Gone Too Long

[CHARLIE MILLER]

“Not well, if I’m being honest. For the last couple of weeks I’ve just been stewing at my own pity party. You can’t even imagine how happy I am to have you and Jamie around to give me a good distraction.” Charlie suddenly felt bad for bringing it up.  He should have known better, but at least she wasn't angry with him, just sad with her situation.  He could relate to that.  “It just sucks when you’ve put so much effort into a relationship and it doesn’t work out. And I put way more into this relationship than I have into any other in my life just to have it fail.” He gave a small snort in understanding, looking into his glass and shaking his head slightly.  He knew exactly what she meant.  He'd invested a lot of time into Tory.  Three whole years.. he had really though she was the one.  He planned on telling her about himself at some point, though the subject never came up.  Eventually she would wonder why he still looked so young.. He could blame good genes for only so long, and of course he'd fibbed about his age, but his lies were nothing in comparison to hers.  

Maxi drained her glass and Charlie pushed his own glass to his lips before tipping his head back and draining his own.  Her words brought his eyes back to hers, asking if he'd like more.  He chuckled and gave a little nod.  "I think that's a fine idea."  He watched the attractive redhead move to the fridge and pull out a bottle, hating how torn he felt about finding her so appealing.  They'd been children together, it was weird thinking of her as anything but a friend, but she had grown up quite a bit since they were small and he couldn't deny she'd become quite the looker.  He'd always found her very attractive, though.  Both the McManus girls had a lot of appeal.  But now that they were both single it felt strange, like ti was actually alright to feel the things he felt, to admire her the way he was admiring her.  She pulled out the wine key and he moved in quickly.  "Please, let me." He insisted, always feeling odd letting a woman open a wine bottle for him.  It was such a man's job, though he'd never say that to her out loud, or any woman.  Not unless he fancied a good pop on the head.  

“It was a species issue for us too. He was a Gargoyle. I was surprised he even wanted a relationship with a lowly Blurr like myself." Charlie cocked a brow at her as he wiggled the cork up out of the bottles neck.  Surely August didn't think he was so above her, did he? "I knew he had a little bit of a problem with it, but I thought he’d grow out of it. And he did for the most part. But of course his family was traditional—no interspecies mingling. They found out he was dating a Blurr and all hell broke loose. He couldn’t handle the pressure he was getting from his family and I was tired of being a dirty little secret.” A dirty little secret.. Who could keep Maxi a secret? Though he supposed in his relationship he'd been the dirty little secret, but for a totally different reason.  Maybe they were meant for each other.  He filled her glass to the top and then his own, watching her drown most of the liquid before he even placed the bottle back on the counter.  “I guess it was for the best in the end. Even if it feels like my heart’s been run over by about a thousand eighteen wheelers.” She gave a sigh and looked up at him.  He could see the tears glistening unshed in her eyes and gulped, suddenly having the overwhelming urge to punch this August fellow in the nose.  “Sorry. I shouldn’t be talking your ear off about sad stuff, especially with the long day you’ve had.”  Charlie shook his head, his brow furrowing.  "Don't be silly, I've know you practically my entire life.  How often do I get the opportuniy to have my ear talked off by you?" It was his attempt at a joke, however lame it was.  He reached over and clinked her glass with his own.  "To spilling our guts with old friends." He toasted before taking a deep sip, surprisingly feeling more comfortable now that it was just them, and an extra bit of wine in his system.  

"I'm sure you've heard this plenty, but it will pass.  Every day will get a bit easier, even if what we really want is for things to be as they were." He offered looking down into his glass.  "It helps if they've done something incredibly horrible in the process. Tori, for example, found her way into several other beds, all containing gentlemen who were not me." He explained, raising his glass as if to cheers it.  "I don't need a woman who can't keep her skivvies on." A small smile creased his lips before he took a sip and held his glass out as if to point at her.  "Go on, what terrible or obnoxious things has your ex done?" He asked, a hint of humor in his voice.  "He was a gargoyle, I'm sure the list is endless."

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

“Don’t be silly, I’ve known you practically my entire life. How often do I get the opportunity to have my ear talked off by you?” Maxi gave a big smile at Charlie’s kindness. Even if they didn’t have the opportunity to talk like this very often, she was sure he didn’t want to spend the evening of such a long day listening to her gripe about her ex. Still he clinked his glass against hers and she looked at him curiously. “To spilling our guts with old friends.” She grinned wider and raised her glass. “I’ll drink to that!” And when she took a long sip of wine, she realized she was far more comfortable than she’d expected. Sure that could have been the wine already giving her a mild buzz, but it was also due to Charlie’s kindness. Maybe by the end of his trip here she would be more back to herself.

“I’m sure you’ve heard this plenty, but it will pass. Every day will get a bit easier, even if what we really want is for things to be as they were.” Maxi was immediately warmed by his words and she had hope that he was right. “It helps if they’ve done something incredibly horrible in the process. Tori, for example, found her way into several other beds, all containing gentlemen who were not me.” Maxi’s jaw dropped, shocked by that news. Who would cheat on Charlie? He was so attentive and handsome to boot! Well, he was attentive to his friends at least. And he was attentive to her in her dream. But that wasn’t real, so she supposed she couldn’t really use that as evidence. Still, it amazed her that any woman would stray when she had someone like Charlie at home! “I don’t need a woman who can’t keep her skivvies on.” She gave a small, amused smile, but it was a sad thing to joke about. It must have been really hard to be cheated on. At least August had never done that. “Go on, what terrible or obnoxious things has your ex done? He was a Gargoyle, I’m sure the list is endless.” Maxi laughed and nodded at the wine bottle. “Grab the wine and I’ll tell you all you want to know in the living room.”

She led the way into the living room and got comfy beside him on the couch, a thoughtful look on her face. “Well…for one thing, he always called me Maxine. It was never Maxi. I mean, I did like that since he called me something no one else did, but it just felt so formal. He was like that—very formal and high society. It was like the name Maxi offended him in some way. Though that might have been because I told him Maureen used to call me Maxi Pad.” Laughing with him, she knew Charlie would get the reference. He’d heard that nickname far too many times when they were younger. “It also took him over a year to start calling me his girlfriend. We had always been exclusive, but he was so terrified of commitment. Even mention of the word love made him pull away. It was like pulling teeth to get him to agree that we were boyfriend and girlfriend. Part of the reason why I always felt like a secret.” She shook her head, taking a sip of her wine. “He got better…but he was such a Gargoyle. Aloof, terse, stony, and ornery. For a while I was afraid to be myself because I thought I would scare him off. I was compromising who I was just to be with him. That changed over time, but I realize now that I never should have done it. Maybe if I had just been myself from the beginning, none of this would have happened.” She sighed and cocked her head to the side. “Then again, I am happy it happened. Live and learn, right?” A smile came to her lips before she sipped her wine again. If she didn’t smile then she was going to cry. She didn’t want to spend anymore tears on August. “At least he didn’t cheat. That must have been incredibly painful. And what nutcase would cheat on you? You’re so great! Any woman would be lucky to have you as her boyfriend!” The wine was really loosening her tongue. When she realized what she’d said, she felt mildly embarrassed for being so bold. Then again, it was something a friend would say even without some level of attraction, which was a comfort that kept the blush down in her cheeks.

[CHARLIE MILLER]

“Grab the wine and I’ll tell you all you want to know in the living room.”
She said with a laugh, and Charlie did as he was told, a grin plastered on his face.  There was nothing like drinking and complaining.  Charlie slipped onto the couch, placing the bottle on the coffee table before leaning back and getting comfortable, Maxi doing the same beside him.  She was so short.. it was cute watching her curl her legs up under her.  She'd always sat like that on the couch during movies.. “Well…for one thing, he always called me Maxine. It was never Maxi." Charlie wrinkles his nose at the thought of calling her Maxine all the time.  That was just so formal! "I mean, I did like that since he called me something no one else did, but it just felt so formal. He was like that—very formal and high society. It was like the name Maxi offended him in some way. Though that might have been because I told him Maureen used to call me Maxi Pad.” Charlie gave a laugh but he had the feeling that if August called her Maxine, it wasn't because of the nickname, unless he switched to using it after he'd heard that story.  He laughed a little remembering how Maury had called her sister that.  Hell, they all had when she was being a little pain, though he couldn't recall using it more than maybe once or twice.  Maureen was the biggest offender there, being the bratty kid sister she was. “It also took him over a year to start calling me his girlfriend. We had always been exclusive, but he was so terrified of commitment. Even mention of the word love made him pull away. It was like pulling teeth to get him to agree that we were boyfriend and girlfriend. Part of the reason why I always felt like a secret.” She was shaking her head and internally he was doing the same.  Why would she stick with him for that long? He sounded like such an asshole.  “He got better…but he was such a Gargoyle. Aloof, terse, stony, and ornery. For a while I was afraid to be myself because I thought I would scare him off. I was compromising who I was just to be with him. That changed over time, but I realize now that I never should have done it. Maybe if I had just been myself from the beginning, none of this would have happened.” She sighed and he frowned, hating the words coming out of her mouth.  It sounded like the relationship was bordering on mental abuse at times.  She should have been herself from the beginning, but if changing to be who she was became the deciding factor on him staying with her, then he was never in love with her in the first place.  She'd painted herself into the corner and he genuinely felt bad for her. “Then again, I am happy it happened. Live and learn, right?” Charlie got the impression the smile she wore was a mask, and he followed suit, taking a sip before offering a soft "Live and learn." In return, not sure if he would be stepping over boundaries by offering relationship advice.  He wanted to tell her it was okay, that she hadn't done anything wrong, but he needed the right moment.

“At least he didn’t cheat. That must have been incredibly painful. And what nutcase would cheat on you? You’re so great! Any woman would be lucky to have you as her boyfriend!” Charlie cocked a brow and then snorted a laugh.  That was an unexpected compliment, and though he appreciated it, he was disappointed the conversation had suddenly turned back to him.  "Someone's had a touch too much to drink." He teased, smirking slightly before drinking more from his glass and then sighing, shaking his head.  "That or I must have been an excellent husband in that dream." He laughed, holding his hands up and pulling away as she tossed a pillow into his direction.  "Sorry, sorry!" He laughed, looking down into his wine and shaking his head again.  "No, seriously.. as wrong as she was to cheat, I'd be dishonest in saying she didn't have a half decent reason to.  I wasn't exactly.. attentive."  Charlie sighed and leaned back.  "I worked late hours and wasn't always pleasant when I got in.  Sometimes I just wanted to eat some take away and sleep, maybe watch a show if I was feeling extra restless. We seldom saw each other during the week unless she was crashing at my place, and even then she usually was there alone.  It was great in the beginning but as the intimacy started to fade a bit.." He shrugged and pushed his lips to the side a bit.  "Live and learn." He repeated, draining his glass.  At this pace they'd need another bottle soon! He reached for it and topped his glass off, feeling more and more relaxed, and definitely a little sleepy, but certainly not ready to call it quits for the night.  "Looks like you and I have a lot to learn before we get attached again.  Next time around you'll be yourself, which I can't imagine you wanting to hide, and I won't be such a grumpy old goat."  He reached his glass out to clink, offering a gentle "Cheers." As their glasses clicked, a soft chiming sound filling the space between them before taking another sip, watching Maxi drain her glass.  "I hope the next man who's lucky enough to snag you knows what he has before he loses it. You're a catch, maximillion.  Never forget that." It wasn't a name he often called her, but one his kid brother had.  When they were young it was thrown around more often, but it didn't suit her as much now that she was an adult.  Still, he gave a wink and swirled the crimson liquid around in his glass. "We should just go ahead and blame our parents." He offered suddenly, his tone telling he was joking once more.  "At our ages, none of us married with children.. dreadful."  He smirked and then laughed.  "Well, it seems that Drew and Maureen might be headed in that direction.  Did you see them cuddling? Are they always like that?" He sounded almost disgusted, but the way his lips turned up slightly at the corners showed he was amused by this.  "God, this was a weird night.  I might need to finish that bottle."

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Charlie snorted a laugh at Maxi’s compliment and she gave him a playfully scolding look. “Someone’s had a touch too much to drink.” She laughed and shook her head. “I have not!” she protested through her wide smile. “That or I must have been an excellent husband in that dream.” She blushed slightly, but immediately grabbed a pillow beside her and hit him with it hard enough to make a soft thump but not enough to hurt him, biting her lower lip as she did so to hold back her smile. He laughed and she narrowed her eyes playfully. “Sorry, sorry!” “Hmph,” she grunted haughtily in return, not really upset at all. She expected him to tease her for that for the rest of the trip and she’d always been a good sport about being teased. Charlie shook his head and stared into his wine, his face slowly becoming more serious and hers did the same. “No, seriously…as wrong as she was to cheat, I’d be dishonest in saying she didn’t have a half decent reason to. I wasn’t exactly…attentive.” That surprised Maxi and her big eyes reflected that, watching him as he sighed and leaned back. Perhaps her dream was very different from reality. Not that he’d been the most attentive husband in her dream, but he’d come running when he knew there was trouble and he comforted her. She had to stop comparing the real Charlie to her dream, though. “I worked late hours and wasn’t always pleasant when I got in. Sometimes I just wanted to eat some take away and sleep, maybe watch a show if I was feeling extra restless. We seldom saw each other during the week unless she was crashing at my place, and even then she usually was there alone. It was great in the beginning but as the intimacy started to fade a bit…” Maxi’s brow was furrowed sadly, sympathetic to his regrets. Hindsight was always 20/20… “Live and learn.” He drained his glass and she took a drink of her own wine. It was really starting to kick in and her head was feeling light and warm. Charlie reached forward to fill his glass again and Maxi wondered what she could say by way of comfort.

“Looks like you and I have a lot to learn before we get attached again. Next time around you’ll be yourself, which I can’t imagine you wanting to hide, and I won’t be such a grumpy old goat.” Maxi had to smile, her eyes warm as she did so. Charlie had always been sullen and she could see how he could be grumpy at times, but underneath there was so much warmth there. He reached out his glass to clink against hers and she did so happily. “Cheers.” “Cheers,” she repeated softly before draining her glass. Should she refill it? Charlie wasn’t going to finish the bottle himself… “I hope the next man who’s lucky enough to snag you knows what he has before he loses it. You’re a catch, Maximillion. Never forget that.” Her eyes were wide as she stared at her old friend and crush, her face flushing as red as a beet before she could stop it. He really thought that? He winked and she gave a soft, breathy laugh even as her heart jumped. God, she was being such a teenager about all of this! It must have been the alcohol making her so silly. “We should just go ahead and blame our parents.” She gave him a curious look, the pink draining from her cheeks at his humor and she smiled. “At our ages, none of us married with children…dreadful.” She laughed, leaning forward to fill her glass again. “That’s the spirit! It can’t be our fault if all of us kids are in the same situation,” she agreed, throwing a big grin at him as he laughed. “Well, it seems that Drew and Maureen might be headed in that direction. Did you see them cuddling?” She snorted and nodded, getting comfortable with her legs pulled up to her body again. “Are they always like that?” His mildly disgusted tone and look made her laugh. “Pretty much!” “God this was a weird night. I might need to finish that bottle.” Again she laughed, waving her hand. “Go for it! There’s plenty more wine in this house. August and I kind of collected it.” She shook her head, giving a small laugh. “Sorry, I still need to get used to not bringing him up. But I’m pretty tipsy, so I have an excuse.” Grinning again, she took another sip of her wine. She was feeling pretty good now, her head light and her body warm all over. This was much better than her earlier nervous state.

“To be honest, I hardly notice the weirdness of Drew and Maureen being together anymore. Then again, I see them all the time. But seeing them together just seems…right. They fit so well together and complement each other perfectly.” She looked at Charlie. “I’m guessing you were more weirded out by the fact that she was even here at all.” He agreed and she smiled wide, nodding her head. “For months I couldn’t even believe it. Every now and then I thought it had to be like those Anastasia imposters—it had to be hoax. It couldn’t actually be Maureen. But just one look at the two of us together is proof enough. And her memories started to come back, things I remembered too, and there wasn’t any more room for doubt. I’ve gotta be the luckiest person on earth.” She grinned happily and then took a sip of her wine. When she finished, she looked down into her glass. “It’s made me wonder if my parents are out there somewhere. Safe and sound but without their memories of Maureen and I. Then I wonder what would be sadder—them being dead or them not being able to remember us.” The conversation was taking another sad turn and she could feel tears brimming again. She didn’t want to be so mopey with a friend she hadn’t seen in so long. Forcing a smile, she looked up again. “But I know it’s not really possible and I’m more than happy to just have Maureen back. I’ll always be grateful to her adopted family for taking such good care of her for so long. They’re really great people—I hope you’ll have a chance to meet them one day! And they just adore Drew. He’s really fooled them.” She wrinkled her nose and grinned impishly at her playful teasing of their buddy that wasn’t there to defend himself. “Seriously, though, I think it’s really cute that they ended up together. We grew up together and now they’ve fallen in love with each other. It’s like they’ve been together forever and have so many more memories than most couples do.” Cocking her head to the side, she looked like she was thinking as she pushed her lips to the side. “Maybe that’s why I dreamed you and I were married. Because I think they’re so cute.” She grinned again and looked over at him. In reality, it was probably because she had such a big crush on him when they were younger. But she wasn’t going to admit to that! That was just invitation for more teasing!

[CHARLIE MILLER]

“Go for it! There’s plenty more wine in this house. August and I kind of collected it.” He cocked a brow at the use of her ex's name.  It would take a while for her to stop talking about him.  She laughed, realizing her faux pas and he smiled back.  He didn't care if she talked about August, but he knew it wasn't healthy if they were over now.  “Sorry, I still need to get used to not bringing him up. But I’m pretty tipsy, so I have an excuse.” "No need to apologize to me. It's natural."  He still talked about his ex from time to time, but tried not to anymore.  

“To be honest, I hardly notice the weirdness of Drew and Maureen being together anymore. Then again, I see them all the time. But seeing them together just seems…right. They fit so well together and complement each other perfectly.” He pursed his lips and then nodded slowly.  He supposed if he saw the two of them together all the time the way Maxi did, he would feel the same.  It was such a shock to him becauseMaureen was still little crazy Maury in his eyes, and she'd been dead for years.  And Drew.. he wasn't the guy he pictured Maureen to end up with.  He was the guy he would hope she would end up with, but old Maureen wouldn't have been calm enough for someone like Drew, even with his never ending patience.  “I’m guessing you were more weirded out by the fact that she was even here at all.” He gave a soft laughed and nodded.  "That was a large factor, yes." He agreed, sipping his wine.  This conversation would need lots of wine..  “For months I couldn’t even believe it. Every now and then I thought it had to be like those Anastasia imposters—it had to be hoax. It couldn’t actually be Maureen. But just one look at the two of us together is proof enough. And her memories started to come back, things I remembered too, and there wasn’t any more room for doubt. I’ve gotta be the luckiest person on earth.” He nodded and smiled slightly.  "It is sort of like Anastasia.  Well.. if Anastasia was found alive." He said with a wider smile.  "But definitely lucky." “It’s made me wonder if my parents are out there somewhere. Safe and sound but without their memories of Maureen and I. Then I wonder what would be sadder—them being dead or them not being able to remember us.” Charlie felt the smile fade slightly.  He didn't even think of that..  Once more he felt bad for her, having nearly forgotten that she'd lost them too.  "Max..." He said softly, a twinge of pity in his sad tone.  Neither would be better he supposed.  “But I know it’s not really possible and I’m more than happy to just have Maureen back. I’ll always be grateful to her adopted family for taking such good care of her for so long. They’re really great people—I hope you’ll have a chance to meet them one day! And they just adore Drew. He’s really fooled them.” He gave a smile at the Drew comment, but in his mind he didn't like the idea of meeting her adopted family.  She wasn't meant for adoption.  Why hadn't they looked harder for her family? Or tried to have her remember something of her past life? Why was it that she happened to bump into Maxi, a million and one shot, and suddenly memories came back? After how many years? He would never say this to Maxi, even in his slightly drunk state, because he knew it would hurt her and he knew how much that family meant to Maureen.  They were the only parents she truly remembered, but Charlie couldn't help but feel a little bitter towards them.  He let his eyes fall to his drink so as not to show his feelings with his eyes.  

“Seriously, though, I think it’s really cute that they ended up together. We grew up together and now they’ve fallen in love with each other. It’s like they’ve been together forever and have so many more memories than most couples do.”  Charlie hadn't though of it like that, and with his mind distracted from the injustice of Maureen's past, he had to agree.  It was sort of nice.. and, well, cute wasn't a word he liked to use but he supposed it was that as well.  “Maybe that’s why I dreamed you and I were married. Because I think they’re so cute.” His brow cocked and his grin widened over his lips as he let out a soft little laugh.  "Their cuteness was what made us get married?" He asked, his tone almost teasing.  Charlie took a sip of his drink and then licked his lips.  He looked away and then cleared his throat.  "You know I had a huge crush on you when we were kids." He told her, a nervous sort of laugh escaping.  "Well, not kids.. older.  Teenagers.. you know what I mean.  When you started looking less like.. well, like that."  He nodded to a picture she had from when she and Maureen were younger.  It was of them and their parents, on a camping trip.  She'd been a beautiful child though, with her wide blue eyes.  Both McManus girls had been striking even in their youth.  "I had a crush on both of you, really.. that's not weird to admit now, is it?" He asked with another of those nervous laughs, smiling to hide his anxiety at his weird childish expression.  "We're adults.  We can talk about this stuff." He added with a grin.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Charlie grinned and gave her a raised eyebrow. “Their cuteness was what made us get married?” Maxi grinned back and shrugged. “I dunno,” she said meekly, feeling her cheeks flush a little. Maybe it did sound like a pretty lame excuse, especially considering she knew the real reason. She drained her glass and then set it on the coffee table, swilling the sweet liquid in her mouth. That was probably enough for now considering her head was swimming a little. “You know I had a huge crush on you when we were kids.” She almost spit her wine everywhere, but instead forced it down her gullet and almost choked on it as her face turned a deep red. Her wide eyes fixed on him, not sure he believed what she’d heard. There was no way! He let out a nervous laugh that almost convinced her. “Well, not kids…older. Teenagers…you know what I mean. When you started looking less like…well, like that.” Maxi followed his nod and found the picture she kept on a shelf of her family on a camping trip. It just made her flush more. He’d really had a crush on her? If she had known when she was younger she would have died! Charlie Miller, the guy she had secretly fantasized about sharing her first kiss with and…other things—he’d had a crush on her too. What a strange revelation to know now…

“I had a crush on both of you, really…that’s not weird to admit now, is it?” He gave another nervous laugh and she joined him, feeling her stomach knotting anxiously. Maureen would get the biggest kick out of knowing this. To think that he had a crush on both of them when she had always teased Maxi about her infatuation with such a sullen, grumpy guy like Charlie, a boy who was practically they’re brother—how she would have laughed if she knew that when they were kids! “We’re adults. We can talk about this stuff.” His grin made her smile in return, although it was breathless and unsure. Her heart was throbbing so hard she thought he might hear it. Looking away, she let out a soft, breathy laugh. “Well, being that we’re adults and we can talk about this stuff, I guess I should admit that I had a huge crush on you too.” She gave him a sidelong look, blushing more at finally admitting it. After all of these years keeping it a closely guarded secretly, it was still hard to say it aloud, especially to the object of her teenage dreams. He looked surprised and her heart fluttered so much she had to look away again as she bit her lip. “Maureen used to tease me relentlessly for it too. Whenever I’d get all mushy and starry-eyed, she’d start singing, ‘Maxi and Charlie sittin’ in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G!’” She laughed with him and finally managed to hold his gaze again. “Mom heard her one time and that led to one of the most embarrassing conversations I’d ever had up to that point. ‘Have you told him you like him? Do you think he likes you?’ And I told her, ‘No way, Mom! He couldn’t like me.’” She laughed nervously again. “I guess I was wrong, huh?” Their eyes met and she flushed even more. There was no way she could blame that on the alcohol now.

“And now I can admit the real reason I think I had that dream—because I guess I still kind of have a crush on you. I mean I loved August and all but I guess you never really get over your first crush, right?” Just saying it out loud made her stomach flip and her eyes got a little wide, realizing she was implying that he still liked her. She looked at him with a little panic and held her hands up. “Not that I think you still like me or anything! It’s just…maybe it’s different for girls. We over-romanticize that stuff. Well maybe not all girls. And not that it has to be awkward or anything because I still have a crush on you. I mean…oh my God, I can’t believe I just said that.” She gave an embarrassed little squeal and hid her very red face in her hands with a wide, nervous grin. “I should gag myself whenever I drink. I can’t stop rambling when I’m drunk and nervous.” Peeking her eyes over her fingers, she gave an apologetic smile that showed from behind her hands. “Sorry if I made this awkward.”

[CHARLIE MILLER]

“Well, being that we’re adults and we can talk about this stuff, I guess I should admit that I had a huge crush on you too.” Maxi admitted after a short, breathy laugh, which caused Charlie to cock a brow back at her.  That was certainly news, news he would have loved to have had back when he was much younger! Would it have even changed anything?  It may have.. he might actually be married to her after all! That was sort of an odd thought, the two of them being a couple.  Maxi's cheeks were rosy and his grin was an amused one at how suddenly very shy she'd become, the alcohol doing little to keep him serious during a conversation like this.  “Maureen used to tease me relentlessly for it too. Whenever I’d get all mushy and starry-eyed, she’d start singing, ‘Maxi and Charlie sittin’ in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G!’” He couldn't help laughing at the childish song, and could almost hear young Maureen taunting her baby sister with it.  That was the Maureen he recalled.. the one who would tease her sister relentlessly for crushing on a boy.  Him, specifically.  “Mom heard her one time and that led to one of the most embarrassing conversations I’d ever had up to that point. ‘Have you told him you like him? Do you think he likes you?’ And I told her, ‘No way, Mom! He couldn’t like me.’” She gave a nervous laugh and he looked at her with an amused sort of pity.  If only she knew how very wrong she'd been.. Maxi wasn't far off by thinking what she did, though.  He'd been a serious boy and he would never let on he liked a girl, especially one that was practically family.  There were too many children between his family and hers and of course there was Drew to openly admit to crushing anyone.  No, Charlie had always kept to himself, never having been a fan of being mocked or ridiculed.  He could dish it just fine, but certainly couldn't take it.  “I guess I was wrong, huh?”  His eyes met hers and he gave a sad sort of smile, then nodded.  "You were very wrong." He told her, his grin widening slightly.  "Not that I gave any inclination then.  It wasn't your fault.  If anything it was mine." He offered in way to help hopefully make her feel better.  It was in the past now, no turning back.  No regrets.

“And now I can admit the real reason I think I had that dream—because I guess I still kind of have a crush on you." His smile faltered a little as he watched her quizzically, the reality of that last statement sinking in.  She still fancied him? "I mean I loved August and all but I guess you never really get over your first crush, right?” She seemed to realize what she'd just said and Charlie wished he'd had another two or three glasses of wine in him.  He felt good, relaxed and certainly a bit drunk, but he wished he were a little stupider to let those words sink in.  He'd always had a soft spot for Maxi, but the timing had never been right for them.  Besides, he had always been so sure it would make things awkward to even attempt to try and pursue anything with the McManus girl. Had he been so wrong?  “Not that I think you still like me or anything! It’s just…maybe it’s different for girls. We over-romanticize that stuff. Well maybe not all girls. And not that it has to be awkward or anything because I still have a crush on you. I mean…oh my God, I can’t believe I just said that.” Her rambling was cute as she tried to backpedal, only digging her hole a bit deeper.  He had to smile a little, having the overwhelming urge to lean in and kiss her, but even with the amount of wine he'd drank he had the willpower to hold back.  It was a bad idea.  They'd both recently got out of relationships and they were more than a little tipsy.  He needed to keep his head about him, even if it was swimming.  

“I should gag myself whenever I drink. I can’t stop rambling when I’m drunk and nervous. Sorry if I made this awkward.”
 Charlie shook his head, quickly dismissing the thought.  "Oh no, I think I much prefer this honest side of you. Especially since it's doing such a fine job of stroking my ego." He taunted back.  He reached for the hands covering her pink face and pulled them down, clasping them in his own as he gazed into her eyes.  "If it makes you feel any better, I've never really stopped thinking about you either.  Honestly, it was just one of those notions in my mind I thought was silly, childhood fancy so I never put much weight in it. I often find myself thinking about you for several days after we've emailed.  I mean, it's the same for Drew or my siblings, but.." He licked his lips and looked down at their hands, slowly letting his fingers slip away. "I don't know. You've always been different." He added softly feeling his brows crease slightly.  His pale eyes moved to meet hers and he gave a serious sort of grin.  "So now that the cat's out of the bag.." He started, shifting ever so slightly in his spot beside her, "What should we do about it?" He looked deep into her eyes, trying to figure out what the next logical step was.  "Go to sleep and forget this conversation happened, or.."  Charlie casually scooted an inch closer to her, his eyes briefly darting to her lips before looking down at the small gap between them. "..maybe seeing what we've been depriving ourselves of?" He gulped, looking back at her cautiously.  The last thing he wanted was to make things weird with Maxi.  He did care for her like a sister after all, even if he didn't see her as one at the moment.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Charlie shook his head. “Oh no, I think I much prefer this honest side of you. Especially since it’s doing such a fine job of stroking my ego.” Maxi rolled her eyes playfully behind her hands, smiling wider into her palms. To her surprise, Charlie’s hands reached up and took hers from her very pink face. It made her blush more, her big eyes a little wider with the gentle coaxing of his long fingers. They held her hands steady and her heart quickened. “If it makes you feel any better, I’ve never really stopped thinking about you either. Honestly, it was just one of those notions in my mind I thought was a silly, childhood fancy so I never put much weight in it. I often find myself thinking about you for several days after we’ve emailed. I mean, it’s the same for Drew or my sibling, but…” Her large eyes were glued to his face, hardly believing what she was hearing. How had they gone so long without having this conversation? His pale eyes fell to their hands and she followed, watching as his fingers slipped away. It left an empty pit in her stomach. “I don’t know. You’ve always been different.” Even with the empty pit inside, her stomach flipped, increasing her anxiety. What would come of this? What did she want to come of this?

“So now that the cat’s out of the bag…” Maxi’s eyes lifted to the pale blue of his own, noting how he shifted in his spot to better face her. “What should we do about it?” She swallowed hard, her heart beating against her ribs with almost painful ferocity. “Go to sleep and forget this conversation happened, or…” Charlie scooted closer, his eyes falling to her lips and Maxi bit her bottom one gently, feeling almost dizzy with the heat in her cheeks. Was he really suggesting…? “…maybe seeing what we’ve been depriving ourselves of?” When his eyes came back to hers, he looked nervous and hopeful all at once. She couldn’t believe this was happening. For years she had asked herself “what if.” Now she was getting her answer and her chance. She didn’t want to mess things up between them. He was one of her oldest friends, like family. But…she didn’t see him that way right now. In fact she’d been jumping back and forth for so long in how she viewed him that it didn’t seem a hard transition to go from old friend to lover. And maybe this was what she needed…maybe this was what they both needed. Her eyes flitted to his thick lips…they were so inviting. When she looked back in his eyes, her cheeks flushed and her heart pounding, she gave a small, weak smile. “Well…you know I’ve always been too curious for my own good.” She gave a soft breath of a laugh, unable to do more than that with how quickly her heart was pumping.

Maxi scooted a little closer too, their knees now touching as her big eyes focused anxiously on Charlie’s. It was easy to get swallowed into those icy blue pools. She was so lost in them that she hardly noticed as he leaned closer. The world was gone, held in her breath as it stopped in anticipation. She could feel his breath on her lips and finally her eyes slid closed. His lips were so soft and gentle when they touched hers. It was a sweet kiss, closed mouthed and lingering. The heat of his lips made her dizzy…or maybe that was just the fact that she had been holding her breath. At last he pulled back, hovering near as she finally breathed again. Her eyes opened halfway, noticing his had done the same. The question between them didn’t need to be spoken and nor did the answer. It was clear they both wanted to do it again. Maxi was the first to lean back in, lips parted and starving for another touch of his. Charlie met her halfway and this time there was no hesitation or uncertainty. One of her hands rested on his cheek as the other slipped into his dark hair, her mouth parted beneath his as their lips pressed firmly into one another. The heat of the kiss was beginning to make her head spin and she was delighted by the feeling. Charlie was sweeping her completely off her feet. What a dream come true…

[CHARLIE MILLER]

Her cheeks were flushed and he could see she was thinking about their dilemma.  After a moment she offered him a weak smile, one that made his stomach squirm.  “Well…you know I’ve always been too curious for my own good.” Her laugh told him she was nervous, and truth be told he was too.  Very nervous.  He knew he was drunk, he knew he wasn't thinking at a hundred percent and neither was she.  Things could go south quickly and that was the last thing he wanted, but he knew if anyone could get past all of this it was probably them.  He might have a hard time with some people, but Maxi had always been so easy to like, so hard to stay away from and pretty irresistible.  If she didn't want a kiss, she would tell him.  To further convince him she wanted to move forward, she scooted closer, their knees pressing lightly together.  Charlie swallowed as he looked into her eyes, coaxing himself to do what she wanted, reminding himself that it was okay.  Charlie leaned in closer, closing the short distance between them and letting his lips gently press to hers.

It was soft kiss, the kind where their lips just barely brushed, a tease as to what could be, a test to make sure it was really alright.  It was perfect.  She tasted how he would expect, not the he got much of a taste, but her lips were soft and plush and inviting, and when he did finally move away he didn't go far, hoping to be invited back in.  His eyes opened to hers, an almost questioning look there, and he noted she seemed to be looking the same.  It was Maxi who leaned back in and Charlie let her halfway, this time with much more vigor.  There was certainly more passion in the way their lips melded together, but it was a controlled kiss.  Her hands, warm and graceful, took their places naturally on his cheek and slipped through his hair, sending chills down his spine all the way up to his groin.  He liked the way it felt to have her touch him, and he allowed his hand to slip to her knee, the other wrapping around her waist and drawing her closer.  Her body obeyed, leaning more into him until he felt her beginning to press against him.  He suddenly wished he'd had less alcohol, his mind swimming with thoughts it certainly shouldn't be, thoughts he'd always scolded himself for having.  He couldn't really have her.. and right now it was all wrong with them both being recently single.  Besides, she was drunk, probably drunker than him.  Charlie didn't want to take advantage and try to push things too far, but he was definitely going to enjoy her in this moment for as long as he could.

The hand at her back slid slowly up to her arm, creeping its way to her neck and holding her there as their kiss deepened.  Maxi allowed her lips to part, Charlie taking full advantage of this new unexplored territory.  His tongue found hers, delicately shaking its hand before working his way up to a heated embrace.  He groaned softly into her mouth, leaning in a little closer and holding her a little tighter.  The fingers in his hair were doing little to the rising temperature in his body and he felt himself leaning closer into her until she was beginning to lean back into the couch.  It was at this point he knew he needed to back off a little, cool things down if he wanted to keep his head about him.  With a deep breath he pulled back, pecking her lips once before moving away just an inch, opening his deep blue eyes to hers.  Charlie was a little out of breath as he gazed at her, finally smiling a little.  "I don't want to cross boundaries.." He explained.  "I don't want to go to far.  Not yet.."  Though the words were coming out of his mouth, his body was betraying him as he leaned in to kiss her once more, lingering there on her lips, his hand firm, but gentle at the nape of her neck before pulling away again, his mouth hovering close.  "You know.. that was far better than I had ever dreamed.." He whispered, an almost playful air to his voice.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Charlie’s hand fell on Maxi’s knee, his other sliding around her waist until he was drawing her closer to him. Her heart pounded against her ribs, the heat of his hands shocking her to her groin. Part of her felt dirty for thinking about him the way she was now, like she had when she woke up from her dream of having sex with him, but she was too dizzy and lost in his kiss to really stop those thoughts. It was getting hotter by the second, her body pressing into his as his hand held the back of her neck. The hand on his cheek slipped around his shoulders, holding tight as his tongue slid into her mouth. At first the soft, pink mass was shy, but it quickly grew bold and massaged firmly against hers. She whimpered softly, leaning her head back more as he leaned further into her. Charlie groaned into her lips and her heart leapt into her throat with excitement. Her fingers clutched at his hair, needing to hold onto something as she felt Charlie slowly and perhaps unintentionally pushing her back toward the couch. She knew she couldn’t stop him if he tried to take this further, but a tiny knot formed in her stomach. It felt too fast…

Suddenly his lips pulled away a little, briefly coming back again before he took a breath and she did the same. She felt like she hadn’t breathed in minutes. Panting softly, when her eyes finally opened she found the pale of his eyes gazing back at her. Her face was flushed and her head was still spinning, but his eyes let reality sneak in. She’d just kissed Charlie Miller! Girlhood giddiness seized her stomach as she smiled at his smile. “I don’t want to cross boundaries…I don’t want to go too far. Not yet…” Yet…the hope of that word tingled through her whole body, concentrating between her thighs. Could she really have sex with Charlie? For real this time? She didn’t know, but she was happy to accept another lingering kiss from him, sighing through her nose as he continued to hold her close. When their mouths parted again, he hovered near and she opened her eyes only halfway. “You know…that was far better than I had ever dreamed…” She bit her lip as she grinned, brushing her nose against his. “I don’t know. You were a pretty good kisser in my dream. I’d have to kiss you again to be sure you’re better in real life.” A giggle left her before she pressed her lips to his again, drunker off his kisses than alcohol now. The kiss deepened once more, their tongues tangling again while their lips danced. She could have kissed him all night. The way her hands held onto him, she seemed ready to.

When at last she separated her mouth from his, she nodded. “Yeah, this is definitely better than my dream.” She smiled again before their lips drew back together. It was like there were magnets in them! His fingers were curling in her hair and she gave another soft whimper. If she didn’t pull back now, this was going to go further than either of them planned. She pulled away before pecking him once more and then opening her eyes again. “But you’re right…we shouldn’t go too far. Not tonight.” He seemed reluctant but he agreed, drawing a smile from her. They both knew it wasn’t right. It was late and they were drunk—it just wasn’t the right time. Remembering the time, she was suddenly worried she’d kept him up too long. Her fingers smoothed through his hair, knowing she’d messed it up. Her smile was cute and playful as it still hovered close to his. “Shall I go grab some sheets for you? You must be pretty tired.”

[CHARLIE MILLER]

“I don’t know. You were a pretty good kisser in my dream. I’d have to kiss you again to be sure you’re better in real life.” She giggled and he couldn't help the smile that spread over his lips as she pressed her own to his.  This was certainly not what he had imagined happening on his trip to Scriptor Bay; making out with Maxine McManus on her couch, drunk, trying his best to behave and keep his dick tucked safely in his pants.  The kiss deepened quickly, neither really capable of holding back their desire to want to keep up with the pleasant tongue act.  Finally she was pulling away again and Charlie felt dizzy with lust.  It was not okay to fuck one of your childhood friends while both drunk.  Definitely not..  but God did the thought cross his mind as she pulled him in again for a kiss.

Charlie kept his hands where they belonged; on her arms, cheeks, side.. nothing private, nowhere that could be misconstrued as inappropriate, and he felt a mixture of disappointment and relief when again she pulled back with a nod.  “Yeah, this is definitely better than my dream.” He grinned and offered another kiss in way of thanks.  "I should hope so, since you're actually kissing me now." He teased, though he was glad he was able to live up to his dream self.  He kissed her again, his fingers tangled in that messy mop of red atop her head.  The way she whimpered into his lips made him ache to hear louder against his ear.  “But you’re right…we shouldn’t go too far. Not tonight.” Charlie gulped and nodded after a hesitant breath. "Not tonight." He agreed, leaving it open for maybe another night, if not this trip, perhaps in their future.  Who knew? Maybe it would be too awkward in the morning for either to consider something more than what had already happened.  

Her fingers danced lovingly through his hair, no doubt trying to recreate the hairdo she'd undoubtedly messed up during their steamy make out session.  “Shall I go grab some sheets for you? You must be pretty tired.”  Tired wasn't the right word.  Perhaps delirious with the time change and the wine and the heated moment.  He wasn't feeling himself, but he knew the moment needed to end.  "I can get them. Where are they?" She insisted since he was of course her guest, and they were upstairs, but Charlie was feeling giddy still.  He stood up and then leaned down over Maxi, scooping her up over his shoulder in one swift movement.  "Jesus, you weigh a ton!" He teased, hooking his arm behind her knees and ignoring her flailing.  "Shush, I'm putting you to bed like the gentleman I am." He explained as he stumbled his weigh to the stairs under not only her weight, but his intoxication and weariness.  

When he got to the steps he finally gave up, placing her down on the step so she was nearly as tall as him.  "Well that wasn't as smooth as I'd hoped." He told her, grinning like the idiot he was acting like.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Charlie was dazed and seemed a little hesitant to take Maxi up on her offer, something that made her bite her bottom lip. If they kept this up, neither of them was going to be able to stop despite their agreement to not sleep together tonight. What was it with her and wanting to sleep with guys on the first night? Granted, it was different with Charlie because they had known each other for so very long, but still…this counted as their first night actually being romantic at all. They needed to cool off! She couldn’t keep jumping in the sack at the first opportunity! Even though she really, really wanted to… “I can get them. Where are they?” Maxi shook her head, her brow furrowing as she waved a hand. “No, you’re my guest! I’ll get them. They’re just upstairs in the linen closet.” He got to his feet and she quickly did the same, about to race up the stairs before he could beat her! But maybe she stood a little too quickly…with her head still spinning, she felt Charlie’s hands come about her waist and she gasped as she was lifted into the air. Before she could register what was going on, Maxi was flung over Charlie’s shoulder like a sack of potatoes. She squealed and laughed, her hands pushing into his lower back to avoid her face hovering just in front of his butt. “Charlie!” she scolded with obvious enjoyment in her voice. “Jesus, you weigh a ton!” One hand lightly pounded on his back in a way that would be impossible to hurt him but would get her scolding across. “How rude! Put me down, you brute!” she cried, kicking a leg before he restrained it behind the knee. “Shush, I’m putting you to bed like the gentleman I am.” She laughed as he stumbled his way out of the room and towards the stairs. “This is not how gentlemen put ladies to bed!”

Squealing and laughing the whole way to the stairs, Maxi didn’t even have time to wonder if Charlie was actually going to bring her to her bed like this. That might cause even more trouble…especially with the good view she had of his butt right now. It took a lot to resist the urge to pinch it. While the urge was playful, it could be misconstrued as something more and they were having a hard enough time keep their hands to themselves. At last they reached the stairs and Charlie gave up trying to support her weight anymore. August had always done it with such ease…dammit, she wasn’t thinking about that! He ducked down and slid her off his shoulder and onto her feet, making her giggle again as she grabbed onto the shirt over his upper arms. “Well that wasn’t as smooth as I’d hoped.” Maxi giggled more, adoring how cute Charlie looked grinning the way he was now. She balled her fists and pounded his chest gently as if she was angry, though her face made it obvious she was amused. “You could have dropped me! I could have died!” she teased with an overdramatic voice. Her stomach flipped as he leaned back in pulling her close to him. It left her breathless before their lips even touched—her legs felt like jelly. She could kiss him more easily this way and her arms twined around his shoulders to have more support. No! They were falling back down the rabbit hole and she needed to let him go to bed without her. She pulled back and took a breath before her mouth curled into a playful grin. “You’re never going to get to sleep at this rate.” His response made her giggle but at last they pulled apart.

Still dizzy from kissing and drinking, they made their way up to the linen closet and then back down to the pull out. They worked together to make up the relatively comfortable mattress and Maxi gave him two pillows from her own bed. It took several more minutes for them to finally separate for the night and Maxi reluctantly made her way up to her own bed. For about forty-five minutes after getting ready and slipping into bed Maxi lay tossing and turning, thinking about Charlie. Had that really happened? Was this another dream that she would wake from? Did she really want to jump into something with her childhood friend and teenage crush so soon after splitting with August? Even she couldn’t deny that Charlie was a better partner for her than August and he had her in a state of happiness and excitement that she hadn’t felt in almost a month. How could she resist? And to be honest, she didn’t want to. She wanted to forget August and the pain he’d caused her. Her whole body ached for it. What better way to move on than to do so with a man she knew had always cared about her? Finally she drifted off, her mind settling and the alcohol calling forth her weariness.

In the morning, she had a mild headache, but nothing too bad. Memories from the night before left her gut writhing nervously and excitedly. She had made out with Charlie Miller. Holy shit! Would he regret it this morning? She certainly didn’t. It made her bashful to emerge and make breakfast, though. Before heading downstairs, she stopped in the bathroom to brush her teeth—just in case he was in a kissy mood this morning too. More than likely he would be as bashful as she was, though. She shuffled into the kitchen in her oversized t-shirt and pajama pants, her hair mildly disheveled but in a cute way. Charlie was already awake but didn’t look like he had been for very long. He was cutely disheveled too, his hair sticking up a little in the back, his pale eyes rimmed with small bags. She blushed when their eyes met and she gave a smile both bright and a little shy. “Good morning! Ready for a greasy breakfast?” He assured her he was and the smile he gave her told Maxi he remembered perfectly well what had happened last night…and he wasn’t sorry. It made her grin wider before making her way into the kitchen to start cooking.

He came out too and helped her prep, scrambling eggs and making pancake batter while she fried hash browns and bacon together in her skillet before using the grease left over to help her cook the pancakes. It smelled great and the flirting she and Charlie did made it fun to make as well. He even stole a kiss when she had finished dishing out the pancakes on a serving plate. She didn’t have to worry—being sober and having a good night’s sleep hadn’t changed his mind about all of this. In fact, as they ate he even asked if they could go out to dinner that night after spending the day with Maureen, Drew and Jamie. Their first date! She eagerly agreed and starting planning where they could go. Ultimately, they decided to go casual and fun by having burgers at the relatively new burger joint just outside the city.

All day she looked forward to it, having a blast with Maureen, Drew, Jamie and Charlie meandering around town. Throughout the day, they secretly flirted when the others weren’t looking. Under tables their feet would play with each other or their hands would brush clandestinely. They nudged each other as they walked behind the others, sharing knowing smiles and flirtatious looks. Maxi was elated. A couple times she was sure Maureen noticed but she played innocent when she caught Maureen eyeing her. When they all said goodbye early in the evening, the guys had no clue but Maureen was definitely onto them from the words she whispered to Maxi. The redhead blushed a little and grinned as she refused to reveal anything until she and her sister were able to discuss privately. Maureen led the others away to go grab their own dinner and Maxi waited until they were driving away to turn to Charlie with a big smile. “Are you ready for dinner?” she chirped, her fingers discreetly slipping around his as she drew closer. All day she had wanted to really be closer to him, but had resisted because of the presence of their family and friend. Now she was finally getting her chance!

[CHARLIE MILLER]

“You could have dropped me! I could have died!” Charlie gave her an amused doubting look, as if he were saying seriously at her dramatic reaction. He could see the grin at the corner of her mouth though, and he couldn't help pulling her back for another taste of those lips. It was like living out a fantasy he'd nearly forgotten over the years. Nearly.. Maxi had always been a what if sort of girl, but now..

She pulled back and he smiled at her like a mischievous boy who didn't care that he'd been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He liked his hand in there, and he wanted nothing more than to devour every last cookie. But not now.. no, he needed to be patient, needed to make sure there would be no regrets, that they were alright. “You’re never going to get to sleep at this rate.” His grin was an amused one. "I actually think I'm alright with that." He offered. She giggled, but they made their way upstairs to get the linens.

Charlie laid awake for a bit thinking about what had happened, and even with the liquor in his system, he felt like he was thinking more clearly than he had in a while. This was exactly what he needed to get over his ex. She was what he'd always wanted. Not necessarily Maxi, but someone like her. Someone sweet, someone he knew and could trust, someone grounded, someone who could easily get along with his crazy family and could understand what it was like being a blurr. The more he thought about it the more he liked the idea of Maxi. Maybe her dream had been a sign. Maybe they were really meant to be together. He already loved her, he always had, and Charlie was sure the love could easily turn into that of friends to lovers. He wanted to pursue this. He couldn't remember wanting anything so much in his life. He wanted Maxi.

It was the birds, the blazing sun through the window and the discomfort of being on the couch bed that woke him far earlier than he wanted. His mouth tasted sour and stale and when he sat up he thought he was going to fall back over. In fact, he went back down to his elbow, cupping his head from the mixture of severe dizziness and the major headache. Not enough sleep mixed with too much alcohol equaled one ill feeling Charlie, but despite it all he was in a decent mood. More than decent. The memories from the night before flashed into his mind and all he could think about was seeing her walk down the stairs. Stumbling he'd gotten to his feet, gripping whatever he could as he made his way to the bathroom, rinsing his mouth with some water and then using the toilet, silently vowing not to drink so much again. When Maxi came down he wasn't dressed, still in his undershirt and boxers but his attired didn't concern him. She'd seen him like that plenty in the past. “Good morning! Ready for a greasy breakfast?” He snorted back and cocked his head to the side. "Do you really need to ask?" He croaked, his throat dry from the night before. What he needed was a tall glass of water and maybe some coffee. "Water first, then coffee, then enough food to soak up whatever's left in me from last night."

Charlie wasn't usually into helping in the kitchen, but it somehow felt natural with Maxi. It surprised him how natural it all felt, as if they were really meant to play these roles together. How had they never seen it before? He blamed his siblings always being around and him being so far. Had he stayed closer, maybe things would have been different. Fortunately they weren't terribly old in Blurr years, which meant he really did still stand a chance. It was fun cooking with her though, and flirting, and talking about the old days and having Maureen back and all Charlie could think about was tasting her lips once more. By the time they were eating he confessed that he wanted to take her out for dinner if the others would allow them to, and to his pleasure she accepted. A date. A date to look forward to with Maxi made the day seem to drag, but he was with her and his brother and Maureen and Drew and it was a wonderful day. It was nice being back in his old stomping ground, and they made a stop to visit his sister Mary who insisted they all come to dinner later that week.

Charlie had a hard time keeping his hands to himself while out and about with the group that day. He found himself walking next to Maxi whenever possible, grinning knowingly at her and smiling wider if she blushed. The others seemed none the wiser, at least as far as he could tell. Jamie certainly didn't have a clue because he would have called Charlie out, which he didn't. When dinnertime rolled around Charlie made an excuse about wanting to just go and rest, encouraging the others to do dinner while the gracious Maxi took him home. They bid their farewells and Charlie was finally alone with his little redhead once more.

"Are you ready for dinner?” She asked as she drove out towards the city's edge, her fingers brushing against his affectionately. His hand opened easily to take hers, his pale eyes meeting their sapphire counterparts. "I'm ready for anything." He offered a little playfully, not adding a simple with you for fear it would sound too cheesy, though it was what he'd wanted to say. He was ready for anything with Maxi, and the day only seemed to encourage his thoughts. It felt right with her in a way he hadn't felt in a while. Maybe he was just excited or reading into things too much, but he was genuinely enjoying being with her and was already considering extending his stay just for a few extra days. Could they date long distance? Could he move back to the states? It was too soon to think about those things, so he tried to push it out of his mind, not wanting to get ahead of himself.

The restaurant they'd picked was fun. The food was delicious, like a fancy take on burger joints with some of the best milkshakes he'd ever had in his life. That was the first time Charlie had ever had a fried egg on his burger, and it certainly wouldn't be the last. The best part about the joint was even thought it wasn't fine dining, it was still spread out and not terribly loud, giving them some amount of privacy in their seating. He liked having the time to really talk to her, alone, sober, making sure everything he was feeling was real and not just intensified by some weird childhood desire. She really was amazing. His fingers twined easily with hers on the table both before their food arrive and after they'd finished, and again it just felt right. Charlie wasn't always the most affectionate. In fact it was one of the biggest complaints in his last relationship, but he couldn't imagine not wanting to touch Maxi, not wanting to kiss her or..

The check came just as the filthy thoughts started entering his mind, and he immediately pushed them aside as he reached for the check. He wanted to make it clear that this was a date and he had every intention of treating her like a lady. "I have a confession." His voice was soft and lacking the easy tone he'd had for the better part of the day, opting for something a little more serious as the nerves settled in his gut. "This-- this wasn't what I was expecting. I didn't intend to come here and fall for you, Max.." He licked his lips, holding onto her hand and sliding his thumb over her knuckles. "But I am. I'm not going to lie, I haven't felt this good in a long time. I haven't felt what you make me feel in.. I don't know, I don't know if I've ever felt like this, but I like what's happening. A lot." He took a deep breath and shook his head. "I like the direction this is taking, and I'm a little alarmed that in twenty four hours I've managed to fall head over heels for you, but it feels right for me. I mean, it's not like we just met." He gave an anxious smile before clearing his throat. "Anyway, I was thinking, or hoping, maybe we could try this dating thing out while I'm here. Only if you want! If you're not into it that's fine, really, I can get a hotel, and attempt to not feel like a complete idiot.." He swallowed hard, hoping her reaction wouldn't be negative.

What the hell had she done to him?

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Charlie’s fingers wrapped around Maxi’s in return and she smiled wider. “I’m ready for anything.” A soft little sigh left her as her heart jumped excitedly. She was going on a date with Charlie! Yes! She had almost literally been waiting for this all of her life. It was strange feeling the softness of his fingers in hers and not the roughness of August’s, but it was an exciting sort of strange. Well…mostly…Part of her still couldn’t help feeling guilty for throwing herself so completely into someone else’s arms so soon. But the larger part of her was reminded that this was a long held dream and this was something to be thrilled about. Sure, this could be difficult if it got serious since Charlie lived so far away, but they had maintained a friendship at that distance for the last twenty years. They could definitely make a romance work too! She could even go to London! Could she move there? The thought made her sad. She would be gaining proximity to Charlie but losing proximity to her sister, the only family she had left. Would Charlie consider moving back? If he did…Why was she thinking about all of this? They still needed to get through their first date!

And get through it they did, with flying colors. The food was great and so was the atmosphere. It was spread out and just loud enough to give them their privacy without being too loud for them to hear. Even though they had been catching up the night before and this morning, there was no end to what they could talk about. Maxi found herself completely engrossed with their conversation, her fingers slipped in with his as easily as if they’d been doing it for years. She had smiled more today than she could remember doing in a long, long time. It felt really good. Charlie made her feel really good. She’d never expected him to be so comfortable with public affection, but he didn’t show any discomfort with the way he smiled and gently stroked her fingers. It was enough to make her swoon. She couldn’t imagine why they hadn’t done this sooner. It felt so natural to be with Charlie like this. Her mind wandered, considering whether it would feel this natural with him in a steamier setting…

She had to push those thoughts away before she started blushing too much. If that happened, then it would happen, but she couldn’t think about it over dinner! Then again, she used to do it all the time with August. He encouraged it, even…But that was different. Charlie wasn’t August. Nothing made that clearer than the way he was showing his affection so plainly. She was thrown from her thoughts when the check came and Charlie released her hand to seize upon it before she could. What a gentleman! “I have a confession.” Oh? Maxi’s eyes lit up with curiosity, her eyes widening a bit. "This—this wasn't what I was expecting. I didn't intend to come here and fall for you, Max…” Her cheeks flushed deeply, her heart fluttering and pounding. Fall for her…? "But I am. I'm not going to lie, I haven't felt this good in a long time. I haven't felt what you make me feel in…I don't know. I don't know if I've ever felt like this, but I like what's happening. A lot." Her heart was racing even more as her head spun. He was falling for her. She made him feel something he’d never felt before. It was so easy, she could hardly believe it. August had held her at arms length and avoided telling her what she meant to him for as long as he possibly could. They had been dating for nearly two years before he ever said the words, “I love you.” And here Charlie was offering his heart up on a silver platter in less than a day of being romantic with each other. “I like the direction this is taking, and I'm a little alarmed that in twenty four hours I've managed to fall head over heels for you, but it feels right for me. I mean it's not like we just met." True, they had known each other for so long and already loved each other on a different level. It wasn’t much further to love of another kind. But Maxi almost couldn’t trust these feelings so quickly. August had conditioned her to be distrustful. She wouldn’t let it hold her feelings for Charlie back, but she couldn’t help the nagging feeling in her gut. Luckily she could ignore it. Because she truly liked the direction they were going too. And she would be lying if she said she wasn’t falling head over heels herself. Charlie gave an anxious smile and she returned it with a bright one of her own. His thumb brushing over her knuckles made her stomach flip and she let that feeling carry her away from any uncertainty floating at the back of her mind.

"Anyway, I was thinking, or hoping, maybe we could try this dating thing out while I'm here. Only if you want! If you're not into it that's fine, really, I can get a hotel, and attempt to not feel like a complete idiot…” His embarrassment and nervousness was just too adorable. She had never seen Charlie this flustered! Biting her bottom lip excitedly, she reached across the table with her other hand and laid it on top of his. She could hardly keep down her happiness as she grinned wide. “I’d love to!” she chirped, her voice breathless at how her heart fluttered around her chest. “And I should probably confess that I’m falling very hard over you too.” Her cheeks flushed as she gave a soft breath of a laugh. “I guess we really couldn’t forget those feelings from so long ago, huh? That must be why it just feels so natural to be like this.” It was like they’d been meant to do this together. What if they had been? Charlie looked relieved by her answer and it took everything in her not to kiss him there in the restaurant.

That changed when they made their way out to the parking lot fifteen minutes later. They held hands to her car, flirting and smiling at each other as they went. When they reached her car, Charlie suddenly stopped and pulled her into him, making Maxi gasp and blush. Her heart was pounding in her ears when their lips met for the first time since that morning. There was no uncertainty in it this time. It started soft, but it quickly escalated to a fervent liplock that left Maxi weak in the knees. Her arms held tight around his neck to keep herself from buckling and the strength of his arms around her made sure she stayed close and upright. She forgot where they were and lost herself in the long kiss. It wasn’t until Charlie pulled away that she remembered they were in a parking lot and probably should save further kissing for when they were in the safety and privacy of her own home.

Reluctantly, she pulled herself from Charlie’s embrace and forced her legs to work as she moved around the car to slide into the driver’s seat. It wasn’t a long drive home, but it sure felt that way when her lips were still burning to be pressed to Charlie’s! However, she managed to keep her cool as she held his hand and chatted about what they would do tomorrow. Maybe that would be their beach day! Or maybe they could just hang out tomorrow. They didn’t come to a conclusion yet it was a productive chat for distracting Maxi from the filthy thoughts creeping to the forefront of her mind. Before long they had reached the house and Maxi was throwing it into park. They made their way inside still talking about tomorrow’s plans. “I’ll call Maureen in the morning to see what she wants to do. I’m sure she and Drew won’t care what we do. Jamie’s the real diva.” They both laughed and she slipped her shoes off before turning to face Charlie and taking his hands in hers again. “Well thank you for a lovely dinner. It’s been a really great day and the dinner was just the icing on the cake. I think we did pretty good for our first date!” She grinned with her tease, unconsciously moving closer to him. It was like they were built with magnets and they’d activated them with their first kiss. She couldn’t keep away from him now.

[CHARLIE MILLER]

The hand on his made him relax, but her eager "I’d love to!” truly eased his mind.  “And I should probably confess that I’m falling very hard over you too.” Charlie couldn't help but grin.  He was glad she seemed as smitten as he was.  Part of him wondered if he was feeling this way because he really just wanted to, having missed what it felt like to be in a relationship.  Could Maxi just be a stand? A replacement to help make him feel better until something better came along?  He quickly pushed that thought from his mind, hating it.  Nothing was better than Maxi.  He'd always believed that deep down, and coming here like this only cemented that thought.  He liked Maxi because he'd always liked Maxi.  “I guess we really couldn’t forget those feelings from so long ago, huh? That must be why it just feels so natural to be like this.” She was right.  There was a time in both their histories when they'd fancied the other, but it had never been the right time or place.  Now.. now was the right time.  Everything was falling into place and he would ride this train as long as he could.  

Their hands easily found each others as they left the restaurant, and a heated kiss at the car told Charlie this was definitely worth pursuing.  He couldn't stay away from her, and even as they drove back to her place he couldn't keep his hands from touching her.  His lips burned with the sensation of her kiss still lingering there, And his digits embraced hers as they talked about what they would do the following day.  He spoke about tomorrow, but all he could do was think about tonight.  The night was still so young in Scriptor bay, even if his internal clock felt the tug of weariness.  The thought of ending their date already disappointed him, but the thought of being alone with her, in the privacy of her own home.. Charlie had to actively keep the thought from his mind, the excitement of the prospect driving him mad with desire.

The drive back wasn't terribly long, and before he knew it they were parking.  “I’ll call Maureen in the morning to see what she wants to do. I’m sure she and Drew won’t care what we do. Jamie’s the real diva.” He gave a chuckle because it was true.  Jamie always had an idea of what a trip should contain, and surely he had his own agenda on some level.  A sloppy, poor planned agenda that everyone else would have to decipher to please him.  How could his brother still be such a child?  He followed her inside and slipped his own shoes off as she turned towards him, those deep sapphire doe eyes beaming up at him.  He'd always been a sucked for those eyes.  Both hers and her sister's.  “Well thank you for a lovely dinner. It’s been a really great day and the dinner was just the icing on the cake. I think we did pretty good for our first date!” She was grinning, inching her way closer as Charlie gave a sort of stern pout.  "The way you say that makes me think it's over." He reached for her hands, his fingers twining with hers.  "It's not that late yet.." He gulped, pulling her closer.  "Maybe.. we could watch a movie? Or play a game? I'm sure you've got loads of games.."  His voice softened as the distance between them grew minimal.  "Or we could just.. talk?" He swallowed, leaning down and brushing his lips against hers before actually kissing her once more.  His hands lifted to her face, pulling hers up with him and only letting go when he was able to cup her cheeks against his palms.  He would love to have a conversation about all the things he'd like to do with her.  Or rather, to her..

His tongue gently stroked hers, pushing her body back against the stairwell and trapping her there.  It felt so good to do this sober!  Suddenly he chuckled a little and pulled away enough to brush her nose with his own.  "I should stop doing this.. I don't want you to get the wrong idea."  Last thing he wanted was for her to think this was only sexual.