they were ignorant of Alden’s existence.
Charlie wasn’t trying to hide him away.
Tom and Lester knew everything about his life; the good, the bad and the utterly horrifying. Every last bit of it all.
So why was his potential …love life…difficult to divulge?
Was it the awkwardness? A reversal of the role he served for the pair when caught in the throng of their lover’s quarrel. Always the one the two would look to for support.
Was it fear? Bringing a normal person, a civilian no less , so close to the edge of Tom and Lester’s corrupted world, with only a veiled shield protecting him..
A complicated cocktail Charlie didn’t dare to consume.
And yet…
Tom and Lester were his allies. Two unlikely people he grew to care for and trust. They had a right to know. Deserved .
Charlie would have come clean to them eventually.
If not for Alden ringing earlier than scheduled, right when Charlie was having an early dinner with the pair, two days before their date. Crimson stained Charlie’s cheeks as he listened to Alden apologize about his unavailability for later that evening, increasingly aware of the intense stares directed his way. Charlie quietly accepted Alden’s apology, muttering a soft goodbye before awkwardly setting his mobile down.
Chaos erupted after.
“Who was that?”
“Who the hell are you talking to?”
“What is his name?”
“Is he hot?”
“Where did you meet him?
“Is he hot?”
“Why didn’t you tell us-”
“Hey! Is he hot?!”
Taking several moments to calm them down, Charlie knew he was in for it when Lester phoned Phoebe to notify her of their delay. When Tom left the dining area to return with a bottle of wine and glasses, it was all over.
Charlie answered each of their probing questions, satisfying their curiosity about Alden however he could. And on the subject of Alden’s looks, he earned full marks from the duo, receiving a long whistle from Lester and an impressed nod by Tom after evaluating his selfie.
After that, the pair were on board, eager to help him prepare for his upcoming date, fawning over him like proud parents. “Uncles”, actually.
Tom raided his wardrobe, leaving Charlie’s room looking like the aftermath of a linen tornado, with turtlenecks and trousers strewn every which way. All of Tom’s suggestions involved taste far above Charlie’s own, having to beg the man to ease off and allow him the choice of choosing. From the stricken look on Tom’s face, it was obvious he was hurt by the rejection. To compromise, he appointed Tom to accessory and hair duty. That seemed to placate him, though Charlie rubbed his scalp in sympathy, knowing his curls were about to be put through the wringer.
Lester was less hands on, preferring to watch from the sidelines as Tom primped and prodded at Charlie’s curls, offering his signature color commentary throughout the process.
When all was said and done, Charlie gazed at his reflection in the mirror, admiring the way his styled curls and waves framed his features. The contrast of dark umber locks against alabaster skin, save for the pink hue on his cheekbones. He never looked more…refreshed.
Like a boy-
No.
A man renewed.
His appearance seemed to have an effect on Tom and Lester as well, the two observing him silently, their faces flushed and throats bobbing.
Charlie graced them with a smile and warm embrace.
Unable to drive him themselves, the pair gave him the typical song and dance parents often did to their children before a date. Charlie couldn’t help but beam as Tom lectured him, going on a long diatribe to watch for any red flags and to phone them at the first sign of trouble.
Lester had few words to say other than a surprisingly poignant statement on the virtues of being one’s self, giving Charlie a final hug before he was to set off.
At least that was what Charlie had assumed before opening his wallet to pay the cabbie for the lift over, blushing darkly at the packet of condoms stuffed next to his bills, a simple post-it note with a winking face staring back at him.
The cabbie thankfully left no comment.
Charlie sighed, swaying on the rickety bench he claimed since his arrival, checking his watch for the time. Thirty minutes left until he and Alden were to meet. Leaving him with nothing but his thoughts to keep him company.
Fishing his mobile from his pocket, Charlie went to his messages, perusing the chat logs he and Alden had amassed over the past two weeks. Charlie grinned as he reread them, scrolling to his favorite exchanges. From the mundane to the existential, anything they could think of was thrown on the table.
Save for certain …sensitive topics.
Charlie scrolled to their recent messages, the last message being his own, updating Alden on his arrival at the pizzeria. Alden had yet to reply.
Charlie wiped the sweat that accumulated on his brow, refreshing the screen in hopes of any updates.
But none ever came.
Don’t lose your head over this. Remember, you’re the one who’s early.
He’s coming. Don’t lose hope.
Right, Alden would arrive.
There was no need to speculate or doubt. After all, it just added to the growing mess of knots in his lower belly.
So Charlie resigned himself to his messages, scrolling endlessly as the world moved around him, caught in his inflicted isolation. Footsteps, chatter, occasional bumping music, all blurred together into indiscernible noise.
“Charlie?”
Except for one.
Charlie gasped, dropping his mobile on the cobblestone road. A gloved hand picked it off the ground before Charlie could, dusting off the residue.
“Whoops, make sure there’s no damage, yeah?” Alden grinned, handing back Charlie’s mobile.
Charlie froze as he stared at Alden, wordlessly tucking the mobile back into his jacket without checking. Why care about scratches or a cracked screen when an absolute angel was in front of him?
Of course, Alden looked just as gorgeous as he had when they last met, his smile as vibrant as in the selfies he sent. No , far more .
Donned in the same jacket he wore at the club, Alden traded in his work uniform for a soft cashmere sweater and navy jeans that generously hugged his legs, highlighting his calves that showed his efforts from football were not in vain. The light from the nearby gaslamp set his tawny hair ablaze, tamed by Alden’s tousles.
Speak you idiot, you can admire him later.
“Oh-oh thank you! It’s…it’s really nice to see you again Alden.” Charlie rose to his feet, hesitating as he rocked on his heels, unsure what constituted a proper greeting for a first date.
Was it too early to do a hug?
Was a handshake too formal?
Charlie chewed on the inside of his cheek, eyes darting in every direction as he scrambled to make the first move, his hand awkwardly reaching and retreating to Alden.
He didn’t see the soft smile Alden was wearing as he stepped forward, taking Charlie’s hand in both of his and squeezing gently.
“Nice to see you too,”
Charlie’s brain short circuited, blood heating his cheeks as he stared at their interlocked hands, savoring the warmth of velvet skin. He chanced brushing his thumb against Alden’s, swallowing thickly as Alden repeated the gesture.
Their hands withdrew soon after.
“Hope you’re hungry. Ready to head on in?”
Yes.
“Yes!” Charlie blurted out, clamping his hand over his mouth in a failed attempt at subduing his enthusiasm.
“My apologies.”
Alden chuckled, shaking his head. “Don’t be, it's cute innit?”
Charlie’s skin couldn’t burn any hotter, managing a shy nod, following after Alden as he led them into the pizzeria.
“Wish I could’ve gotten us a better spot.”
Charlie shook his head. “I think it’s more than fine, really.”
They had taken up residence in the back corner, near the hustle and bustle of the employee walkway, the hectic sound of clanging metal and shouting reverberating behind them. Not the most ideal spot but they were one of the few lucky patrons able to score a private booth.
Waiters conglomerated near them, talking loudly amongst themselves as they exchanged tickets.
Well, private being a loose term.
An employee carrying a large pizza rushed past them and Alden ducked his head, narrowly avoiding taking a pie to the face.
“At least we’ll get our scran pippin’ hot.” Alden shrugged, smartly shifting closer to Charlie’s side to avoid any future incidents.
Charlie tried not to get distracted when Alden’s knee brushed against his own.
“So, anythin’ catch your eye yet? Thinkin’ we could split a pie.”
Charlie nodded, shucking off his coat as he glanced at the menu, the images of various pizzas and pasta making his mouth salivate.
“I think we can do that. Though wouldn't we have to share the same toppings?”
“Nah, we can choose our own and keep them separated from each other if ya like. Though if you order pineapple I’ll be makin’ you order your own pie. Can’t stand the stuff on pizza.”
Alden gently prodded his side, sending a ticklish shiver up Charlie’s spine. Charlie smiled thinly, brushing his hand over the spot where he was certain gooseflesh had begun to emerge.
“Don’t worry, I had no intentions on tainting your pizza with tropical fruit.” Charlie commented.
Alden chuckled. “Glad to see you have a proper head on your shoulders.”
They were interrupted by their waiter, serving them their glasses of water before leaving them more time to decide. Charlie perused the entire menu, conflicted on what to order.
It was a surreal feeling, to do something so mundane after what he had been through the past two years.
How normal all of this was.
And that he would never take any of it for granted ever again.
Ultimately, he decided on a pizza with all the works, sans pineapple, and basket of breadsticks to share with Alden. A hearty greasy meal that Charlie hoped his stomach wouldn’t regret come morning.
“So,” Alden spoke, handing off their menus to their waiter. “How was work? You started this week, right?”
“I did. I work the morning shift and they assigned me to the back area but I don’t mind it. Just simple inventory loading and checking for now.”
Alden nodded, sipping some of his water. “You like it then?”
Like was more or less the wrong word for it.
Charlie didn’t hate the job.
Didn’t love it either.
However, it gave him something for his peace of mind.
Stability , and a lot of it.
The security in knowing what the job entailed, the repetitive tasks keeping his mind from wandering to distant and darker thoughts. Charlie knew he had no future in grocery marts, the money well below a comfortable means of living. But what other alternative did he have when his real dream was far beyond his reach?
He doubted ever attending a medical college again, destined to use his skill under the table. Doomed to watch others achieve his dream while he stood stranded on the wayside.
A depressing thought, easy to forget when stacking cans of over salted soup.
“It’s…fine.” Charlie murmured, taking a sip from his glass.
Alden gave him a sympathetic squeeze to his shoulder. “We’ve all been there. But hey, just think of it as a step pin’ stone to where you really want to go. Doctor’s still in your future right?”
Charlie nodded, though doubted the possibility.
Sensing the dour shift in mood, Alden steered the topic towards something lighter. Casual conversation about the world around them to lift Charlie’s spirits. He was remarkably perceptive, seemingly reading Charlie’s mind and adjusting where needed. A considerate nature that Charlie couldn’t help but love.
They then talked about Alden’s exams and the enormous relief he felt in having a few weeks to relax before the new semester. Charlie’s heart surged in his chest, mind already creating several hypothetical scenarios for them to spend time together.
Hinging on a successful first date that is.
Alden reached for a breadstick, freshly delivered along with the rest of their meal. “-anyways can’t wait to catch up on my games.”
“From the sound of it, you definitely deserve to.”
Alden grinned, finishing off the last of his bread. “Yeah I just hope my flatmate knows to give me some peace. What about you? Uncles been doin’ ok?”
“They’re doing well,” Charlie replied, pausing to pull a slice of fresh pizza onto his plate. “Work was pretty light this week so they’ve been spending more time at home. It’s been a while since we’ve spent some time together.”
Alden nodded as he munched on his food. “That’s good to hear, I bet they’re chuffed to be with you.”
Charlie smiled, blushing at the compliment. “Thank you. I’ve been catching them up on my favorite movies on the telly. Though lately this week they-” He faltered, forcing himself to bite his tongue.
“Hey you ok?” Alden raised a brow, adding a few slices to his plate.
Charlie sighed, unsure whether to continue spilling more about Tom and Lester.
Anytime he talked about his “uncles”, he kept the conversation brief, afraid of revealing the wrong information, anything that could inadvertently expose the two’s wrongdoings. That didn’t mean he didn’t want to talk about it, having noticed something off about the pair the last few days.
Simple things like Lester walking around eggshells whenever Phoebe was brought up. Or the curtness Tom adopted when Charlie was misfortunate enough to catch him arriving home alone. Something was off with the pair and this time, Charlie hesitated risking what civility remained by breaking his silence about it.
Perhaps asking for an outside opinion wouldn’t hurt.
With the proper reframing, of course.
“I’m fine, it’s just- I’ve noticed something about them lately.”
“How do you mean?”
Charlie shrugged. “I think they might be caught in another row again. To be fair, stuff like that is typical for them, but this seems…different. And I’m unsure how to approach them. How to fix things for them.”
Alden frowned, setting his half eaten slice aside.
“Why do you think you have to fix it?”
Charlie paused, reclining back onto the upholstery.
“I…I usually do. I’ve helped them when they were going through relationship troubles before.”
Alden wiped his hands clean. “Can I say somethin’? Give my unfiltered opinion?”
Charlie nodded, staring at Alden intently.
“I don’t think it should be your job to fix it. Give advice when asked? Sure, go for it,”
Alden shifted closer, resting his hand on Charlie’s knee, ignoring the blushing tint rising in Charlie’s cheeks.
“But any troubles ‘tween them should be sorted by them. ‘Specially love problems. Give em’ some time to work things out. It shouldn’t be your responsibility to mend that, alright? Make sense?”
It did.
Charlie had a way of getting entangled in Tom and Lester’s relationship woes. Feeling it was his duty to intervene where he could. Solicited or otherwise.
Strain between Tom and Lester was normal. Expected even.
Alden was right. This time around Charlie would distance himself from the pair’s dispute. They were both grown men, capable of fighting dangerous men. Relationship troubles should be no different.
Charlie placed his hand over Alden’s, squeezing gently.
“I’ll do that. Thank you.”
They looked down at their connected hands, pink fanning across both their noses.
Alden smiled, giving Charlie’s knee another squeeze before removing his hand.
“So, you able to handle some dessert after we finish our pizza?”
Charlie grinned, nudging his knee against Alden’s.
“Absolutely.”
Stomachs full and properly satiated, Charlie and Alden trudged out of the pizzeria, hands resting over their bellies.
“I don’t remember feeling so full before.” Charlie sighed, leaning against a gaslamp for support.
Alden smiled sheepishly, carding a hand through his hair. “Sorry, shouldn’t have pressured you into sharin’ that lava cake.”
Charlie giggled, wincing slightly as a small pang emerged in his lower gut.
“Don’t be, it was delicious. I don’t regret it.”
His stomach let out a gurgle in protest.
“Although my stomach disagrees with you.”
Alden chuckled, stepping closer towards him. “I hope your stomach doesn’t hate me for that.”
Charlie chewed on his lower lip, cheeks heating as he gazed at him, a pleasant warmth shadowing over his belly.
“No. It could never.”
A comfortable silence cloaked over them, the two staring intently at one another. Alden rocked on his heels, ruminating over something.
“If you like, want to walk by the river for a bit? Work off the calories?”
Charlie looked over towards said river, a long stretch running parallel to the street, divided by lush foliage and a sturdy metal gate. Perfect for one to walk peacefully.
Or with a potential partner.
“Sure. I-I’d love to.” Charlie replied, a cold plume escaping past his lips.
He took out his scarf, letting it hang freely around his neck, knowing it was fruitless to try and replicate Tom’s knot.
“Need some help with that?”
Charlie froze, staring at Alden wide eyed. Unable to articulate words, he nodded.
Alden stepped into his space, hands grabbing the ends of his scarf, delicately weaving the scarf into a pattern. Even through Charlie’s thick layers, he could feel the brush and glide of Alden’s fingertips, a tingling sensation surging beneath his skin. Their faces were only a centimeters from each other, their cold breaths intermingled with one another. It took all of Charlie’s willpower not to lurch forward. Or worse, let out a single humiliating moan.
“All done.” Alden grinned, gently tugging on the scarf’s ends.
Cheeks as red as apples, Charlie looked down at the elaborately tied scarf. He traced his hand over the design, his neck properly warmed.
“Thank you.”
Alden smiled proudly. “Anytime. Shall we?”
They strolled down the sidewalk, crossing the street to where the river lay. The pair of them walked shoulder to shoulder, occasionally bumping against each other, offering quiet apologies in return.
They walked in amicable silence, the sounds of passing cars and chatting pedestrians flooding their ears. Charlie watched Alden from his periphery, smiling softly at the man, noting how gorgeous he looked in the moonlight. He could hear Alden exhale a heavy breath, then another. Charlie opened his mouth to comment when a sudden warmth encased around his left hand. Charlie stirred, peering down to see Alden’s hand intertwined with his own. This time, not letting go.
“Is this ok?” Alden inquired, staring at Charlie with those gorgeous amber eyes.
Eyes wide as saucers, Charlie darted between Alden’s hopeful expression and their interlocked grip, the answer never more clear.
“Yes.” He whispered, drawing closer to Alden.
Alden beamed, playfully bumping against him before continuing their walk. The river seemed to go on for miles, carving through the rigid buildings and homes, following its own path. Charlie and Alden played a little game of ‘I Spy”, each one searching for their desired object, with Charlie winning 10 to 3.
Some time later, they came across a bridge, using that as their marker to stop and rest. The pair leaned against the parapet, letting out soft pants of breath.
“Feet tired yet?”
Charlie giggled, stretching his legs. “A bit, though I am sure I’ll have enough for the walk back.”
“So there will be a walk back?”
“Definitely.” Charlie nodded, swinging their connected hands.
Alden grinned, stepping closer to Charlie, thumb brushing against Charlie’s hand.
“I’ve really enjoyed tonight Charlie.”
Charlie stared at him, eyes wide and open.
“You-you have?”
“I did. And you?”
Charlie stilled, reflecting on their night thus far. Memories they created sure to carve themselves permanently into his mind. Possibly forever.
“I-I did too,”
Charlie paused, pink remerging in his cheeks, squeezing Alden’s hand for comfort.
“Can…can I tell you something Alden?”
“Anythin’.”
Charlie balked, turning to look at the river instead. The riverbed was twinkling with white diamonds, its ripples reflecting the bright crescent moon that was shining brightly overhead.
“I’ve never done this before.”
Alden frowned. “Done what? You mean… date? ”
Charlie nodded shyly, keeping his gaze averted.
“I’ve never been lucky enough to go on a date. Ever. I’ve been so worried I’d mess something up tonight. Say the wrong thing,” He braved looking at Alden, his eyes turning dewey. “Instead, this has been one of the best nights of my life. And I only have you to thank for that.”
Charlie swallowed past the growing lump in his throat, staring down at his feet.
A hand gently touched his chin, tilting his head up.
“You need to give yourself more credit Charlie.” Alden smiled softly, a golden twinkle in his eye.
Everything stilled around Charlie, the surrounding noise falling to silence, as if cotton balls had been wedged into his ears. His heart pounded against his chest, the only source of life keeping him tethered to the world. All he could do was see . Feel Alden against his skin.
And he wanted more .
What else was he to do after that but take the plunge?
Feeling a bravery like never before, Charlie leant forward, connecting his lips against Alden’s.
It was nothing like the kisses he had seen on film, bruising and desperate.
This was gentle, delicate, wavering on the edge of trepidation before commitment.
Lasting only a second, one thousand milliseconds in all.
Nothing remarkable in the history of kissing.
Yet it was the greatest kiss Charlie had ever had in his short life. Monumental, even.
But what about Alden?
Charlie pulled away, hesitant, leaving only a hairsbreadth of space between them, peering at Alden through his lashes and awaiting his verdict.
Faint crimson had dusted across Alden’s cheeks, red that Charlie was sure hadn’t been there before. His heart sank into his belly as Alden’s hand fell away. Charlie swallowed, feeling self conscious, not knowing whether his leap of faith kiss was a hit. Worse, a complete and utter misfire.
A small smile tugged at Alden’s lips, wearing an expression that couldn’t be described as anything other than pure adoration.
“I take it there’s a second date in our future?”
Yes.
And a third.
A fourth.
And plenty more after.
Charlie giggled excitedly, stopping when Alden’s hand returned to his cheek, thumb gently caressing his skin.
Alden crept closer, nose touching Charlie’s. “Mind if we go for another?”
Charlie had no qualms about that, nodding before Alden slotted their mouths together, letting out a soft moan of approval. His eyes closed, savoring the soft pressure against his lips as Alden quietly groaned into his mouth, equally satisfied. Feeling bold, Charlie lapped his tongue against the seam of Alden’s mouth, gasping upon feeling his tongue reciprocate, tasting the faint remnants of their shared pizza.
He knew the kiss wouldn’t last forever. Knew they would have to break apart for precious air. And eventually, their separate ways.
But for the moment, Charlie was content, the kiss stirring all sorts of sensations in his belly, wrapping his arms around Alden in all his efforts to sustain it as long as he could.
And that was more than enough.