Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

*Seven Years Prior*

This had to be Charlie’s least favorite time of day. He didn’t know exactly what time it was because he could not be bothered to roll over and check the alarm clock, but if he had to guess it was probably around 7 or 8 in the morning. The time of day where the sun hits his window in that very specific way that lights up his whole room in oranges and yellows. Some people might call it beautiful. But in reality it was just very bright. Too bright, and too early. As if the sun was demanding respect and recognition just for doing its goddamn job. He loathed it. It reminded him of home, a place he hadn’t been to for about three years now, and a place he’d hoped he wouldn’t have to return to anytime soon.

And someone might ask, if he hated this time of day so much, why was he awake so early? Charlie himself seethed over this very reason, irritation bubbling to the surface as he tried and failed to force himself back to sleep. He should have known he wouldn’t be able to drift back off. This has happened all too often as of late, ever since he’d moved into this stupid apartment with his even stupider roommates who seemed determined to make his life a living nightmare.

He’d dropped out of university in his second year, mostly due to less than stellar grades and even poorer attendance. His parents were right, he supposed. He didn’t have the brains or the drive to see anything through. But this predicament meant he needed a place to stay, as he was only allowed to be in his dorm another week before he had to be out. There was no way he’d be moving back home, so he browsed Facebook roommate groups, where he found the post by his two current roommates. They were located in Meep county, which was a bit of a distance from his university. But he didn’t mind the move.

At first, they’d seemed chill enough. Not really the type of guys he’d consider to be friends with, but good enough for a roommate situation. Greg, the guy who had made the original post, was a human around his age. Really into fitness, working an entry level office job, said he was pretty much never home. The other roommate was Jared, a purple critter. Also really into fitness. Buff and tall. Charlie doesn’t really know what he did for work. But he knew he had a job, something outdoors. Maybe a lumberjack. No. That didn’t sound right. Eh, it didn’t matter.

Either way, it had originally seemed like a great living situation. They all got separate bedrooms, Greg and Jared were almost never around, and it was relatively cheap rent. He should have asked more questions before signing the one year lease. If he could go back in time and warn his past self, he would. Or maybe he’d just strangle himself and put him out of his misery. Ever since he’d moved into this god forsaken apartment, his life has been nothing but confusion and misery.

It started small. Greg or Jared would make a passive aggressive remark about how much time he spent in the apartment and that maybe he should ‘chip in a little more money’ to compensate. That didn’t even make any sense! They all signed the lease and agreed to the payment. Who cares if they weren’t there as much as he was? Then the arguments started. Jared and Greg would argue day and night. About what? Charlie lost track. The only thing the two seemed to agree on was their mutual dislike for Charlie. And their mutual dislike of the world in general.

Sure, Charlie considered himself a bit of a cynic at times. But these guys were just assholes for the sake of being assholes. He’d once seen Jared purposefully ram his car door into the neighbor’s car because he looked at him funny that morning. And one time, Greg chased a random woman down the side walk to tell her that her voice was obnoxious and to keep it down next time she passed by their apartment building. Truly psychopath behavior.

On this particular morning, Charlie found himself awake because Greg and Jared had a screaming match about the eggs that were in the fridge. Jared said he’d bought them, and they were his, while Greg insisted eggs were fair game for anyone to eat. Charlie didn’t give a shit either way, he just wished they’d shut up. And they did, eventually. He’d heard the door slam and Charlie assumed they went off to their respective jobs. Greg to his office job, and Jared to…whatever it was that he did. Still, Charlie could not fall back to sleep.

Finally coming to terms with the fact that he would, in fact, not be getting any more sleep that day, Charlie pushed himself up and out of bed. He didn’t like leaving his room in just a tshirt and shorts, so he haphazardly threw on a flannel he had lying on the floor and a pair of sweatpants, before slowly meandering his way into the shared kitchen. He regretted this choice immediately, as he was greeted with the sight of raw eggs smeared on the refrigerator, counter, and the backsplash above the stovetop. Shells littered the floor. Fuck Greg and Jared.

Charlie did what he always does, and ignored the mess. He simply did not have the energy to care. He instead opened the fridge and got a slice of pizza from the box sitting on the top shelf. He’d ordered it maybe four….five?….days ago….it was still good, right? It smelled okay, he thought. He shrugged, and bit into the slice cold. It would do just fine for now. He’d have to get something else to eat for tomorrow though.

He pulled his phone out from his sweatpants’ pocket and snapped a picture of the mess that littered his kitchen, and sent a quick text to the only person he really keeps in concisest contact with anymore: his uncle. He didn’t expect a reply anytime soon; there was no way he’d be up this early. And even if he was awake, who knew what he was up to. The guy was unpredictable. Sometimes in a loveable way, other times in an unhinged lunatic kind of way.

A sudden knock on the door disrupted his thoughts. The pizza slice he had been lazily chewing on fell to the floor. Shit. Did he forget to pay this month’s rent? No, no. That can’t be it. It was Greg’s turn to submit it. And he distinctly remembers handing him his portion in cash. So if that wasn’t it…who the hell is knocking at his door at-Charlie glanced at the clock on the stove-8:21 am. I mean, seriously. Wasn’t it an unwritten rule of society to not disturb anyone before 9 am? If he ignored the knock, would this person just leave?

Another knock at the door, this time a bit louder. Charlie huffed in frustration, opened the door just a couple inches, and was immediately met with the sight of a short, pink critter in khaki pants, a dress shirt, and a bow tie. He stared for a moment, bewildered, before coming to an epiphany. Mormon.

“Loo-“

“Hello sir! My name is Pim Pimling and I’m from the Smiling friends! Can I come in?” the critter blurted out enthusiastically, hand waving excitedly.

“Into my apartment? No, man, you can’t come in,” Charlie said. Who just asks to come in to a random person’s house?!

“Oh…” the critter, Pim, said. He seemed genuinely surprised Charlie said no. Which was confusing to Charlie. Had other random people just let this dude in no questions asked? “Well, that’s okay! Maybe you could come out here? Or open the door a bit more?”

“Why? What do you want?” Charlie started and, before Pim could reply, continued, “If you’re advertising some church or whatever I’m really not interested. And if you’re selling something, you’re at the wrong place. I’m fresh out of money.”

“Selling some- no, I’m not here to sell anything, sir, I’m a sm-“

“Stop calling me sir, dude, it’s weird. I’m pretty sure I’m younger than you.”

“Okay, just Charlie then. As I-“

“How do you know my name? I never told you my name,” Charlie interrupted again.

“It was on the file, of course,” Pim said, nervously, shifting from one foot to the other.

If the guy wasn’t so non-threatening, Charlie would be thoroughly unnerved at this point. Random stranger, asking to be let in to his apartment, and knowing him by name. But he was pretty sure this Pim guy couldn’t hurt a fly. He was wearing khakis, for crying out loud…Still, Charlie wanted to know what the hell was happening.

“What file?”

“Well, my job as a Smiling Friend is to make people smile! It’s a charity organization, and someone anonymously submitted your name and address. And I was assigned your case,” Pim beamed, “If you just tell me what’s been troubling you, I’m sure we can come up with a perfect solution!”

“Who would do that though? Like who would put my name down?” Charlie asked aloud. Because, truly, he didn’t really have friends here. I mean he crashed the occasional party, now and then, and he talked with the people he worked with at the gas station down the road. But he wouldn’t really consider anyone as close.

“I’m sorry, the submission was anonymous. Not even m-“

“Yeah, I know what anonymous means,” Charlie coughs, “Look, man. Appreciate you for coming out here and all. But I’m not interested.”

He goes to close the door.

“WAIT!” Pim shouted, and stuck his hand out to block the door, effectively pinching his fingers, “AH, ouch!”

“Ooof, sorry, man? You alright?” Charlie winced sympathetically, opening the door again.

“Yeah, it’s…it’s fine,” Pim responded. He was busy rubbing his hand and stretching his fingers, checking to make sure he didn’t break anything.

“Seriously, I did not mean to do that. And I’m being genuine, I really didn’t expect you stop just stick your hand out like that,” Charlie insisted.

“No, no, I’m sorry, it was my fault. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“Why did you, then?”

“I’m sorry? What-“

“No, I just mean it seemed like you were pretty eager to say something. What were you gonna say?”

“Oh, right!” Pim perked up again, putting on what Charlie could only describe as a ‘professional’ face, “While it is in your right to deny a smile request submitted from someone else, you have to sign paperwork to do so.”

“Oh. Okay. Give it here then, I guess.”

“Well…I don’t have it here. You’d have to come with me…to the office to sign it.”

“Why didn’t you just bring it with you?”

Pim looked confused. “Well, most people don’t really turn down the smile request. So I haven’t run into this before.”

Charlie rubbed his forehead in frustration, huffed out a sigh, and asked, “Alright, fine. Where is your office?”

“About 20 something blocks.”

“You want me to walk 20 blocks to sign some paperwork? That’s nuts! You realize that’s nuts, right?”

“Well, I could drive,” Pim suggested.

“In rush hour traffic? That would take forever. And then how would I get back home? I’d have to walk back anyway.”

“I could drive you back.”

“No, this is actually insane,” Charlie looked down the hallway and saw one of his neighbors had opened her door and was glaring down the hall at them. He hadn’t realized they were being loud, “Ugh. Just…get inside.”

As soon as Charlie opened the door to let the critter in, he regretted it. Pim’s face morphed into a poorly hidden look of disgust. Yes, Charlie knew the apartment was a mess. Greg and Jared complained about it almost anytime their paths crossed. But they weren’t around enough to really care to clean it, and Charlie didn’t have the energy. Disgusting. He flopped down on the couch anyway, crumbs of unknown origins bouncing to the floor, and picked up the tv remote.

“We should get started, Charlie!” Pim said, his voice determined, face back to an optimistic smile, “What can we do to improve your life?”

“Yeah,” Charlie cleared his throat, “You do what you gotta do, say what you need to say. Whatever. I’m just gonna watch whatever’s on television right now.”

“Oh…okay…” Pim said hesitantly.

Charlie stared straight ahead. The buzzing of the overhead light was distracting. Grating. Who turned that on? He never turns that on.

“Well, what do you usually do to cheer yourself up?”

That was a stupid question. Charlie didn’t even want to respond with it. If he knew what would make life feel less shitty, he would simply do it. But the things that are supposed to make everything feel better just feel like work. The only thing that really made him feel even slightly better was a good meal from Salty’s and playing video games. But he can’t be bothered to go all the way to Salty’s anymore, and his computer died on him two weeks ago. He can’t afford to get it fixed.

“Charlie?”

“I dunno,” he finally answered lazily.

“Oh! Well, that’s okay! Maybe you can tag along to whatever it is your friends are up to, and maybe you’ll find interest in one of their hobbies.”

Charlie didn’t really have the capacity for friends anymore. He couldn’t be bothered to stay in contact with people long term. Did that make him a bad person? That he didn’t have the energy to even be interested in other people? He didn’t know. And he wasn’t even sure if he cared. Did the people at the random house parties he crashed every couple weeks count as friends? They knew his name. Sometimes texted him to let him know where the next party was happening.

“Nah. Not really my thing.”

“What’s not your thing? Hobbies or-“

“Any of what you just said. None of that was my thing.”

“Okay….” Pim raised an eyebrow, “have you tried putting yourself out there? Maybe a relation-“

“I’m twenty, not thirty five. I don’t need a relationship.”

And he wasn’t interested in one. He’d fooled around with some girls here and there. Even messed around with a few men. But he didn’t want anything long term. He doesn’t think he’s capable of it.

Pim had an expression of deep focus on his face. Charlie didn’t care. He turned back to the television. Looked like some documentary about a classical musical composer. How boring. Charlie’s eyes remained glued on the screen regardless.

“Oh! I got it! Maybe you just need a job! My life felt a lot more meaningful ever-“

“Are you joking? I can hardly keep a part time job at the fucking gas station. You really think getting me a different job is going to help?” Charlie snapped.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I just-“

“Forget it. All you’re doing is spewing the same bullshit everyone else does,” Charlie scoffed, “I’m done. This isn’t working.”

And he meant it, too. His advisor in college had given him the same, generic nonsense too. To get a hobby. Make friends. Get a job. Whatever. His life was overwhelming as it was, did they really think adding more work for himself was going to make it better?

“I’m just trying to help, Charlie,” Pim said in a voice that almost made him feel guilty for snapping at him. Almost.

“I didn’t ask you to help, remember? I’m fine with my life. Not everyone wants to be some corporate nut job or up everyone else’s butt all the time.”

“….well what am I supposed to do then?”

“Do what you want, man. I’m gonna take a nap.”

And with that, Charlie walked down the hall and back to his room. He wasn’t actually going to take a nap, of course. His next shift wasn’t until tomorrow night. So he could just wait it out all day in here. Maybe he would take a nap sometime later. Nothing better to do.
————————————

“Charlie? Charlie, are you awake in there?”

He was now.

“If you’re not going to let me do my job, can you at least come with me to the office to sign the papers? I’m not allowed to clock out until you do.”

Fuck. Charlie was a major douchebag. Pim sounded so tired. Of course the poor guy was just trying to do his job. What time even was it?

He glances at his phone. A couple missed texts from his uncle. He’d read them later. It was 7 pm?!

“Pim, man, I am so sorry,” he yanked his door open, “I really did fall asleep there. You shoulda just woke me up earlier. Or just left. I really thought you’d leave.”

“It’s fine, this happens often,” Pim sighed.

Charlie looked over Pim, towards the kitchen and living room. It looked…clean? Like, scarily clean. Even the cobweb that had been in the right corner of the living room since he’d moved in was gone. And what was that smell? Did Pim cook something?

“Did you clean my apartment?”

“Yes? How did you not notice that?” Pim looked at him worriedly, “I mean I ran the vacuum and everything. Were you not paying attention to anything I was doing all day?”

“I mean, not really. No. I think I was asleep for most of the day.”

“What!? I’m a complete stranger. I could have been robbing you.”

“Of what? What is there to steal? I don’t even think my roommates have anything in their rooms besides a bed.”

“I dunno, the television?”

“The tele- you couldn’t lift it. I’d pay you fifty bucks right now to see you lift that thing.”

“That’s not the point! I …. could have called a friend to get it.”

Charlie wasn’t listening anymore. He didn’t care, actually. He wandered past Pim, heading down the short hallway towards the kitchen and living room. The carpet no longer felt rough under his feet. And he smelled bleach as he passed the bathroom. This dude was an actual saint.

“Dude, what is that smell? Did you cook something?”

“It’s a lasagna, I made it an hour ago,” Pim wasn’t looking at him, “Should be okay to put in the fridge now, if it’s cooled off.”

Charlie stuck a fork right into the pan, shoveling a large bite of the pasta into his mouth.

“FUCK that’s some good stuff right there.”

Pim blinked blearily, “Are you smiling?”

“Huh,” Charlie said, “I guess I am. Good job, man.”

“Right…” Pim rubbed his eyes, “Can I just use your bathroom before I go?”

Charlie shrugged, which Pim took as a yes, and then turned back to the lasagna. It was a nice sized pan, if he paced himself it could feed him the rest of the week.

“Where’d you even get the stuff to make this? The cupboards and fridge were pretty much empty,” Charlie raised his voice a bit so Pim could hear him from the bathroom.

No response. Huh. Weird.

“Pim, man? You there?”

“Charlie, it’s rude to talk to someone when they’re using the bathroom,” Pim grumbled, “And I left and got some stuff from the store for it. After I’d finished cleaning.”

Charlie hoped he had some sort of company card to pay for that. If not…how much had he spent on the ingredients?

“What, are you pee shy or something?”

The faucet turned on. Pim did not respond. Charlie rolled his eyes, and turned back to the lasagna. He shouldn’t eat any more of it. He should save it, that way he’d have food for a few days. He just hoped his roommates didn’t- shit. His roommates would be home soon. He’d gotten used to their routine by now. On weekdays they would get off work, meet at the gym, and get back to the apartment around…FUCK. He had to get Pim out of here. They’d eat him alive.

“Dude, I hate to kick you out after you cleaned the whole place and all, but you gotta get going,” he announced.

The water faucet was still running. What was this guy even doing in there? Taking a bath?

“Pim!” He tried again, this time getting kind of annoyed.

“Sorry, sorry! Just give me a second.”

“Okay, but I’m just wa-“

Keys jingling at the door. Charlie had never felt more tense in his life. This is why he avoided people whenever possible, he hated being in the middle of situations like this. He never should have let Pim come inside. He wanted to go into his room and close the door, but his feet stayed cemented to the kitchen tile. He just realized now how dim and suffocating it was, now that the sun had set. Nothing ever felt right.

Pim walked out of the bathroom just as the front door was opening. His face seemed damp, his eyes a bit blood shot. Charlie realized that he was probably splashing his face with water to try to wake himself up before his drive back to the office. God. Why was Charlie always such a selfish asshole?

Greg walked in first. Then Jared. At first, neither seemed to notice the pink critter in standing in their apartment, and instead busied themselves with kicking off their shoes. Maybe they wouldn’t say anything at all. Maybe they’d just walk to their respective rooms, Pim would leave, and Charlie could move on and forget this strange day ever happened.

“Who are you?” Jared’s voice interrupted Charlie’s thoughts.

“I’m a-“

“Charlie, bro. We all agreed no guests without asking each other first,” Greg cut off whatever Pim was going to say with a lie. They never talked about guests…probably because none of them had any friends.

“Um, he’s leaving now anyway. Won’t happen again. Relax.”

“Nah, this is really shitty of you. Did he go into our rooms? How often do you just have people over without us knowing?”

“Okay,” Charlie blinked. They were in the way of the door. “You want him to leave or not?”

“YES! WE WANT HIM TO FUCKING LEAVE!” Greg’s voice was unreasonably loud. Memories danced in Charlie’s mind. His feet felt cold on the tile floor, “But first I want to make sure he didn’t STEAL my SHIT.”

Greg marched down the hall, at first he’d assumed it was to his room but he made a sudden turn into the bathroom. Jared pushed himself into the kitchen. Charlie didn’t care what they were doing, because now there was a clear passage to the door. He walked into the living room and gestured for Pim to just leave so this day would finally be over.

Pim made a face, as if he wanted to say something, but then thought better of it. Shook his head, and made a move to the door. Good.

“Did you let that dude use our shit? The vacuum?! All of our cleaners?!”

Pim stopped at the door. Why? Just leave already.

“He used the oven too!” Jared shouted from the kitchen, “And the sink!”

Both Jared and Greg walked back to where Pim and Charlie were standing in the living room. All Charlie could think about was how they were both still dripping from sweat from the gym. Gross. He felt claustrophobic and itchy. Can this interaction just be done with?

“Charlie you’re gonna have to pay for all the stuff he used. You can’t go around letting people steal shit,” Greg demanded.

“Between the cleaner, all the water he used, plus all the electricity,” Jared seemed to pause and think, but that couldn’t be right. Charlie had come to the conclusion months ago that the man didn’t have a functional brain, so there was no way he was thinking anything at all, “Maybe a hundred fifty should do?”

Charlie couldn’t just throw away that much money. I mean, technically he did have it. But he was bleeding money, and fast, and if he gave that much money now he didn’t know how much longer he could stay afloat. His uncle had given him some cash when he first left for university, plus he had some of his own savings since he’d secretly worked a part time job through high school. But all that money was almost gone now. And his part time gig at the gas station was not enough to get by.

“Those cleaners were from the dollar store. And the water and electric bills are no where near that much. I’m not paying that.”

“Consider it a penalty for violating our agreement!”

“What agreement, you nut cases?! You never-“

“We all said no friends without first as-“

“I’m not a friend!” Pim blurted out.

Ouch. Okay. Rude.

Jared and Greg snapped their heads in the short critters direction. Almost as if they forgotten he was there. Maybe they assumed he’d left already.

“I’m a Smiling Friend,” Pim continued, “My job is to help people and ma-“

“You hired this creep?” Jared asked Charlie, his voice breaking into a cruel laugh, “How much of an idiot can you be?”

“Can everyone just shu-“ Charlie tried to snap, his head starting to pound.

“He didn’t hire me. I work for a charity!” Pim soldiered on.

“So you just burst in here unannounced? That’s even creepier. What kind of perv-“ Greg butted into the argument again.

“That’s not very nice, I mean I spent all day cleaning and-“

“I don’t care about being nice, you freak! You need to learn not to-“

“Freak? Don’t you think that might be harsh? I didn’t me-“

“You heard me! You just show up to places where you aren’t wanted, do things no one asked you to do, and then play the victim?!”

“No, that’s not-“

“Would you two just lay off him already. He was just doing his job,” Charlie finally shot out, “And Pim, just go home.”

He didn’t mean to sound unappreciative, but the critter was standing right there at the door. Really, he should just leave instead of continuing this pointless argument with Charlie’s brain dead roommates. If he left, sure, Greg and Jared would still make some sort of fuss. But then they’d grow tired of the argument when Charlie wasn’t engaging, and it’d be over. Pim was just adding fuel to the flames.

“Yeah, and on your way home maybe go get yourself a different outfit,” Jared snickered, “You look like a fag-“

“What the hell is wrong with you? He’s leaving!” Charlie was horrified. And embarrassed to be associated with these two.

Pim’s head turned back towards the three, angry, “At least I’m putting good out into the world. I’m making a difference in people’s lives. What are you doing?”

Greg and Jared both continued their cackling. Charlie felt like throwing up. He always felt like throwing up. Maybe he should see a doctor. He probably wouldn’t.

“A difference?!” Greg wheezed, hands on his knees, “You think you’re making a difference? What did you do besides play housewife all day? All you did was do a little housekeeping and cook a single meal.”

“Bro, exaactly,” Jared added obnoxiously, before pointing at Charlie, “And this fucker is such a pig and a slob. That lasagna will be gone by noon tomorrow. And the place will be just as filthy as it was this morning.”

The two were now towering over Pim. Charlie barely noticed. He felt so exposed and humiliated. But what exactly could he say to fight back? They pretty much hit the nail on the head. Why was Pim still just standing there, trapping them both in this never ending confrontation? Charlie considered abandoning him to fend completely for himself at this point. The guy clearly had no self preservation skills.

“I make a difference in-“

“How? How do you make a difference in the world that isn’t temporary?” Greg demanded.

Silence. Sickening. Worse than the arguing.

“Well? Go ahead!” Jared challenged, “Do you do anything that matters at all?”

“I-I try. I’m not perfect but-“ Pim’s voice was shaking.

Was he crying? Charlie felt his blood boil. His mask of indifference slipping, he felt a surge of responsibility for this Pim guy. Sure, he didn’t really know him at all. But he was a way better man than him or his roommates, and he didn’t deserve this abuse.

“God, you are pathetic,” Greg spat, “You act like you’re so much better than us but really… the world wouldn’t be any different if you disappeared.”

Pim finally left, something he should have done a while ago. It was a painful display. Charlie wished he didn’t watch. The short critter had turned around, shakily twisting the doorknob in a panic, and stumbled as he ran out. He didn’t even close the door behind him, and his footsteps echoed in the walls of the hallway.

Charlie had the urge to follow him, to make sure the guy was okay. It was the least he could do, really, and Charlie felt at least partially responsible for what happened. But he was tired, and he felt out of breath, and he didn’t know what he would even say. He wanted to go back to his room, turn off the lights, and stare at the wall. No, no. He wasn’t heartless. He resolved to at least walk out to the apartment parking lot. If he didn’t see him there, at least he could tell himself he checked.

“You guys are losers,” Charlie said, “and if you disappeared, I think a lot of people would celebrate. In fact, that day would become some national holiday or something.”

And with that, he marched out of the apartment to look for Pim. He got maybe halfway down to hall, towards the elevator, when he came to a very unfortunate realization. He was not wearing shoes. Man, he could not go back into the apartment right now to get his shoes. That would be too awkward, Charlie would rather risk getting whatever weird foot disease these carpets were going to give him than go back in there.

He considered using the stairs for a fraction of a second. The apartment was only on floor two, so it would just be one flight. And it would be faster than waiting for the elevator, which was old and creaky and only worked when it decided it wanted to. But no, he decided against the stairs and to wait lazily by the elevator instead. If Pim left before he could get down there, so be it. At least he tried. Besides, if he was wearing shoes he would have run down the stairs. Nah…he probably still would have waited for the elevator. Why exert yourself on stairs if an elevator is an option? They were invented for a reason.

As he stepped inside the elevator, doors screeching shut, he hoped Pim was still there…he did want Pim to still be there, right? To at least apologize, clear his own conscience? Or was he just telling himself that to appease his own guilt, while he secretly hoped the other critter had drove off so Charlie didn’t have to sit through another bizarre encounter. He was so selfish and careless….Stop. It didn’t matter what he truly hoped for. Because his action was the same either way.

And, as it turns out luck was- or wasn’t?- on his side, because as soon as the elevator doors opened, he spotted Pim through the clear exit doors of the building. The guy was just sitting on the steps that led to the sidewalk, staring off into the parking lot. He had his phone to his ear, and his hand was rubbing his forehead as he hunched in on himself. The guy seemed stressed. Charlie wondered if he should just leave him alone, but figured he came all the way down here. He should see it through. So he stepped forward, and pushed open the doors.

“-but I’m pretty tired and I’m not sure I should drive all the way back to the office, and then all the way home. It’s been a long day for me.”

Pim sounded like he was still slightly crying. There was a pause. Someone on the other line said something.

“No, I know it’s a company car, Glep. I’m asking if maybe, if at all possible, you could pick me up and drop me off at my apartment. And tomorrow morning, I could come get the car and bring it back to the office.”

Another pause. Then, Pim let out a sigh.

“Yeah, no. I get it. It is after hours. I’ll be alright to drive. It’s just been a long day.”

Pim didn’t seem to notice Charlie standing there. Should he say something? Or would it be rude to interrupt?

“Yes, I got the client to smile. Just…it was just a rough day,” Pim paused for a second to let the person on the other side say something, and then, “No, it’s okay! Really, Glep. I’m sorry to have even called. You and Marge have a nice night, okay?”

As soon as Pim pocketed his cell phone, Charlie cleared his throat, “Hey, man, I’m sorry-“

“AH, WHAT?” Pim shouted and jumped up, clearly startled by the sound.

“SHIT!” Charlie swore and stumbled backwards, surprised by Pim’s sudden reaction.

“Oh-I’m sorry,” Pim winced, “Didn’t see you there.”

“It’s okay, man. I just came down to say…” Charlie trailed off. What exactly did he want to say? “That was pretty wild up there. I dunno why they said all that.”

“No, Charlie,” Pim sounded defeated, and he was frustratedly wiping at his eyes, “They were right. About pretty much everything.”

Damn. Charlie hoped this would be easy. That Pim would respond ‘yes, that was crazy. Not your fault, though.’ And then leave, successfully clearing Charlie’s conscience. Why couldn’t anything be easy?

“Oh, no, come on man,” Charlie said awkwardly, “I’m sure that’s not true…”

“Yes. It is. I give people a quick fix that gives them temporary happiness, and I’m sure their lives just go back to how they were before after that wears off. I have no idea what I’m doing.”

“So what? You’re young, you’ve got time to figure it out,” Charlie tried.

“I have a degree in social work. I should already have it figured out,” Pim was looking at his hands, “And I’m 27.”

“Damn!” Charlie exclaimed before he could catch himself, and winced when Pim glared at him, “I’m sorry.”

He shuffled, unsure what to say after that. He was just making things worse. This is why he told himself he shouldn’t even try. Sometimes not trying is better for everyone. Pim looked pretty miserable, though. And that didn’t seem right to him.

“At least you’re trying,” Charlie continued, “That counts for something, right? It’s very…brave of you. Just because the differences you make is small in the grand scheme of things, it’s better than nothing.”

Charlie wondered if he himself made any sort of difference at all for anyone lately. It was better than a negative impact, he reasoned.

“You think so?” Pim still seemed unsure.

“Yeah, man! Sometimes all someone needs is to see that there’s people out there who care,” Charlie said reassuringly, “And I’m a pretty crappy case, I’m sure. I didn’t make things easy on you. And I shoulda warned you about those jerks.”

“Charlie, you weren’t a crappy case” Pim denied, “I’m just happy to-“

“No, no, I know what I am,” Charlie interrupted. Now this was his comfort zone. Self depreciating humor, “I’m a college dropout who treats his apartment like the neighborhood dump. And honestly? This is the first time I’ve stepped outside in days. I’m a nobody.”

He expected Pim to laugh at that, like everyone else did when he insulted himself. Pim just stared at him. And then, “That’s not funny, Charlie. And I don’t think you’re a nobody.”

Wow. Way to make things awkward, dude.

Charlie felt itchy again, and his throat felt funny. Not like he was going to cry, because he doesn’t cry. It was a different feeling though. One he didn’t like. “Um, okay. Thanks, dude.”

He needed this conversation to move into a different direction. Literally any other direction.

With a dramatic groan, Charlie sat down on the stairs. Pim followed suit, watching as Charlie stared up into the stars. He seemed bewildered. Perfect.

“Charlie, are you al-“

“I am actually glad I ended up outside today. Looks like the government decided it was the perfect day for some good weather,” Charlie hoped Pim would take the bait. He kept his face neutral.

“What?” Pim seemed thoroughly confused.

“Yeah, they didn’t include that in my file? The government controls the weather. It’s all manufactured. The rain, the sun. All of it. It’s fake, dude,” Charlie insisted.

Pim seemed troubled. As if he was trying to think of a way to continue this conversation without offending Charlie. It was hilarious, “I really don’t know if that’s-“

“Yeah, I’m actually risking a lot telling you this. I’m on a government list and everything since I know this top secret information. For all I know, you’re a government spy or something.”

“You’re messing with me,” Pim finally realized. Charlie barked out a laugh, “Real funny, Charlie.”

Charlie glanced at Pim, and saw he was laughing along. It made Charlie feel…good. Relieved, even. He’d much rather see the guy laughing than crying.

“I got you, though. For a second there.”

“You did,” Pim admitted, and then turned to look out into the parking lot again. He was quiet for a minute. And then, “Why are you living with those guys? You don’t seem anything like them.”

Charlie thought he was more like them than he was like Pim. He wasn’t proud of it.

“Can’t break the lease, I’m stuck for another month,” Charlie shrugged.

“Oh, another month isn’t bad.”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“You guess?”

“I mean, I don’t know what I can do once the lease ends. I can’t afford my own place, and I’ve been looking for months for other roommate openings,” Charlie shrugged, showing he didn’t find anything, “I can’t move back home. I’m kind of out of options.”

“Tell me you aren’t gonna sign another lease with them?” Pim probed.

“No, I don’t think I can do another year of this.”

Charlie didn’t meet Pim’s gaze. He didn’t want to think about what the next month would look like. What the next year would look like, even.

“Anyway, you should get going. Thanks again for-“

“You should come work with me!” Pim snapped his fingers, like he had a lightbulb moment. It was cheesy to witness. So cheesy, in fact, Charlie laughed. Pim seemed upset at that, “I’m serious, Charlie! I mean, the pay isn’t the best but it would be enough to afford your own place. And my boss has been looking to hire someone else ever since my trainer quit months ago.”

“No, I’m not qualified for that shit,” Charlie waved him off, “And it seems like a lot of work.”

“That’s okay! What were you going to college for? I mean, before you stopped?”

Charlie shook his head. He didn’t even get through his Gen Eds.

“Just, think about it, okay? College experience is a plus, but it’s not a requirement. It’s mostly on the job training anyway. And I really think you could do it. You went out of your way to try to make me feel better.”

Charlie didn’t respond.

“Aren’t you the one that told me trying is better than nothing? Why don’t you just come and give it a shot. You could always quit if it doesn’t work out,” Pim pressed on, and Charlie could see from his peripheral vision he was holding out a business card.

He sighed, and snatched the business card from him, and stood up, “I’ll think about it, okay? But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Yay!” Pim exclaimed, standing and throwing his head back with his mouth open and hands in the air.

Cornball.

“Yeah, whatever, dude,” Charlie cleared his throat, “You should probably head out now. I guess I’ll see you around.”

Pim was staring at him with a thoughtful look on his face. Why did he look like that? Like he was … inspecting?…him. How odd. And kind of rude. This dude had a staring problem.

“Charlie, do you think what they said about my outfit was true?”

Oh. Pim wasn’t staring at Charlie. He was staring at his own reflection in the glass doors behind Charlie.

“No, man, you look fine,” Charlie lied, and then felt guilty for it. He felt like he owed the critter a slice of honesty, “Maybe lose the khakis. And the bow tie.”

“Really?” Pim frowned, and started self consciously messing with the bow tie, “I thought I looked professional. I’ve been wearing this for a year. Ever since I started.”

“I thought you were a Mormon when I first opened the door,” Charlie admitted.

Luckily Pim didn’t look too upset. Instead he had a funny smile on his face. Embarrassment, Charlie thought. It was endearing. He shook that idea away.

“The shirt’s okay though, right?”

“Yeah, totally. But maybe some slacks or even jeans or something instead of the khakis. You’ll still look professional, if that’s what you’re going for. But maybe a little more relatable.”

“Oh, alright. Thanks, Charlie.”

“Don’t mention it, man,” he made a move towards the door, “Drive safe.”

Pim nodded, stretched his arms, and walked towards the parking lot. Charlie did not watch to make sure he made it to his car. That would be weird, he decided. Instead, he made his way back to his apartment.

What he walked into made his stomach churn with revulsion. Greg and Jared were sitting on the couch, each holding a plate full of lasagna. They were greedily spooning the food into their mouths as they watched some shitty action movie, one that Charlie had seen before but forgotten the name of. Pasta sauce had dripped from Jared’s plate and landed on the carpet between his feet.

“Charlie, that loser may have been a creep but he can cook,” Greg called out when he saw him, “Maybe he can come over again. If he agrees to pay for any water or electricity he uses when he cooks for us.”

Charlie couldn’t even look at them. Or say anything. His eyes were burning as he made his way to the pan still sitting on the stove. Over half of it was gone. This was supposed to feed him for days. Now it would probably only last until tomorrow. He hastily covered it with tin foil, shoved it into the fridge, and made his way back to his room. That made up his mind. He was going to call Smiling Friends tomorrow and apply for the job.

He took his phone out, originally to set an alarm, but then he saw he still had missed texts from his uncle. He opened up the messages and read them.

8:16 am
Charlie: *image of the kitchen with the eggs splattered all over*

10:00 am
Uncle Vin: Was someone making an omelet? Looks like they missed the bowl.

10:52 am
Uncle Vin: Anyway, anything else happen today? Get any visitors?

1:21 pm
Uncle Vin: *sends a selfie of himself at a table with elderly people. The table has plates of food, and there is a nurse in the background*
Uncle Vin: Getting lunch at the local retirement community. I just walked right in and sat down, can you believe it? Wish you still lived up here lmao

4:14 pm
Uncle Vin: they called the cops on me in the middle of bingo. I was about to win, too. Sucks. It’s cool though, let me go with a warning 😎
Uncle Vin: now that I think about it, I hope that Smiling Friends company I emailed was legit. It did seem pretty sketchy
Uncle Vin: Sure do hope you’re not dead in a ditch 🤪

6:20 pm
Uncle Vin: Are you mad at me? Please respond 🥺
Uncle Vin: haha I’m jk. But seriously tho.

Charlie laughed in disbelief. He should have known his uncle was behind this.

8:01 pm
Charlie: I lived, bitch.
Charlie: Seriously, though. Don’t ever give my address out to randoms again, dumbass.
Charlie: and why did you wake up this morning and decide today was the day you were going to go out and harass senior citizens?

With that, he set his alarm for 9:30 am the next morning, set his phone on the charger, and got to work digging through his closet and dresser drawers to find an at least somewhat presentable outfit for tomorrow on the off chance they wanted to see him for an interview. Fuck. It was 20 blocks away. He grabbed his phone and changed the alarm to 8:30 am. This better be worth it.

Chapter Text

*Present Day*

“I don’t agree with you, Pim,” Allan insisted firmly.

“Awww, why not, Allan? The movies-“

“We were not talking about the movies though, were we Pim? I agree with you that the movies are enjoyable, but I do not think-“

“Sklljabbadi,” Glep interrupted, still looking at his iPad. He didn’t seem very interested in the conversation.

Pim nodded, “Yeah, that’s right, Glep. It is pretty subjective.”

Charlie was only half listening to his coworkers as they sat in the break room. The day was coming to an end, something that could not come soon enough. He stared down at his phone, rereading the text message he’d received from his mother the day prior.

Yesterday
3:37 pm
Isadora Dompler: The funeral is Saturday. It would be good of you to come. Your father’s brother will be here.
Isadora Dompler: You may bring someone, if you must. But I do expect you to come and stand with your family. Be here by Friday.

Friday was now tomorrow.

What could he even say? It’d been a decade since he’d been home, and he only started talking to his parents again two years ago. Well, correction, he started talking to his mother two years ago. His father was in the room for the phone calls, sometimes, but they never directly interacted. Charlie had been the first to call, of course. He had the number memorized. He didn’t even remember what he said on that first call. He was drunk, he knew that much.

“Charlie, what do you think?” Allan’s voice snapped Charlie out of his thoughts. Charlie didn’t care what they were taking about, and didn’t bother looking up from his phone.

Pim seemed frustrated at that, “Don’t ask Charlie, obviously he’s gonna agree with y-“

“I dunno, man, I gotta agree with Pim on this one,” Charlie shrugged, still looking at his phone. He hoped this would settle the other two down. He was wrong.

“Charlie,” Allan said, “What the fuck?”

“Yeah, I really didn’t think you’d agree with me either, honestly,” Pim said.

Even Glep was looking at him, his iPad resting next to him on the beanbag.

“You really think Jack Black is attractive?” Allan pressed.

What?! That’s what they were arguing about? Why did he just agree to that?…. Why was Pim arguing in favor of it? Well, he couldn’t back down now.

 

“Yeah, what’s wrong with that? The man’s got a sense of humor, kind eyes-“

“Kind eyes?!” Allan guffawed.

“I heard what I said. Yes, he has kind eyes. You have an issue with that?” He usually would have continued, and would have been thoroughly amused at his coworker’s reactions. But not today. “Anyway, I have to talk to Mr. Boss real quick and then I’m gonna head out.“

As he walked out of the breakroom, he heard Glep say something to Allan about School of Rock or something.

“Charlie, hold on a second,” Pim called, following him out, “Are you alright? You’ve been acting different this week.”

“Yeah, man. I’m fine. Probably just getting sick. I might take tomorrow off.”

“Charlie.”

Figures. You can only use the excuse of getting sick a few times before people catch on to the lie. Curse you, past Charlie, who used the excuse on stupid things like video games and blowing off work.

“Back off me, Pim,” he snapped, then cringed at how harsh it sounded.

“Geez, okay, Charlie,” Pim seemed a bit hurt, “Sorry to bother you.”

Fuck. Pim had a way of making Charlie feel even shittier than he usually feels. He folds under zero pressure.

“My dad died.”

“What?!”

“Yeah. Died last week,” Charlie says, “Bats got to him.”

“…what? Charlie, what does that mean?”

“I dunno what else to tell you. The bats got to him, Pim.”

“I’m so sorry, Charlie,” Pim said, recovering from the brief spell of confusion, “Is that why you’re taking tomorrow off? To mourn?”

“Nah, I gotta go to the funeral.”

“Wow, that’s a…big step for you,” Pim said carefully, “Are you gonna be okay?”

“It’s no big deal, dude,” Charlie shrugged, making sure to keep his body relaxed and his face neutral.

Pim saw through it. Charlie knew this. But he also knew Pim understood not to push. They were both pretty good at this dance by now.

Charlie continued, voice an exaggerated bravado, “And the real question is, are you gonna be okay tomorrow? Think you can handle the job without me?”

Pim rolled his eyes, “Charlie. Half the time you either call off or stop trying part way through.”

True. But he had reasons for that. Some of the people they’re sent to help are stupid. With stupid problems. He cant be expected to be interested in everything, that would be asking too much.

Pim spoke again, “But, to answer the question, no. I don’t want to do a job alone. Allan and Glep aren’t gonna try their hand at field work again anytime soon, and I don’t want Mr. Boss to call any other wacky character like when he called in Squim.”

“Still don’t really understand who this Squim guy was,” Charlie said, brow furrowing, “Well, man. If working one day on your own is gonna be such a bummer for you, maybe you could just come to the funeral. That should cheer you up.”

“Good idea, Charlie! Do you think Mr. Boss would be okay with that?”

“Huh? Oh, Pim. I was being sarcastic. You can’t actually come, dude.”

“Please, Charlie?” Pim begged, “It would make me feel better if you let me drive you. And I really wanna see where you grew up. It’ll be fun.”

“This is really weird, man. You can’t describe going to my dad’s funeral as ‘fun’. That’s messed up.”

“I didn’t mean it like that,” Pim said sheepishly.

Charlie stared at him, and considered his offer. The weekend was going to be uncomfortable regardless. Maybe Pim could act as some sort of buffer, actually. It could work. Pim had a way of making situations bearable for Charlie, even if he didn’t act like it at times. Besides, what’s the worst that could happen?

“Whatever you wanna do, dude,” Charlie conceded, “You wanna waste a weekend with me at my dead dad’s funeral, be my guest.”

“Yay!” Pim exclaimed, doing his signature arms in the air move.

“Wildly inappropriate reaction,” Charlie said, hands in his hoodie pocket, and then turned to make his was to Mr. Boss’s office.
————————————
“Let me get this straight, you two want me to give both of you tomorrow off, and still pay you for it?” Mr. Boss asked.

“Well, yes. That is what PTO is for,” Pim said.

“And what are me, Allan, and Glep supposed to do? You both know they are not built for field work. And I can’t do it due to my condition.”

Charlie had no clue what Mr. Boss meant by ‘condition’. But he had some theories and speculations. Each one bizarre.

“Why don’t you all take the day off, too?” Charlie suggested.

“Good idea, Charlie! We could all take a company field trip to your dad’s funeral.”

“Um, no. Mr. Boss,” Charlie shot that shit down real quick, “I’m only allowed one guest.”

“Oh, okay. :(“

Charlie wondered how Mr. Boss said an emoticon out loud. Disturbing.

“I guess me, Allan, and Glep will just do our own thing…pretty weird how you were given a plus one and chose Pim of all people, though.”

Charlie didn’t think it was weird at all, and said as much, “Weird? I don’t understand. How is that weird?“

“I’m really good at funerals. Remember that heartfelt spoken word poetry I performed at your funeral?”

“No, I don’t remember that, Mr. Boss. I was dead at the time.”

“Right, right,” Mr. Boss stared off into the distance of the inky void that was his office.

“So…can we have the day off, Mr. Boss?” Pim asked, his voice a bit eager.

“You know what? What the hell! You kids have fun,” Mr. Boss grinned.

Charlie still felt that ‘fun’ was a really strange word choice. But he also didn’t really care that much. A win was a win, after all. If it could even be considered a win. Whatever. He couldn’t think too long about this. He told Pim he planned on starting the drive up by nine the next morning, and to meet him at his place. He needed to go talk to Zoey.

————————————
“Six hours is a pretty long drive for you. Just text when you make it up, okay?” Zoey asked.

They were currently sitting in her cramped living room, Zoey on her couch and Charlie on her computer chair. He was messing around on Sims, a game he never really got into himself but Zoey had it on her computer and he occasionally liked to make Sims that looked as crazy as possible just for a laugh.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine,” Charlie responded.

He reasoned with himself that he wasn’t technically lying to Zoey. The plan was originally for him to rent a car tomorrow morning for the weekend, and drive himself up to his hometown. And that’s what he had told Zoey yesterday when his mother had originally texted him. It’s not his fault Pim decided to bulldoze his way in.

And besides, if he told Zoey that Pim was going to drive him it would become a big thing. Zoey would ask why she couldn’t come, and then Charlie would inevitably say something that would upset her and then he would feel like a shitbag later for it. Zoey was a nice girl, she put up with his crap for almost two years now. He didn’t exactly want to upset her.

Still, he also knew he did not want Zoey there. It’s not that his family wouldn’t like her. No, they would probably get on fine with her. It’s just that Charlie didn’t not have the energy at the moment to be what Zoey wanted him to be and deal with the funeral at the same time. They would end up arguing, and then have to spend the rest weekend avoiding each other, and then Zoey would want to talk about the argument. Charlie didn’t want any of that to happen.

“Well, maybe when you get back we can do something together,” Zoey suggested, “There’s another pop up art gallery happening in Old City next weekend.”

That did not sound fun to Charlie at all. He understood Zoey was kind of into classical art, but every time she dragged him along to that sort of thing he felt claustrophobic and drowsy. And he’s still recovering the money he lost from buying the painting from the last time they went to a gallery. One that still sits carelessly in his living room, and that he’d only bought because he was convinced the guy at the front door was looking at him like he didn’t belong there. Zoey told him the man was only looking at him like that because Charlie was acting shady.

Still, he would be an asshole if he said no, so, “Yeah, I’ll go.”

Zoey didn’t seem to like that answer, “Charlie, if you-“

“What? I said I would go, what did I do wrong this time?”

Zoey’s brows furrowed, and she was biting the inside of her cheek. She looked like she was holding something back. Charlie could relate to that feeling. He always felt like he was holding back with her. He wondered if that’s what a relationship was supposed to feel like.

“At least I’m going. Cut me some slack here,” Charlie continued, “You never come to any of my shit.”

“That’s not true,” Zoey cracked a little, anger peaking through, “I went to that Halloween party with you. I went to the beach with you. I could keep going.”

“Because you wanted to go to those things. But when I went to the wrestling match and offered to get you a ticket, you said no to that. Didn’t you?”

“Because I did not want to go,” Zoey crossed her arms, “It didn’t seem fun to me. Why would I go somewhere if it makes me miserable? I can say no to things. And you can too, you know.”

“If I said no every time I wanted to, we would never see each other!” Charlie exclaimed.

That didn’t come out right, like, at all. Relationships were work, and Charlie was willing to allow himself to get dragged to the boring shit Zoey wanted to do if it meant avoiding conflict. She was a nice enough girl, and even when she was angry she never yelled. He didn’t mean to make it sound like he never wanted to see her. Because obviously, if that were the case, they wouldn’t be dating. Right?

“If that’s how you feel, you should just go home,” Zoey said, her eyes narrow.

He got up from the chair, and walked the five steps to the door. But he didn’t open it yet. He wanted nothing more than to leave, but he also didn’t want to feel like an actual devil. He should try to explain himself, to make what he said less hurtful. But no words came to mind, so instead he was standing there staring at the door like an idiot. There was a small piece of white paint flaking off by the doorknob, and he could see the pale wood exposed underneath.

“Zoey, I-“

“We can talk when you get back. For now, I need to think.”

She didn’t have to tell him again. Thank god, she wasn’t in a talking mood right now. Charlie doesn’t think he’d be able to stomach an argument. He wasn’t even sure what he did wrong, really. What he said was wrong, but he’s just not good with words sometimes. She should be grateful, actually, that he puts in some effort. That he lets her drag him around. Whatever. He’d think about this next week.

———————————————

Charlie’s phone was buzzing. He tried ignoring it, at first. It wasn’t his alarm, so it must be texts coming through. Jesus, it was a lot of texts. Whoever it was, why didn’t they just send one big text instead of a bunch of small ones? It was starting to really piss him off. So much so, that he abandoned the idea of sleep and snatched his phone off the dresser beside him. The texts were from a few people, actually.

6:30 am
Isadora Dompler: I am going to trust that you will be here today. Do not disappoint me again.

Charlie rolled his eyes at that. She always sounded so…he didn’t know the word for it.

7:02 am
Uncle Vin: What time did you say you were getting here again? I thought you said 3. Where are you?
Uncle Vin: Ohhh, did you mean 3 in the afternoon???
Uncle Vin: That explains why your mom pitched a fit when I knocked on the door at 5 this morning 😵‍💫 Good ol’ Dora Dompler lmfao
7:21 am
Uncle Vin: Man, what am I supposed to do all day, now? Your mom is just sitting in some random room drinking tea. People keep coming in and out of the house. Bruh. Who even are these randos?
Uncle Vin: ok. Well. I guess just show up when you want….I’m going to go chop down a tree.

His uncle was ridiculous, but he didn’t envy him in this situation. His mother’s side of the family hated him. Though, to be fair, they didn’t really get along with anyone…especially not anyone from his father’s side. He wondered why his mother was even letting Uncle Vin stay at the house for the funeral. Maybe she was growing soft in her old age. Or maybe he was just a pawn to entice Charlie to come. He typed out a quick response.

8:09 am
Charlie: why would you assume I meant 3 in the morning? This is your own fault…. I’ll see you later.

He moved on to the last text messages he received.

7:15 am
Pim (Smiling Friends): Do you think we should leave a little earlier than 9 in case of traffic?
Pim (Smiling Friends): I also never driven up that way before, so I think it would just put my mind at ease if we left early. Just lmk if that’s okay with you ☺️

7:32 am
Pim (Smiling Friends): Yeah, I think we should leave early. I’m gonna head over to pick you up, okay?
*missed call from Pim (Smiling Friends)*
Pim (Smiling Friends): coming over now!! Sorry if you’re still asleep :((

7:54 am
Pim (Smiling Friends): Charlie, I’m here. Are you awake??
Pim (Smiling Friends): Take your time if you’re still getting ready, but lmk that you’re at least up!!!!
Pim (Smiling Friends): I know you have a spare key taped under your mail slot…I’m gonna let myself in if you don’t respond. We need to get driving soon 😭😭

8:06 am
Pim (Smiling Friends): Yeah…I’m coming up. I’m sorry :((

SHIT! Charlie scrambled out of bed, throwing his hoodie over his head and yanking on the pair of pants that was on the floor. He then made a beeline to his closet, and mentally berated himself for not packing the night before. He had considered it, of course. But ended up just staring at his open suitcase for a solid three minutes before doom scrolling the rest of the night. And now he lived the consequences. He should learn something from this. But he probably won’t.

“Charlie? Charlie, I’m coming in,” he heard Pim’s voice as he opened the front door. Charlie’s place was a shitty studio apartment, so Pim could probably see him blindly shoving whatever clothes he grabbed from the closet into his suitcase.

“Pim, I just saw your texts,” Charlie said in a rush, “I said to be here at 9, I’m not ready yet. And it’s really not cool of you to be mad at me wh-“

“Relax, Charlie,” Pim said calmly, “I’m not mad. I just want to give us some extra time with the traffic and all.”

Charlie wanted to tell him he should have said that yesterday.

“I brought you some breakfast,” Pim said, his voice apologetic.

He really did feel bad for coming earlier than planned, and when Charlie glanced over at him he immediately wasn’t mad anymore. Pim was standing there, a smile on his face, holding two things wrapped in tin foil. How could Charlie argue with that?

“It’s egg sandwiches on bagels, extra cheese and ketchup. With bacon.”

Charlie zipped up his suitcase and went to the bathroom to pack what he’d needed from there. Pim was a good friend. He knew how Charlie liked his sandwiches and he always knew how to make things better.

“Charlie, don’t ignore me,” Pim whined, having mistaken Charlie’s silence as anger.

“Yeah, no. I heard you,” Charlie huffed, out of breath. God, he was out of shape, “I was just packing some last minute stuff, but I think we’re good now.”

“Are you sure?” Pim asked skeptically, “Where’s your suit?”

“In the suitcase. Where else would it be?”

“In the- Charlie, you can’t just put a suit in the suitcase. It’s going to get wrinkled.”

“I’ll just hang it up when we get to my parents’ place, it’ll be fine.”

Pim didn’t look so sure, “It’s okay if you wanna take more time to pack. I mean, you’re sure you didn’t forget anything? You have your toothbrush? You packed enou-“

“Pim, we’ll only be there for a few days,” Charlie was suddenly impatient. Wasn’t it Pim who was insisting they leave early?

“Okay, if you’re sure…” Pim trailed off. He then gestured for Charlie to take the sandwiches from him. When Charlie obliged, Pim reached to grab Charlie’s suitcase.

“Ah, no. Thats okay, Pim. I can get that.”

Pim didn’t listen though, and made his way towards the door, “No. Eat your breakfast. Quickly, they’re already starting to get cold.”

He didn’t feel right watching Pim lug the suitcase through the hallway while he followed behind. If anything, Charlie probably should have made Pim breakfast…well. Maybe not make him breakfast. But he should have at least offered to buy him coffee or something. Pim was doing him a huge favor driving him, after all.

He opened up the first sandwich and took a bite. A perfect blend of grease and carbs. And the taste was bringing up fond memories of his childhood. Late night drives with his uncle, stopping at a random gas station or fast food place and getting a breakfast sandwich. Except Pim’s cooking was way better than that.

“Pim, man. How are you single?” Charlie asked around a mouthful of egg and cheese.

Pim seemed to lose his footing for a second, stumbled, but quickly recovered and kept walking, “What?!”

“Seriously, man. Any girl who tasted your cooking would probably fall for you,” Charlie insisted.

Charlie thought any girl should fall for Pim regardless. The guy had a heart of gold, and Charlie knew he’d make someone very happy one day.

“…..thanks, Charlie.”

His voice was quiet. Charlie wondered if he said something wrong….Nah. Pim was just weird with this kind of thing. Charlie knew the guy wanted a wife and kids someday, obviously. Pim didn’t shut up about it. But he never seemed to be able to land a serious relationship. Charlie couldn’t imagine why not. It always bothered him in a way he couldn’t quite explain. Pim deserved to be happy. And the dude was so affectionate, too, it must suck that he was always giving little hugs and pecks out but never-

His thoughts were getting weird again, something that happened when he thought about Pim for too long. Charlie took his phone out to distract himself, and to shift his thoughts, as he followed Pim into the elevator. Good thing he had, too, because it looked like he had a missed text message.

8:21 am
Zoey: I’m still upset over what you said. But I still want you to text me when you get there so I know you’re safe.

He mindlessly stepped out of the elevator, and started typing a reply. He didn’t know what to say to that. He put his phone back into his pocket so he could crumble up the wrapper of the first sandwich and open the second one. They were out of the apartment building now, almost to the car.

He took his phone out again to send a reply.

8:27 am
Charlie: okay. Starting the drive now.

“Ready to hit the road?” Pim asked as he shut the trunk of the car.

“Yeah, just checking in with Zoey,” Charlie opened the passenger door and got in. Pim did the same on the driver side door.

“Aww, how’s she doing?” And then, “I’m surprised she’s not coming with you.”

He said it so casually, but it still put Charlie’s defenses up.

“She had a work thing. Anyway, man. Let’s get going.”

Pim wordlessly turned the key, pulled out into the street, and started the drive.

————————————————

“Charlie, I don’t like this game,” Pim sounded annoyed.

They were currently driving through a pretty rural part of Pennsylvania and Charlie had no cell service. To cure his boredom, he decided to pester Pim. Right now they were playing a game of ‘Would you Rather’.

“Just answer the question, dude!”

“Ugh, fine,” Pim’s face scrunched in agitation, “If I had to choose…I’d eat my pinky toe.”

“Huh. Didn’t peg you for a cannibal, Pim. I’m learning a lot about you today.”

“So you’re saying it would be better if I ate the dog?!”

“Well…” Charlie acted like he was thinking, and then, “If I had to label you a puppy murderer or a cannibal I-“

“I’M NEITHER OF THOSE THINGS!” Pim shouted, his face flushed.

Charlie laughed, “Okay, okay, next round. Would you ra-“

“No, Charlie, I’m not playing anymore,” Pim pouted, brows furrowed and lips pulled into a tight frown.

Charlie found that to be one of his favorite Pim expressions. There was something so…no. Not adorable that’s a weird word to use for a friend. But that’s what came to mind, and it fit. Even at his angriest, Pim never was intimidating to Charlie. Quite the opposite. Charlie always felt like he could really speak his mind around him, like he could be himself and everything would still be okay.

—————————————

Turns out Pim was really into recession pop. Which was…fun…I mean….Charlie himself wasn’t into it, but he’s been watching Pim jam out for about three songs now and he was starting to see the appeal. He wonders if Pim somehow forgot that Charlie was sitting in the passenger seat because the guy was just unabashedly making dramatic hand movements and singing slightly off key. A new song came on. Pim lit up with excitement.

“HOT AND DANGEROUS, IF YOU’RE-“

Pim had never looked this happy before, which was saying something since the man was happy 99% of the time. But he looked different here. His face was flushed a dark pink, eyes sparkling with glee as he still dutifully looked ahead at the cars in front of them. Jesus Christ. He looked so…goofy. Charlie couldn’t look away.

“I love this song!” Pim announced.

Yeah. That’s pretty obvious, dude.

“What do you think, Charlie?”

“Nah, man, not my thing. It’s kind of corny,” Charlie said with a shrug.

Pim’s face looked mortified and he reached to hit the skip button, “Ah, okay, what do you want to li-“

“No, don’t change it!” Charlie blurted out, trying to recover Pim’s mood.

“Charlie, you just said it w-“

“Pim, if you change the song I will be extremely upset.”

Pim took his hand back, a slightly smug look on his face as he looked back to the traffic in front of them. He mistakenly believed Charlie secretly liked the song, a belief Charlie wouldn’t correct him on. Really Charlie just wanted Pim’s face to how it looked a minute ago, and he wanted to listen to him sing some more. Totally normal and okay thoughts to have about a friend, Charlie reasoned. It was good to want your friend to be happy.

——————————————

“Do you really think a large shake is a good idea?” Pim asked as the two made their way to a table, having made a quick pit stop at a fast food joint for lunch.

“Is that even a question, look at this thing!”

To be fair, it did look delicious.

“No, no. It looks good. I’m just saying I’d be sick if I drank all of that on top of a burger and then had to sit in a hot car for hours.”

“Pim, I know what I’m doing,” Charlie waved him off.

—————————————

“Pim, dude. Pull over. I’m gonna be sick.”

“Huh, gee, Charlie. I wonder if it’s because of that milkshake you had,” Pim said sarcastically.

“No, it’s not the milkshake, okay?”

Pim looked at him like he didn’t believe him.

“I’m serious. Pull over or I’m gonna puke all over the dashboard.”

—————————————

The roads were starting to look familiar. It was making Charlie feel sick and memories that he didn’t care to think about came flooding back. Memories of living in a large, cold house with parents who never seemed to want him yet had unyielding expectations. Memories of passing by members of his father’s side while in town, but being forbidden to talk to them or even wave. Memories of division, of rules, of rigid structure. And if one hair was out of place, or one foot was out of line…love had to be earned.

And he was leading an unknowing Pim right into the mess. Now, granted, Charlie’s family wasn’t evil. They weren’t violent, aggressive, or anything of the sorts. But they were very…traditional. And their words were sharp, even if hidden behind polite tones. It wouldn’t be right to subject Pim to that. No. Not at all. He’d be damned if he let his family scrutinize or tear down his friend.

“Uh,” Charlie cleared his throat, “Pim, I think maybe you should just stay at a hotel for the weekend, I’ll pay for it. It’s on me.”

That was going to cost a pretty penny…pennies that Charlie wasn’t sure he could spare.

“What? I thought you said I could stay at your parent’s place?”

“I mean, yeah, technically you could. But I’ve gotta be real here, and I shoulda told you earlier so that’s on me. The people in my family aren’t exactly good people. And I think it would just be easier for you to stay away from ‘em.”

“Oh…”

Charlie wondered if part of why he was telling Pim to say away came from a selfish desire to protect his own image. He didn’t want Pim to meet his family, and then start comparing Charlie to them. I mean, Charlie had spent over half his life doing everything in his power to be the exact opposite…but he knew some similarities had to have slipped through the cracks. And the thought of Pim looking at him and seeing those similarities made him…anxious. Ashamed?

“Charlie, you met my family. I’m sure I can handle yours,” Pim said quietly. And, yeah, Pim had a point. His family seemed batshit insane, “And I came here because I wanted to support you through this. I’m not staying at a hotel.”

Charlie’s throat suddenly felt tight and dry. What did he do to deserve Pim’s unconditional friendship? It was admirable, but it was yet another thing that made Charlie uneasy. It was only a matter of time before he screwed up, before Pim dropped him. That’s why he tried so hard to keep the critter at a distance. He had failed in that, clearly.

Pim was still speaking.

“-and besides. I’ve always wanted to meet this uncle of yours. He seems like a character.”

Charlie’s mood lifted a bit at that, “Haha. Yeah, he’s one of the good ones.”

The only good one, really.

He looked ahead, and saw his old house looming in the distance. Tucked away towards the edge of town, nestled in a small bit of woods. It was…smaller…than he remembered. But still a good sized house, clearly worth a lot of money. Two stories, made of a dark natural looking wood, attached to a three car garage. There were already two other cars in the driveway. Charlie felt sick. He glanced at Pim, who didn’t seem at all worried. Charlie both envied him, and pitied him. Let’s get this over with.

Chapter Text

The wait for someone to come to the door felt like an eternity, though it was probably only a couple minutes. Pim was taking in the scenery, but also seemed to be growing impatient. Not that Charlie blamed him, of course. He must be tired from the drive.

“Don’t you have your own key?” Pim asked finally, shifting his weight a bit as his arm grew tired from holding his bag. Charlie grabbed it from him, and balanced it on top of his suitcase.

“I haven’t been back here for over ten years. What do you think?” Charlie asked.

“I don’t know, it’s your parents house, maybe y-“

The door opened suddenly, interrupting whatever Pim was going to say. And there she was, Charlie’s mother: Isadora Dompler. She was human, light brown hair now graying with age, and silver-blue eyes pierced them with an intimidating stare. Still, she looked more fragile than Charlie remembered her to be. She stood proud and severe, but her presence didn’t spark the same fear he’d remembered it had when he was younger. In fact, he didn’t really feel much at all standing in front of her.

“Hey, mom,” he wasn’t sure what else to say.

“You’re late.”

It was 3:17. Charlie just waited for her to continue. Her shoulders seemed to sag a bit in defeat. Or maybe she was just breathing. Charlie didn’t know.

“When I said you could bring someone, I had meant for it to be your girlfriend,” Isadora eyed Pim up and down, “But I suppose this is fine too. Although, I don’t know where he’ll stay, maybe the Inn in town will have a room.”

Pim looked at Charlie, confused. But seemed to read the situation well enough to know not to interrupt.

“This is Pim, he works with me at Smiling Friends,” Charlie ignored the way his mother grimaced slightly, and continued, “He can stay here, in one of the guest rooms.”

“That won’t be possible, there is simply no room for-“

“Come on that’s BULLSHIT! We have not one but TWO empty-“

“You forget where you are, boy,” Isadora seethed, not at all liking the open outburst from Charlie, “Do not let that happen again. The guest rooms are both full. My father and sister were kind enough to come two days ago. And they won’t be leaving for another week. Your uncle has taken the attic room.”

Pim, who was growing more and more uncomfortable, cut in, “It’s fine, Charlie. You were right. I sho-“

“No,” Charlie said defiantly, “He can stay with me in my room. He drove me all the way here, I’m not turning him away.”

Even though just moments earlier, Charlie himself suggested to Pim he stayed at a hotel. Now, standing in front of his mother, he’d be damned if he allow Pim to be excluded.

“Fine,” his mother conceded, and then, “But do not embarrass me this weekend. A lot of people will be here tomorrow for the service, and I will not do with a spectacle.”

And with that, she stepped aside to let them in, “You may unpack and rest from the drive now, but be down by six for dinner.”

Not even a ‘hello’ or ‘how have you been’ for her son. Figures.

“Come on, Pim. Let’s go,” he sighed, brushing past his mother and walking into the house.

Pim lingered behind. Charlie looked over his shoulder, and saw Pim was still standing in front of the woman.

“Mrs. Dompler, I think we got off on the wrong foot and I apologize if my being here causes you any stress. But my name is Pim Pimling, and your son is my best friend. I want nothing more than to be here for him during this difficult time, and to meet the people that turned him into the amazing person he is today,” Pim extended his hand out to the woman for a hand shake.

Isadora did not take the invitation. Instead, she looked down her nose and kept her face stoic as ever and responded, “Well, how good of you to come then.”

Charlie’s face hardened at that, but he said nothing. When Pim realized the handshake wasn’t going to happen, he lowered his head and gave her a nod before going inside and following Charlie up the stairs. They stayed quiet as they made their way up the stairs, and even still when Charlie grabbed some spare blankets from a hall closet.

Then Charlie led Pim to what used to be his bedroom. It was pretty empty now. Why wouldn’t it be? It had been over ten years. Granted, his room before hadn’t exactly been decorated to his liking. He wasn’t allowed that freedom then. But at least it had some character: a plant in the corner, framed pictures on the walls, and antique decorations he’d thought were cool. Now all that was left was an empty dresser, his bed, and a guitar propped up in the corner. It made him feel blank and numb. He couldn’t mull over it long, though, as Pim took the privacy of the room as a chance to speak his mind.

“Why didn’t you tell her I was coming? I mean, geez, Charlie. Do you realize how awkward that was for me?” Pim said angrily, being sure to keep his voice in a whisper to not be overheard.

Charlie set Pim’s bag on the floor and got to work unpacking his own suitcase, “She’ll get over it, man. And you kind of sprung yourself into my plans last minute. I didn’t have the chance to tell-“

“If you didn’t want me to come, you could’ve just said that,” Pim huffed.

“Did I say I didn’t want you to come? Why do you always assume things? I just said I didn’t-“

The door to the room opened. Both Charlie and Pim’s head snapped in the direction, mortified at the thought of being caught by Isadora mid argument. It wasn’t her that walked in, though. And Charlie should have known that, as Isadora was many things but above all she prided herself in being proper. She wouldn’t walk into the room without first knocking. No, instead in walked a critter who looked very much like Charlie except he was slightly paler, thinner, and had a full head of brown hair and a bit of facial scruff.

“Vince! Man, it’s good to see you,” Charlie said, walking over and giving the critter a full hug.

Charlie then looked him up and down. The guy was in a suit. A very crumpled, disheveled looking suit. But a suit nonetheless. Which was odd since his usual attire was cargo shorts and whatever random shirt he’d decided to wear that day.

“What are you wearing?”

“Thought I’d dress up for the funeral,” Vince said proudly, chest puffed out and hands on his hips.

“That’s…not until tomorrow.”

“I know,” his uncle said, slouching a bit, “This is all I packed.”

“Aren’t you staying until Sunday?”

“Yup.”

Charlie sighed and shook his head, before pulling out a plain shirt and pants from his suitcase and chucking it at him.

“Here, man. They’ll probably be too big but it’ll have to do.”

“Thanks, bud!” Vince said, despite being hit right in the face by the clothes, “Hey, who’s this you brought with you? You must be Zoey, it’s nice to meet you!”

Pim’s face went bright red, but Charlie found it incredibly amusing. His uncle meant nothing by it, he was just in his own world.

“Nah, this is Pim,” Charlie corrected, “Pim, this is my Uncle Vin.”

“Oh! It’s nice to-“ Pim began, but was interrupted.

“Wait. This is the Pim?!” his uncle exclaimed excitedly, “Wow, Charlie! Why didn’t you tell me you were bringing Pim! This is way better than meeting Zoey.”

Charlie didn’t know what to make of that, but he let his uncle continue his spiel. The man was now shaking Pim’s hand animatedly.

“Charlie doesn’t shut up about you! It’s feels weird finally putting a face to the legend!”

“Um,” Pim looked at Charlie, unsure what to make of the situation, “Yeah…I could say the same about you…”

“Ahh, no way! Charlie talks about me? What all did he tell you?”

“All good things, mostly!” Pim assured the man, “What does he say about me?”

“Alright, alright,” Charlie said suddenly, “Vince, let him go, you’re gonna tear his arm off.”

“Aww, Charlie. Afraid I’ll spill your secrets?” Vince winked, pulling his hand back from Pim’s.

“What…what secrets?” Pim asked confused.

Charlie rolled his eyes, “Nothing, Pim. He’s just being an ass.”

“Haha, yeah,” Vince admitted, “Charlie’s an open book. No secrets with him.”

And the funny thing was his uncle was being one hundred percent genuine. He really did view Charlie as open because with him, he was. But Charlie knew himself, and knew to most people he was closed off and secretive. Not necessarily on purpose, it was just an involuntary thing. He didn’t really feel safe to really let his guard down around people. His uncle was different since he practically raised him. But anyone else…Charlie found it easier to just be more reserved.

“Anyway, you kids settle in. I’m gonna take a nap. I’m pretty beat,” his uncle said, stretching his arms above his head and making a move to leave.

“Seriously? We just got here, I haven’t seen you in ages. And you’re dipping out already?” Charlie said, arms crossed in disappointment.

“Dude, I’m tired. I’ve been here for almost twelve hours. Not all of us are slackers like you.”

Charlie had to laugh at that. His uncle was never on time. Sometimes he was way too early, otherwise too late. But never on time.

“We’re late?! Charlie, no wonder your mom is upset,” Pim scolded.

“Nah, I’m just joking around, little man,” Vince said reassuringly, “Dora is just always like that.”

“Huh.”

“Oh, and Charlie? No pressure, dude, but you should probably think about taking a shower,” Vince said, and then made a smooth getaway out of the room.

Asshole. It wasn’t his fault he didn’t have time that morning. Pim was the one who rushed him out. Blame him.

“I think I’m gonna lay down for a bit too, the drive really wore me out,” Pim said.

Charlie helped him take the protective cover off the bed and put on the sheets and blankets he’d grabbed from the closet, and then he grabbed some new clothes from his suitcase, grabbed his bag of bathroom supplies, and made his way to go shower.

—————————————

After his shower, Charlie went back to the room to finish unpacking his suitcase. He did not succeed in this quest, of course, but he made a noble effort. The first obstacle that delayed unpacking was the critter lying peacefully in his bed. Charlie couldn’t tell if he was sleeping or just resting his eyes, but he didn’t say anything when he walked in. Just continued to lie there on his back, arm draped over his head to block out the sun that was peaking through the window. The soft, pink skin of his lower stomach was exposed from where his shirt was riding up ever so slightly. It was distracting, and Charlie had the strange urge to brush his fingers across it.

He didn’t, obviously. Instead he tiptoed to the window and closed the curtains, darkening the room to hopefully make it more comfortable for the napping critter. Charlie could do his unpacking in the dark, and he wanted Pim to get as much rest as he needed. Plus, if the room was dark he wouldn’t be as distracted and he might actually be able to get himself unpacked.

Wrong again. He took one thing out of his suitcase: his suit. And he made his way to the closet to hang it up, but when he opened the door he realized it was full to the brim with things from his childhood. And of course, he couldn’t resist. Fueled by nostalgia and curiosity, he began picking through the items abandoned and tossed aside, destined to be forgotten about. Until now.

At first, the stuff he found was pretty standard. The framed pictures he’d had on his wall of him with his grandparents, him at the Grand Canyon, and his childhood dog. Then he found old horror movie posters he’d convinced his parents to allow him to hang in his room, which they had for a month or two before telling him to take them down. He did, but he’d kept them rolled up in his closet. He found a couple antique swords and knives. Man, these are cool. He couldn’t believe he’d forgotten about them. He made a mental note to bring them with him when they left on Sunday.

He moved on to the plastic tote that was on the floor of the closet and, upon opening it, realized it was all just papers sorted into different folders. Boring. But still, he reached in and pulled out the first folder labeled: REPORT CARDS. He thumbed through it, mostly Bs and Cs which were not enough for his parents. Generic comments from teachers that he ‘showed potential’ but needed to ‘apply himself’ more. Whatever.

He reached in and pulled out the next folder, this one titled: THEODORE. Charlie’s heart lept into his throat upon reading that name. Theo…he hadn’t thought about him in years. At one point, he’d considered him to be the most important person in his life. From age twelve to seventeen, he and Theo were best friends. They’d done everything together, they even went to junior prom together because in Charlie’s logic ‘why waste time with girls or dating when hanging with Theo is so much better?’. Charlie smirked at that memory. His parents had been pissed when Charlie had said exactly that to them.

He opened the folder and, lo and behold, the first thing in it was a picture of them all dressed up for said prom. Charlie had a boyish grin on his face in the picture and Theo was standing beside him, his arm teasingly propped on Charlie’s shoulder. Theo had been taller than Charlie, and he remembered Theo always poked fun at him for it. A sad smile crossed his face. This picture was taken a month before they stopped talking, and two weeks before Theo moved away. What happened between them? Charlie allowed himself to be pulled deeper into his memories.

**Flashback**

A young Charlie was standing on Theo’s front doorstep waiting for him or his parents to come to the door. He wasn’t technically supposed to be in this part of town as his parents told him ‘gallivanting in the low income neighborhoods’ was bad for their image. But Charlie didn’t really care and he was at the age where his parents couldn’t really do much to control him anymore. And Theo’s parents were nice, and always welcomed him into their home. Little did he know, this time would be different.

Theo came to the door, opening it wide enough for Charlie to see both of his parents standing a little bit farther back. Watching. Theo’s turquoise skin was flushed a darker blue on his cheeks, and he kept glancing anywhere but Charlie. Something Charlie hadn’t noticed in the moment, but when he looked back at the memory realized he should’ve taken it as a sign something was off.

“Finally, dude! What took you so long to come to the door?” Charlie asked loudly, “Anyway, look there’s a new movie out and it’s supposed to be nuts. If we leave now we can-“

“I can’t.”

“Aw, that’s okay, man,” Charlie waved him off, then glanced over at Theo’s parents, “Didn’t realize you guys were busy. Are you free later? Or we can just go tomorrow.”

“No, Charlie. I can’t hang out with you anymore.”

All Charlie could do was stare at him for a moment, “What the hell are you talking about?”

“My dad’s got a new job a few states away. We’re moving in a couple weeks,” Theo said carefully, clearly holding something back. That just caused more confusion for Charlie.

“Oh,” Charlie said, processing, “That soon? I mean, I won’t lie that’s a bummer for me. But it’s okay, we can still text and call everyday. And I’ll visit you.”

Theo’s face seemed to fall at that, and he squirmed where he stood, “You’re not getting what I’m saying. This is gonna be a new start for me and my parents. I can’t…do anything that would mess that up.”

“…what does that even mean?”

Theo didn’t say anything, which weirded Charlie out given he was usually the more outspoken of the two of them. Theo’s dad stepped forward, he was usually a kind and soft spoken critter but now he seemed firm. Colder. Guarded.

“You got your answer, I think it’s best if you leave,” he said, and then his face turned sad for a moment, “I’m sorry, son.”

The door was shut in Charlie’s face. He remembered being so hurt and disoriented in that moment. What did he do wrong? What did he say to make Theo never want to see him again? He went home and tried texting him, thinking Theo would be more honest without his parents hovering over him. But his texts weren’t going through. Had he blocked him?! And given it was summer break, he couldn’t exactly corner him at school. Two weeks later, he saw the moving trucks driving out of town.

**Flashback ends**

Charlie didn’t realize how hurtful that memory still was until he was confronted by it head on. Even all these years later, he still didn’t know what exactly happened. He never got that closure. But he remembered that day, his entire vision of his future had changed for himself. He and Theo had talked about moving out of town when they graduated, going to college together, dorming together. Instead he ended up doing all of that alone. He shut the folder, not wanting to dwell on it anymore.

“Who’s Theodore?” a voice suddenly interrupted, that voice being Pim who was peaking over his shoulder.

“HOLY SHIT!” Charlie jumped, and then whipped around to glare at Pim, “Don’t do that. How long were you standing there?”

Pim shrugged, “Sorry, Charlie. I just got up a minute ago.”

“You know I have a heart condition. You can’t just creep up on people like that.”

Pim rolled his eyes at the dramatics, and then repeated, “Who’s Theodore?”

Charlie realized Pim was just curious, his face and voice were both light. Not at all accusatory or judgmental. Still…

“It’s nothing, dude,” He shoved the folder back into the tote and closed the closet door, “It doesn’t matter anymore.”

“Alright, Charlie. Geez,” Pim raised his hands in surrender at the strange energy coming from his friend, and in an attempt to change the subject, “also, what are you wearing?”

Charlie looked down at himself, examining his own outfit. Gone were his classic orange hoodie and black sweatpants. Instead, he was wearing a nice sweater and some brown trousers. His hat sat abandoned on the dresser.

“You have to dress up for dinner here,” Charlie explained, “Normally I wouldn’t care, but I’m not in the mood to deal with my family making it a huge issue.”

Pim immediately looked down at his now wrinkled outfit self consciously.

“Dude, you’re fine. You’re pretty much always in business casual anyway,” Charlie assured him, and then patted his sides to look for his phone to check the time, “Have you seen my phone?”

“No, did you leave it in the car?”

“I don’t think so,” Charlie said, “Do you mind calling it?”

Pim dialed Charlie’s phone, and they stood for a second to listen to the ring. It sounded like it was coming from the floor. Very faint and muffled. Charlie made a move towards the closet, believing he had mistakenly left it in the plastic tote. A sudden noise from Pim proved he’d assumed wrong.

“Found it! It was under my bag,” Pim said, and Charlie turned to see Pim picking his phone off the ground, “Erm, Charlie. Why do you have my name saved as Pim parenthesis Smiling Friends?”

Charlie took his phone from Pim and responded, “I dunno. That’s how I saved it when we first exchanged numbers. Just never changed it I guess.”

“Hm.”

“What?”

“Nothing, it’s just odd is all. How many Pim’s do you know that you have to specify that it’s me?”

“It’s not that weird, man,” Charlie said, “Why? What do you have my name saved as?”

Pim flipped his own phone around, showing his contact for Charlie. The picture was a selfie Pim and Charlie in the break room during a slow day. His name was saved at ✨Charlie✨🥰🥰

Charlie wasn’t sure why, but seeing his name saved like that in Pim’s phone made him feel…good. Like he was important. But he also found it incredibly cringe.

“I’m not doing all that,” Charlie snickered.

“Aww, why not?” Pim pouted. Charlie quickly snapped a picture of him.

“Fine, man. If you wanna be a baby about it.” Charlie said, using the picture he just snapped of Pim as his contact picture.

“I’m just kidding, Charlie. I really don’t care,” Pim said, “I’m not being a-“

“Nah, you’re being a baby. See? Look,” he whipped his phone back around, showing Pim’s name was now saved as Baby Boi 🥺.

“Ahh!! Change it back!” Pim made a grab for the phone, but Charlie kept it out of reach.

“Sorry, man. No time. We’re gonna be late for dinner,” Charlie said, and it wasn’t a lie. It was nearing 6 o’clock, they should head downstairs. First, though, he needed to reply to some text messages.

3:32 pm
Zoey: did you make it there okay?
3:49 pm
Zoey: traffic? Text when you get there.
4:20 pm
Zoey: you were supposed to get there an hour ago. Everything okay?
4:25 pm
*missed call from Zoey*
4:45 pm
Zoey: Babe?!
Zoey: I get we’re in a fight, but please respond. I’m getting worried.
Zoey: I wish you gave me your mom’s phone number.
5:01 pm
*missed call from Zoey*
*missed call from Zoey*
*missed call from Zoey*
5:27 pm
Zoey: I love you.
Zoey: I don’t know what to do, if you don’t respond by morning I’m going to the cops.
Zoey: Charlie?!

Fuck. He forgot to text Zoey he made it up okay. God, why was he always so inconsiderate? The girl gave him so many chances, and this is what he does to her?

“Shit, seriously. Pim, dude. Give me a minute,” Charlie told Pim, who was still making little efforts to grab Charlie’s phone to change his name back to Pim. Charlie gently pushed him away by the forehead.

Pim, noticing Charlie’s expression and realizing he was being serious, asked, “What’s wrong?”

But Charlie was already calling Zoey, who picked up first ring.

“Zoey, before you say anything I just wanna say-“

“Are you okay?! What happened?” Zoey sounded distressed. Charlie felt awful.

“I’m fine, I’m fine,” he assured her, “I just forgot to text, it’s been weird seeing my mom again and-“

“You just forgot to text?” Zoey asked in quiet anger.

“Yeah. And I’m really sorry. The day just-“

“You are so fucking selfish, Charlie, it’s unbelievable!”

“Selfish? You think that’s fair to call me selfish right now?”

“Yes, it is. I try so hard for this relationship sometimes it feels like I’m the only one trying,” Zoey said, “I spent the last three hours thinking something awful had happened, and you can’t be bothered to just send me a text?”

“You know what? Fuck you, Zoey! I try just as hard as you. You just don’t appreciate it.”

There was a bit of silence on the other end. And then a quiet, “You can’t speak to me like that.”

Charlie felt disgusting.

“You’re right, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have swore at you.”

Zoey sighed, “We can’t keep doing this, Charlie. I didn’t want to do this until after the funeral, but-“

“Then don’t.”

Charlie knew what was coming. The breakup. But he didn’t want it to happen over the phone. Zoey deserved more than that, she deserved an actual conversation for once. And Charlie was done feeling like a piece of garbage.

“Okay.”

“I’ll be back Sunday, okay? We can do this then.”

“Okay. Goodbye, Charlie.”

She hung up.

“What was that about?” Pim asked, his voice gentle as if he was worried Charlie would be upset with him.

Charlie rubbed his forehead, drained from the days events, “Just Zoey. I forgot to text her when we made it. She’s pretty pissed.”

Charlie didn’t want to mention the upcoming breakup. It wasn’t Pim’s business and he didn’t want to talk about it.

“Poor Zoey, she must’ve been really worried about you,” Pim reasoned, “If I wasn’t with you and you didn’t text me you made it up, I know I would be worried sick.”

Funny thing is, Charlie couldn’t imagine not texting Pim right away. If he wasn’t with the guy, they were texting pretty frequently throughout the day. He figured it was because they got so used to being around each other at work, it was like second nature to check in with him periodically.

“I feel shitty enough about it already. I get it, dude. I’m selfish. What else do you want me to say?” Charlie snapped. Pim frowned.

“Go easy on yourself, Charlie. I don’t think you’re selfish at all. You’re going through a lot right now. Maybe just talk to her and apologize. I’m sure she’ll understand.”

She wouldn’t. She’d given him too many chances. And honestly? Charlie was hoping she wouldn’t forgive him at this point. She was a good person, but they never should have started dating. Neither of them were happy in the situation anymore. They should have just stayed friends.

“Yeah, sure, man. Listen, I really don’t wanna get into it, okay?”

“Of course, Charlie. But just know I’m here, okay?”

Like Charlie could forget.

“Oh, shit. My uncle texted, too,” he said causally, trying to change the subject.

“What’d he say?”

Charlie read the text, then scoffed in annoyance. Of course his uncle would pull this shit. He flipped the phone around to show Pim.

5:42 pm
Uncle Vin: I’m not sticking around for dinner. Your mom made some sort of casserole 🤢 I’m gonna head out. See ya later
Uncle Vin: *picture of him at a busy barbecue*
Uncle Vin: walked into town and saw these people cooking out. Food smelled good, gonna eat here.
Uncle Vin: I think it’s a gender reveal party 🤔

6:02 pm
Charlie: you are the worst. Me and Pim are supposed to sit through this dinner alone?
Uncle Vin: god speed, you brave soldiers 🫡

“So who’s all gonna b there if your uncle isn’t coming?”

“Just my mom, her dad, and her sister,” Charlie answered, “We’re already late. We should probably head down.”

Pim nodded and waited for Charlie to lead the way. Whelp. Can’t delay the inevitable.

Chapter Text

Charlie sat glaring at the plate of beige chicken and rice casserole with a salad. This had to be some form of spiritual warfare, honestly. His sweater was hot and itchy, the food smelled of canned cheese and sadness, and the only sound in the room was that of wet chewing and metal scraping porcelain. He hoped he’d choke on a dry bit of chicken.

No one said anything, except for his aunt when they first walked in. And even that was only a passive aggressive remark about them being late. He wondered if it was better not one was talking. But no, that was silly. Because at least if some big argument happened, he’d have an excuse for storming off and not eating this garbage.

His grandfather cleared his throat, “Charleston, tell me what you’ve been up to. You haven’t been around in quite a while.”

Charlie took a deep breath through his nose. His legal name wasn’t even Charleston. It was just Charlie. His grandfather decided to refer to him as Charleston anyway because he thought it sounded more distinguished. Charlie found this ridiculous.

“Working, mostly,” Charlie said, “Shortly after college I got a job with Pim at Smiling Friends. It’s social work.”

He didn’t mention he’d dropped out of college. And it didn’t matter. He wouldn’t be speaking these people again anytime soon. Not until the next funeral, anyway.

He saw his aunt roll his eyes at that, but she said nothing beside a dramatic scoff.

“Now, now, Rosaline,” his grandfather said, patting her arm placatingly, “I dallied a bit in philanthropy myself when I was a young man. I’m certain-“

“Oh, no. It’s not just volunteer work! Charlie and I do work for a charity, but it’s a job,” Pim interjected, his voice light and casual.

Isadora sent a warning glare his way, and said, “Forgive him, father. I fear the long drive may have caused him to forget his manners.”

Charlie’s grandfather was staring directly at Pim, but replied to Isadora, “Very well. See to it that it does not happen again.”

Everyone went back to the slop on their plates. He didn’t understand why his family lived like this. I mean, seriously. This couldn’t be enjoyable for anyone. It certainly wasn’t for him. And, looking at the way Pim was staring dejectedly at his plate, he wasn’t having fun either.

Suddenly fueled by the urge to defend Pim, Charlie spoke, “Just so you know, gramps, I like my life where I’m at now. Me and Pim do good work together. And I don’t plan on coming back here. Ever.”

Silverware clattered to his table as his mother and aunt stared in shock. He was certain they’d be clutching their pearls if they had any. Dramatic. They might see his grandfather as the most important person in the world, but to him he was just a man. An arrogant man who thought he was in control of everyone else.

“I have turned a blind eye to your rebellious lifestyle for too long. I thought you would come to your senses when you were well and ready, but clearly I have been too soft on you,” his grandfather said, his tone even but Charlie could see he was clenching his silverware in anger, “It’s time you grow up and return to your family duties.”

“Nah,” Charlie said, his eyes glazed over in forced apathy, “I’m not going to do that.”

“I don’t think you’re understanding me. If you do not do as you’re-“

“You’ll deny me inheritance? Cut me off from the will?” Charlie questioned, “You’ve done that already. I may not have much, but all the money I do have is mine and mine alone.”

“Enough!” His aunt, Rosaline, scolded, “You clearly have forgotten where you came from. You cannot speak to your family that way, I will not allow it. Father is right, it’s time for you to come home and act as a man of this family should.”

“Oh yeah? And how would that be? Scam sick people out of their money by helping with your insurance business? Or, I know, overcharge people on their rent so this family could get richer?” Charlie pressed, and then a grim smile crossed his face, “Or do you mean be like your husband? Where is he, again? Is it his mistress’s turn with him tonight?”

“Charlie Dompler!” His mother shouted, standing up out of her chair.

“It’s alright, I’m finished anyway,” he said, standing up to leave.

“You and I will be having a word, boy,” his grandfather said, “I expect you to think good and well before then.”

“No. I said I’m finished,” Charlie repeated, “You may think you have power because you have money and own half this town, but anywhere else you’re just a nobody.”

With that, he grabbed a shocked Pim by his arm and dragged him out of the room, to the front door, and out of the house.

“Charlie!” Pim whined, snapping out of his trance, “Where are we going? Your family seemed really angry, what are we going to do?”

“Huh? It’s fine, Pim. They’ll probably never mention this again. There’s going to be a lot of people here tomorrow for the funeral, and they won’t want to make a scene,” Charlie said, slowing down and releasing Pim’s arm.

He took his phone out to text his uncle.

6:47 pm
Charlie: dinner was a shitshow. Where’s this bbq at? Save me and Pim a plate 👀👀
Uncle Vin: Nah, had to bail. Some narc realized I didn’t know anyone and told the hosts smh.
Uncle Vin: they’re having a girl btw
Charlie: damn. Good for them, I guess.
Uncle Vin: I have a better idea for dinner. Meet me at the burn pit 🔥🔥

“Sweet,” Charlie said out loud, “Come on, Pim. You’re gonna love this.”

The burn pit wasn’t anything overly spectacular or anything. Really it was just a clearing in the woods with a few rocks and logs strategically set up in a circle around the fire pit. There was also a couple hammocks hanging around the trees surrounding the clearing. Other than that, it wasn’t anything special. But Charlie had a lot of good memories tied there. Mostly just with his uncle and Theo, but one night in junior year he’d snuck his entire class to the burn trip for a party.

His parents never found out about that by some miracle. Cleaning everything up took an entire weekend even with Theo’s help, but it was worth it. Charlie wonders if his parents even knew about the burn pit at all. Technically it was on their property, but it was buried so deep into the woods and he never heard them mention anything about it. He wouldn’t put it past his uncle to just casually trespass and set it all up himself.

————————————

“Charlie,” Pim sounded unsure, not that Charlie could blame him as they’d been walking through the woods for about twenty minutes now and it was starting to get dark, “What are we doing?”

“Relax, Pim,” Charlie said, and then proudly gestured to the clearing in front of them. His uncle was already there setting up the fire, “Look at this.”

“I mean…it’s nice. But what are we doing here?” Pim asked, not really enthused.

Charlie shrugged, “Killing time until my family falls asleep.”

“Hey buds!” Vince waved, “This is gonna be so sick.”

Charlie smirked at that. His uncle was so easily entertained. Put fire in front of the guy and he’d be set for hours.

“What’d you bring for dinner?” Charlie asked.

“Check it out! Hobo pies!” Vince shouted, holding up a couple pie irons, and Charlie could see a few bags propped up next to a rock. Probably full of fillings for the sandwiches.

“What? What are hobo pies?” Pim asked.

“You’ve never had one before?” Charlie questioned, his voice almost matching his uncle’s excitement, “It’s great, dude. It’s pretty much a grilled cheese you make on the fire.”

Pim walked a bit closer to the burn pit, “I mean I am hungry. But I’m tired, Charlie. And it’s getting cold out. How long does this take?”

“You gotta wait for the fire to get hot enough, first,” Vince explained, and didn’t say much else as he was distracted by the weak flames.

But Charlie was staring at Pim, who was usually full of energy and optimism. But now he was sitting on a rock, his eyes a bit blood shot, rubbing his arms. Charlie was the worst. He dragged Pim into this environment and it was doing nothing but harm. His family was poison. He was poison. Pim should’ve just stayed away. Charlie took his own sweater off, leaving himself in just a plain black tshirt he was using as an undershirt, and pulled it over Pim’s head. It was the only thing he could think to do to give him at least a little comfort.

“Here, dude. This should keep you warm until the fire heats up.”

“Awww,” Pim crooned, snuggling into the oversized warm fabric, “Thanks, Charlie.”

Dork. If he was anyone else, Charlie would have cringed and demanded the sweater back. But he was just happy Pim was smiling a bit again.

“Yeah. Whatever, dude. Don’t mention it.”

“We’re gonna be here a while, boys. This fire is a stubborn beast that I must tame with my bare, rugged hands,” Vince announced dramatically.

“Did you bring anything to drink?” Charlie asked.

“I dunno. Check the bags.”

Charlie wanted to ask what he meant by he didn’t know. Wasn’t he the one that brought the bags in the first place? Whatever. He was relieved to find one of the bags had beers, some sodas, and water bottles in it. He pulled a beer out for himself, and tossed one towards his uncle too.

“Pim? Want anything?”

“Just a water, please.”

He grabbed a bottle for him and handed it over wordlessly as he sat himself beside Pim on the rock. The fire was starting to grow, and he watched as the reflections of the flames danced in Pim’s eyes. The air felt fragile between them.

“Charlie?”

“Hm?”

“Why didn’t you tell me…about your family?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean I knew nothing about them coming in to this,” Pim said, “I didn’t even know your mom’s side is human.”

“I didn’t think it was important,” Charlie shrugged.

“It’s not,” Pim assured, “I just…I dunno. I think you’re my best friend but…now I feel like I don’t know anything about you. Who am I to you if you don’t tell me these kind of things?”

That hit Charlie right in the gut. He hated that he made Pim feel that way. Why was he so fucking self centered all the time. He was so caught up in protecting his own self image that he wasn’t taking into account Pim’s feelings. Or anyone’s feelings, for that matter.

“Pim, man. It has nothing to do with you, okay? I just…they’re not really people I want to be associated with,” Charlie said, “So I don’t talk about them. It’s not that I don’t trust you. It’s just…”

Charlie didn’t know what to say, so he let his sentence trailed off. Pim was looking down at the water bottle in his hands, a thoughtful look on his face. Charlie wanted to give him more.

“I don’t really talk about my family with anyone,” he tried again, “But you know what I do talk about? Things I care about like my gaming set up, best places to go for a bite to eat…and you.”

Pim let out a little smile at that, “You tell people about me?”

“Oh yeah, dude. All the time,” Charlie reassured him, “You’re one of my best friends.”

“Thanks, Charlie,” Pim said softly.

Charlie sat in the silence for a minute. It didn’t feel heavy like it did before, so he wasn’t kicking himself trying to fill the quiet. Instead he sat and watched his uncle fuck around with the fire.

“You’re nothing like them, by the way.”

“Huh?”

“Your family. You’re not like them at all,” Pim said, “You’re so genuine. And you’re kind. And you’re funny.”

Charlie laughed at that and dramatically flexed his muscles, “Yeah, I’m pretty much peak masculinity here. A true alpha. No one out there better than me.”

“Charlie,” Pim scolded, “I’m being serious”.

Charlie settled down, “Thanks, man.”

He wondered if Pim knew how insecure he was about his family. About how hard he tried to be their opposite.

“Well. I do see some similarities between you and one of your family members,” Pim said, his smile now teasing.

“Huh?? Who??”

Pim gestured towards Vince, who was beginning to assemble a sandwich for his hobo pie. Extra cheese and ketchup. His uncle smacked his lips the same way Charlie did when he passed a Salty’s restaurant. Charlie laughed at that.

“Fire’s ready!” Vince shouted, carrying his pie iron over to the pit. He kicked a log out of the flames, and set the iron down for his sandwich to cook, “You two can still mope around over there if you want. But imma cook my hobo pie.”

Charlie and Pim stood up and made their way to make their own dinners. Pim filled his sandwich with swiss cheese and tomatoes, and Charlie called him an amateur when his bread poked out of the sides of the iron. But when they took the sandwiches off the fire, Pim’s was perfectly cooked while Charlie’s was a bit burnt. Pim was only a little smug about that.

They spent a couple more hours just sitting around the fire. Charlie’s uncle regaled them with stories of misadventures he’d had recently. Charlie both reminisced on the past with Vince and caught him up on some of the stuff he’d been into lately. Pim shared some of his own stories, but mostly used his turns in conversations to make fun of Charlie.

“Fuck off, dude. I did not do that,” Charlie groaned, meanwhile his uncle cackled in the background.

“Yes you did, Charlie! You’re such a liar,” Pim insisted, “You were sick for weeks. Allan even called an ambulance.”

“Okay, yes. I did drink a green potion from a stranger. And I did get sick later that day. But you’re telling the story wrong,” Charlie crossed his arms, “You’re making me sound like an idiot.”

“I don’t know, bud. From what Pim is saying, this Mip guy sounded like a real creep. Even I wouldn’t have drank his weird potion,” Vince said skeptically, and then held up a small branch, “Now show me on this doll where the evil man touched you.”

Charlie batted the branch away, “That’s not funny.”

His uncle just continued to laugh as he tossed the branch into the fire.

“Pim injected black goo in his arm at an alien party,” Charlie said, “I think that is way worse.”

“He did WHAT?”

“Charlie!” Pim protested.

——————————————

The walk back to the house had been eventful. None of them had the foresight to bring a flashlight so they were working off of the dim camera lights of their phones. Or, really, just Charlie’s phone since Pim left his at the house and his uncle’s phone died halfway through the walk. It took longer walking out than it did walking in since Charlie and his uncle were a tad uneven on their feet from the few beers they had. Vince made the suggestion of just crashing at the burn pit for the night, but in the end they decided it was just better to go back to the house. The funeral was fairly early the next day so they needed to be at the house to get ready, plus none of them wanted to sleep outside without blankets.

When they finally did make it back to the house, Vince wordlessly made his way to the attic to sleep while Charlie went straight to his room and flopped face first onto the bed. Pim stood in the doorway for a minute, and then grabbed some sleep clothes from his bag and announced he was going to go shower. Charlie raised his hand to wave him away and, without lifting his head, told him he could use his shampoo and soap. After a few minutes, the world stopped spinning and Charlie caught his breath again so he was able to get up, change into a more comfortable pair of pants, and then lay right back down to scroll on his phone and play some Call of Duty mobile.

When the door to his bedroom opened again, he glanced up to see Pim walk in holding some more blankets he must’ve gotten from the hall closet. That was confusing to Charlie because it wasn’t really cold in the house and he thought he grabbed plenty of blankets already. Was Pim getting sick? He hoped not. He didn’t want to be stuck in a car all day with him if he was. Also, he just didn’t want Pim to be sick, of course.

“What time do we have to be at the cemetery tomorrow?” Pim asked, setting the blankets on the floor and attempting to lay them out in a way that would be comfortable, “and, do you have any spare pillows? I didn’t see any in the closet.”

“Why are you doing?” Charlie asked, confused.

“What do you mean?” Pim asked, turning to look at Charlie.

“Are you sleeping on the floor?”

“…yes?”

“I mean, do you think your bones can handle that?”

“What? Charlie, I’m thirty four. Not sixty. I think I’ll be okay.”

“Okay, man. Suit yourself.”

Charlie laid back onto the bed and attempted to ignore Pim who was still trying to adjust the blankets on the floor. But it bothered him. There’s no way those blankets would be comfortable, and if Pim slept on the floor both nights he’d definitely be sore for a few days. He was already putting up with so much with all of his family bullshit, he shouldn’t have to be physically uncomfortable too.

Another voice in Charlie’s head wondered if there was something wrong with him that made Pim not want to share the same bed as him. But he shoved that voice away and stood up out of the bed.

“Just take the bed, dude. I’ll sleep on the floor.”

“Oh, no. I couldn’t ask you to do that. The floor feels pretty hard, I wouldn’t want you to feel sore in the morning.”

“But you’re fine with yourself sleeping on the floor?” Charlie challenged, “Come on, man. This is ridiculous. I’m not sleeping on the bed while you’re stuck on the floor. So i guess we’re both sleeping on the floor.”

Charlie took the blankets off his bed and began making a spot for himself by the closet, ensuring there was enough space between him and Pim.

“Or we could just both take the bed?” Pim said, his voice uncertain. Almost shy? Weird.

“I mean, that’s what I assumed was gonna happen. Until you came in and started acting weird about it,” Charlie scoffed, putting the blankets back onto the bed. This was a lot of work.

“I was only weird about it because I thought you would be weird about it,” Pim explained, not looking directly at Charlie, “You’re not really…touchy?…I guess? I thought you wouldn’t want to share a bed.”

Charlie was offended by that. Why would he be weird about it?

“Pim, I would love to share this bed with you right now, man.”

FUCK! What the hell is wrong with him? Was he temporarily possessed or something? He wasn’t even sure what he was trying to say, but it definitely wasn’t that.

Pim’s cheeks were a bright pink, and he was nervously fidgeting with his sleep shirt, “Umm…”

“Just…” Charlie sighed, and got back into his bed, “Ignore that. Get in the bed.”

Pim complied, and Charlie sandwiched himself against the wall to give Pim ample room.

“Right. Well. Goodnight, Charlie!” Pim squeaked, and laid on his side facing away from Charlie.

“Night.”

Charlie stared up at the ceiling, suddenly feeling wide awake. The smell of his own body wash filled the air from Pim’s freshly showered form, and it was making him feel…well, whatever the feeling was he didn’t want it to go away. Things always felt easier with Pim. And honestly, he wasn’t sure how he would’ve been able to handle the trip if it weren’t for him being here.

Sure, he had his uncle Vince. But Vince was very flighty, there on minute gone the next. Meanwhile, Pim was consistent. And reliable. Charlie never had to wonder if he could go to Pim for support. And really, he never had to ask because Pim would notice whenever Charlie was struggling and offer help without Charlie asking. And Pim never made Charlie feel like he was a burden. Even if he felt like he was.

Pim was so…selfless. It was an admirable quality, for sure, but he also worried for him sometimes. People like that tend to get walked all over and Charlie would hate to see that happen to Pim. Pim who was everything bright and positive. Pim, who saw the good in everything. Even a scumbag like Charlie. He just hoped he knew how important he really was.

“Pim. Thank you for coming. You mean a lot to me,” Charlie croaked out.

Pim didn’t respond. Odd. Usually he’d be all for a sappy conversation. Charlie turned over on his side to see why he wasn’t responding, and was shocked to find himself face to face with a sleeping Pim. The critter must have fallen asleep and turned over while Charlie was lost in his thoughts.

He looked so peaceful asleep, his face completely relaxed and his mouth open just enough to grab Charlie’s attention. Charlie wasn’t sure what drove him to do it, but he took his phone out and snapped a picture of the sleeping Pim.

Shit. His flash was on.

“Hm?” Pim hummed, and then groggily asked, “What was that?”

“Uh,” Charlie held his phone against his chest so Pim wouldn’t notice it, “I think it might be storming out. It was probably lightening. Go back to sleep, dude.”

“Mm.”

Charlie felt like a weirdo. When he was sure Pim had drifted back to sleep, he took a quick peak at the picture. Despite the flash, the picture was captured before Pim woke up. And he looked so…soft. Cute, even. Huh. Well, this was turning out to be a weird night. He didn’t want to think anymore about whatever was going on with his emotions, so Charlie plugged his phone into the charger he’d had plugged into the outlet earlier and allowed himself to fall asleep. The night he dreamt of the sun and the smell of blueberries.

Chapter Text

Charlie felt like he was the only sane person left in his family. Who hosts a funeral at nine in the morning on a Saturday? I mean, that’s just inconsiderate when you think about it. Expecting people to wake up super early to get dressed in fancy clothes and stand outside and talk about a man no one even knew anything about. Charlie was his son for crying out loud, and he could probably count on his hand the amount of things he knew about the guy.

Charlie wondered if that made him a bad son. It probably did. Here he was complaining about having to be awake early on a Saturday. His dad was dead…his day was probably going way worse than Charlie’s.

“I’m shocked, you’re actually dressed decent,” his mother’s voice rang out as she walked into the living room.

He was just in a plain black suit.

“It’s a funeral. The dress code is pretty hard to mess up,” Charlie said, “Where’s aunt Rosaline and the old man?”

His mom let out a tired sigh, “They went early to help coordinate.”

Charlie stared at her, not sure what to say. Why was Pim taking so long?

“I asked one thing of you. I asked you to not embarrass me.”

“You thought I’d just sit there and let them berate me and Pim through dinner?” Charlie asked, “Seriously?”

His mom was always easier to talk to when the rest of the family weren’t present. His dad had been the same way too. They were never friendly or warm, even when it was just them. No, there was always a distance between him and his parents. But the gap was at least a little smaller when they weren’t trying to keep up appearances.

“I thought for once you would put aside your stubbornness for your grieving mother,” Isadora spoke, “I misjudged.”

“I’m here, aren’t I? Who exactly do you think I’m here for?”

His mother didn’t respond. Despite everything his parents put him through when he was young, a small part of him will always want their approval. He’ll never be able to get that with his father now…it was too late. But still, he was trying with him mom. Even if she made it so difficult. The rest of the family though…Charlie didn’t want anything to do with them. The way Charlie saw it, they were evil and fueled by nothing but greed.

“I see you standing in my living room, but my son is not here. He’s been gone for some time now.”

What was her problem? Whatever. Scratch everything he’d just said. He learned his lesson. After this weekend, he wasn’t gonna even bother trying. In fact, maybe he should stop trying effective immediately.

At that moment, Pim finally made his way down the stairs.

“Charlie! Is that a new suit? You look handsome,” Pim said as soon has he was down the stairs.

“Thanks, Pim. You’re lookin’ good too, man.”

Pim frowned, looking down at his own suit. Charlie didn’t know what was wrong with it, it looked like a standard black suit to him. And Pim looked great no matter what he was wearing.

“It’s a bit wrinkled, though. I forgot to hang it,” Pim said. Charlie has to stifle a laugh at that. Wasn’t it Pim who told Charlie it was him who would have a wrinkled suit?

“Ahh, well. It’s no big deal, I didn’t even notice the wrinkles. Plus, it’s not like you’re the guest of honor or anything,” Charlie patted Pim’s shoulder reassuringly, “That’d be my dad.”

“You really-“

“We should be on our way,” Isadora cut in, clearing her throat, “It would be improper to arrive later than guests.”

“WAIT!” An out of breath Vince stumbled down the stairs, “Almost forget about me, Dora?”

Isadora glared at the nickname but said nothing. Charlie was just grateful the drive to the cemetery was less than fifteen minutes. Though even that seemed like too long. This was going to be the most awkward and tense car ride he’d hopefully ever have to deal with.

——————————————

“Today we gather to mourn and lay to rest Henderson ‘Henry’ Dompler III, who as we all know unfortunately succumbed to the bats-“

Charlie tuned the rest out. God, this was depressing. Yes, they were all very much aware of the details surrounding his father’s death. The bats got him. Why did the priest have to repeat the story again in front of-Charlie subtly raised his head to gaze at the crowd- probably two hundred people?

“Henry was a beloved member of this community. A pillar of strength and success. And though his death will no doubt impact our hearts for years to come, it is not a burden we must bear alone. Through Christ and fellowship we-“

A beloved member of the community? Was this guy serious? The only people in the community who liked any member of Charlie’s family were those who were also making a profit. The rest of the town despised them. In fact, the only people at the funeral were extended members of his mom’s side of the family and old business partners. None of them liked his dad personally. They were only here for appearances or to support his mother. Or to try to scalp his dad’s now vacant position in the company. Like circling vultures.

Charlie couldn’t stand this anymore. He elbowed Pim in the side.

“Psst, Pim.”

“What is it, Charlie?” Pim whispered, trying to keep his voice as quiet as possible.

“See that guy standing off to the side there?”

“Who? The one with the orange tie?”

“Huh? No. Not him. But he’s weird too, who wears a neon orange tie to a funeral?”Charlie asked, and then grew distracted by it, “Holy hell. Time and place, dude. Is he…is he wearing orange socks too? How did I not notice him before?”

Pim snickered a bit, and then glanced around self consciously, “Alright, settle down, Charlie. You’re being loud.”

“Okay, okay,” Charlie lowered his voice back down, “No, I was talking about that guy over there. To the left a bit.”

“Ohh, yeah I see him now. What’s he doing all the way over there?”

“I dunno. He looks confused. Maybe he’s at the wrong funeral.”

“Wait, is that all you wanted to say?” Pim asked, confused, “The priest is in the middle of giving final blessings and you’re people watching?”

“Don’t judge me, Pim. People grieve differently.”

Charlie wondered if something was wrong with him. He didn’t really think this was how he was supposed to feel at his father’s funeral. Granted, he didn’t really know the man all too well, hadn’t spoken to him in almost ten years. Did it really make him a monster that he wasn’t a sobbing mess right now?

“I’m not judging I just-“

Isadora cleared her throat from her spot next to them. Pim looked ashamed and turned his head back to face the priest. Damn.

“The family now requests privacy for the burial. A celebration of life is being held inside the church. All are welcome. Everyone expect for immediate family of the departed, please rise from your seats and proceed inside.”

Oh thank God. Charlie stood from his seat and stretched, turning to watch the crowd. Most of them weren’t going towards the church, and were instead going to the parking lot to leave. Even better. With any luck, the celebration of life wouldn’t take long and he could leave and get out of this unbearably uncomfortable suit.

“Immediate family only. You may wait for us inside,” Isadora said, facing Pim.

“What? It’s like fifteen minutes, at most. He can’t stay for that?” Charlie asked. Did she really need control that much?

“I had the priest specify immediate family for a reason,” Isadora stood strong.

Pim sighed, and nodded, “It’s fine, Charlie. I’ll meet you inside.”

Isadora turned to Charlie’s uncle, who’d been unusually quiet during the whole procession thus far.

“Don’t,” Vince warned, voice serious, “He was my brother. I lost someone too.”

And with that, once the crowd was completely inside, only the three of them stood by the gravesite for the burial. It was the first time Charlie had seen his mother cry. And for once, just for this small moment, he felt like he understood her. Why she requested the burial be private. She prided herself on her image and it was ingrained in her that any form of emotion was weakness…he averted his gaze.

As fresh dirt covered a closed casket, Charlie began grieving a man he never really knew.

————————————————

Walking into the church, the three of them instantly scattered. His mom, presumably, went to greet guests as a proper mourning wife should. Vince went straight to the drink table in search of booze. And Charlie scanned the tables looking for Pim. He found him pretty easily, and saw he was at a table with only one other person: a critter in a pale yellow dress. Pim and this woman were talking pretty animatedly about who knows what.

Charlie felt something bubble within him. Was Pim really hitting on some lady at his dad’s funeral? So much for the critter being there for him. I mean, really? Leave the guy alone for ten minutes and this is what happens. He walked over to the table, hands stuffed in his pockets to feign nonchalance.

“Hey.”

“Oh! Hey Charlie!” Pim greeted, and then his voice dropped to a tone of sympathy, “You alright?”

The woman critter spoke, “You must be Henry’s son. I’m truly sorry for your loss. I’ll take my leave.”

She bowed out, and walked off into the crowd. Good riddance.

“Pim. Man. Who was that woman?”

“I don’t know, Charlie. But did you see what she was wearing? I figured we could set her up with orange tie guy,” Pim laughed.

Charlie didn’t respond immediately and Pim, who read that his mood had shifted, continued, “Now that I’m saying that out loud, it hardly seems right for the occasion. Sorry, Charlie. I was trying to cheer you up.”

“Nah, man,” Charlie shrugged, “Don’t be sorry. Just a weird day today.”

“Oh I just hate to see you like this. I wish there was something more I could do,” Pim frowned, “Why don’t I go grab you something from the refreshment table? You must be hungry, I didn’t see you eat breakfast.”

“Sure, dude, thanks. Just get me whatever. Get yourself a plate too.”

He watched Pim walk away, and let himself relax a bit. Of course Pim wasn’t hitting on a random woman at a funeral. That wasn’t in his character. Not that it would really be that awful of a thing for Pim to do…I mean, it would be kind of a dick move, sure. Still, pun could do whatever he wanted, he was his own person. But he was starting to realize he just really didn’t like the idea of Pim hitting on anyone anymore. Strange.

“Well if it isn’t Charlie Dompler in the flesh,” a voice cut Charlie out of his own thoughts.

He looked up, and saw it was his cousin Scarlett. Him and Scarlett were pretty much on neutral territory. She wasn’t awful to be around, but they didn’t have much common ground. She was a golden girl of the family, did as she was told and achieved all that was expected of her. Charlie? Not so much. But still, she was more down to earth than the rest of them. Easier to talk to.

“I’m not staying long,” Charlie said, “Just here to say bye to my old man.”

“Yeah? You haven’t been around in a while. Heard you’re a working man now,” she teased.

“Yup. Gramps threw a fit over it,” Charlie confirmed, “Guess I get that rebel spirit from the Dompler side.”

“Mm. I wouldn’t be so sure, my dad tells me your mom used to be a wild child before her and your dad had you,” Scarlet shrugged, and sipped some wine from her glass, “Almost drove her daddy to an early grave.”

Charlie had to laugh at that, “Yeah, sure. Why’d you come over here, Scarlett?”

“I’m getting married in a few months. Figured you’d want to know.”

“Oh, yeah? Who’s the unlucky guy so I can go warn him?”

“Don’t be an ass. Are you gonna come or not?”

“Nah, think I’m busy that day.”

Scarlett crossed her arms, annoyed, “I never did anything to you. You’re seriously not gonna come to my wedding?”

“Nothing against you, I just don’t want to be around the rest of them,” Charlie explained, “I haven’t spoken to you since I was a kid, anyway. You won’t even notice I’m not there.”

“That’s not the point. It would be nice if you just show up and-“

“Ah, sorry I took so long,” Pim said worriedly, not noticing Scarlett standing there. Man. Pim really needed to get his eyes checked, “There was some man up there doing magic tricks.”

“…what?”

“Yeah. Everytime I would try to get something punch from the bowl, he took the ladle and started doing tricks with it. Like throwing it up into the air and stuff.”

“Sounds like he was just an asshole, Pim.”

“I don’t know, Charlie. He seemed legit. He pulled a quarter from behind my ear and everything.”

“You don’t have ears, you goof,” Charlie pointed out.

Pim rolled his eyes, “You know what I mean, Charlie. Anyway, I got you some fruit punch. You’d hate the food they’re serving up there. Maybe we can grab food out after this?”

“See, good ideas like that are why I love you, dude,” Charlie said, taking one of the cups from Pim, “After we drop my mom and uncle off at the house, we can go get late breakfast. There’s a diner in town I think you’ll like.”

“You know what? Is I think I understand why you’re not coming to my wedding,” Scarlett smirked, “Good seeing you, Charlie. And good luck.”

Charlie didn’t care to read into whatever she meant, and instead went back to listening to Pim who was talking about the man at the punch bowl again. Charlie wasn’t really hearing a word he was saying, too distracted by the facial expressions Pim was making. The way his eyebrows furrowed in annoyance, the way his eyes widened when he was talking about something amusing, and the was his lips would draw into a thin line when he was thinking. Everything about Pim’s face was becoming way too distracting for Charlie.

—————————————

As soon as they pulled up to the house, Pim made a beeline to the bathroom on the first floor. Poor guy must have had to go pretty bad as he’s been squirming the whole car ride. Charlie’s mother went to the kitchen. His uncle went up to the attic. And Charlie himself made his way to his room to get changed back into his hoodie and sweatpants. His grandfather and aunt wouldn’t be back to the house until later and even then he no longer cared about trying to maintain the peace. If he wanted to wear his hoodie, he was going to do so. He was a grown man.

After he’d gotten changed, he sat on the bed and waited for Pim to come up. He figured Pim would want to change out of his suit too before they went to grab food. Just then, there was a knock on the bedroom door. Charlie looked up to see his uncle who was looking unusually serious.

“Can I show you something?”

“Sure, dude. What’s up?”

His uncle jerked his neck to tell Charlie to follow him, which made Charlie notice Vince was carrying a cardboard box. Huh. Charlie stood from his bed, and followed him down the stairs and onto the front porch. There, they sat on the steps. Charlie wasn’t sure why they had to have the conversation here and not inside. Maybe his uncle, like him, felt caged up after spending all morning in a congested church and a hot car ride. Or maybe he wanted to be sure they wouldn’t be overheard by his mother who tended to walk the halls. Either way, Charlie was grateful.

His uncle held out a flask for him and Charlie accepted, taking two swigs before handing it back. They stared off into the woods next to the house.

“Found this box in the attic. Looks like it’s for you.”

“Huh? Why would you think that?”

His uncle shifted the box around so Charlie could see on the side of the box in black marker the words: FOR CHARLIE.

“Oh. Yeah, guess that makes sense. What’s in it?” He asked, and then opened it to start looking through.

Mostly just old pictures and papers. Ugh. Why was it never something cool? Well, he already opened the box. He might as well look through it. The pictures were…uncanny. The people in it were mostly just his parents when they were younger. Some of the pictures also had other people and critters he didn’t recognize.

In the photos, his dad didn’t look stressed or angry like he usually remembered him being. He looked relaxed, kicked back in a lawn chair or standing by a lake holding a beer. He looked so much like Charlie, except his form was more fit and he was a bit taller. And his mom? In the pictures, Charlie’s mom was wearing relaxed jeans and a crop tops. Her hair was down, and she had a huge gaping grin on her face. Damn. Maybe Scarlett was right, his mom may have been more of free spirit when she was young. What happened to cause his parents to go from the happy people in these pictures to what they turned out to be later in life?

“I…they were never like this. Growing up, I mean,” Charlie said out loud, “I mean, why would they even keep these?”

“Your guess is as good as mine.”

Charlie continued to look through the box, but the rest of it was just more pictures and paperwork from his dad’s old business. It was originally a newspaper company, pretty successful one too. Then they made the change to digital, and then his dad had sold it when Charlie was just starting highschool. Made a big profit off of it, from what his parents told him. He wasn’t really interested in the contents of the box anymore, and put it back down beside him and his uncle.

He reached over and took the flask from Vince again, taking another swig. He thought about how he didn’t really know his parents as people. I mean, growing up his dad had always been distant. Either busy with his company or, when Charlie was in his upper teens, busy helping his mom’s family’s businesses. And his mom was always around, but there was always a wall up. He was never her equal, just a project for her to try to mold into whatever she saw fit. He wondered what they were really like.

“What was he like?” Charlie asked, “Before me, I mean.”

His uncle grimaced a bit, “You probably know him more than I would, bud.”

Charlie supposed that made sense. Vince was his dad’s half brother, and they didn’t really grow up together. After Charlie’s grandfather died in 1958, his grandmother raised his father on her own. He grew up and joined the military when she’d remarried and had Vince. So the two of them were so far apart in age, they didn’t really cross paths save for holiday get togethers. Which stopped once Charlie’s dad married his mom.

“My mom always used to say Henry got all of the luck in the Dompler family. And took it with him when he left,” Vince said with an ironic smirk, “Now I see the son of a bitch was just as cursed as the rest of us.”

Charlie didn’t say anything to that. He heard the stories: his dad’s side of the family were doomed to live tragic lives or die gruesome deaths. It was just how things were. There weren’t many Domplers left, save for him and his uncle. He supposed his mother counted too, since she took his name. He glanced over to his uncle, who had a far away look in his eyes.

“You have his laugh, you know?” Charlie pointed out. He felt like he was in a weirdly nostalgic mood. Maybe talking about him some would help them both.

“Yeah?” His uncle laughed, “Never noticed that.”

“Yup. Didn’t hear him laugh all that much, though.”

His uncle didn’t respond right away. When he did, it was to clear his throat and say, “You’re a good kid, Charlie.”

They continued to sit there in their quiet for a bit, Charlie wasn’t even sure what he was waiting on. He was too lost in thought.

“Your mom and dad used to chase me off anytime I came around. Told me they were trying to raise you right or something. Didn’t want you to be a screw up like the rest of us Domplers,” Vince said, “But your dad stopped doing that after a while. Even called me to ask me to check on you a couple times.”

“What?” Charlie asked, shocked.

“Yeah. Even after you ran off and moved away. He called me a few times over the years. Asking if I’d heard from you. Didn’t talk to me long but…I don’t know.”

Charlie wondered why his uncle never told him that. But he understood, in a way. Some things were better off not mentioning. Even if he’d known, Charlie doubted it would change anything.

Just then, the front door slammed open and a very angry and frazzled looking Pim stomped out. He was carrying his bag and was still wearing his suit. He’d been in the house an awful long time, Charlie assumed he was getting changed. What was he doing in there for that long?

Vince was the first to speak, “Hey, little man, what’s with th-“

“Charlie, we’re leaving. Now.” Pim said angrily, “We’re going back home.”

“What?!” Charlie asked, standing to his feet, “Pim, what’s wrong, man?”

“It doesn’t matter, Charlie! I’m not staying here any longer,” he slammed his bag into the trunk of his car.

Charlie’s brows furrowed in concern and confusion. He’d never seen Pim this upset about something. He’d seemed fine when they first got back from the funeral, something must have happened between then and now. The only other person in the house was his mother.

“Did my mom say something to you in there?” Charlie asked, and when Pim didn’t respond, “DUDE! I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what happened!”

“I don’t want to talk about it, Charlie!” Pim said angrily, “I’m going home. You can come with me or you’ll have to get another ride home.”

“Alright, alright. Just…give me a second, okay?” He cast a worried look at his uncle, and then made his way inside to confront his mom.

He walked in and went straight for the sitting room, which was a small room off of the living room his mother usually sat in to have her tea. And just as expected, she was sitting in a chair sat by the window, looking outside with a blank expression on her face.

“Did you say something to Pim?” He demanded and, after not getting an immediate response, “Whatever you said to him really got him worked up. I don’t know what it was, but if you ever do anything like that again I’ll cut you out co-“

“Do not become involved with that man, Charlie.”

Charlie was stunned.

“What does that mean?”

“Don’t play dumb with me. I raised you. I know you’re bright,” she turned to him, “I mean romantically. Do not become involved with that Pimling boy.”

“Why would you even-“ Charlie stopped himself, and started again. His voice firmer, “What I do with my life is none of your business.”

“You don’t understand. If you-“

“No, stop,” Charlie cut her off, “You can’t go around trying to fuck up my life again. I’m a grown ass man.”

“Charlie, please,” Isadora begged, her face turning desperate, “You’re misunderstanding. I’m not doing this to be cruel.”

“Oh, I find that hard to believe,” Charlie scoffed.

“If you start going with men, you will be cut off from the-“

“I already am cut off from the family.”

“Do not interrupt,” his mother said, “You will be cut off. And if I am found to have any contact with you, they will cut me off too. From everything. Do you understand? I will have nothing. I’d have no choice but to cut you out too.”

Charlie wasn’t sure why he was even entertaining this conversation. It was all a big hypothetical, anyway.

“Would that really be that bad? I mean, you still have all the money from dad’s old business.”

“It’s gone, Charlie. We…I kept things from you. Your father’s business wasn’t sold. It went bankrupt,” his mom explained, her face broken.

Huh. Well, that explained some of it. Why his dad started working for the family’s insurance and realtor companies. His mom’s side of the family were already judgmental of him. When his business had gone bankrupt…he must have been trying to gain their approval. And money. Still…

“It’s just money, mom,” Charlie said, “You’d choose money over me? I’m your son.”

His mom’s head was in her hands and she let out a quiet, “That’s not enough.”

Ouch. That proved something he’d been suspecting for a while now.

“It was never going to be. I was never going to be enough.”

Still, as he looked at his mother, he couldn’t help but feel pity for her. She’d lived a sad, miserable life due to her own circumstances. She greatly over valued money and feared life without the support and safety her family provided. She was willing to sacrifice everything for that. And it ended with her here, alone and friendless. In a big empty house. Feeling as if she was about to lose her son.

“It’s not like that, anyway,” Charlie sighed, turning to walk out of the room, “Pim and I are just coworkers.”

Charlie knew he was bi. He’d figured it out during college, though he’d suspected it before then. But it wasn’t something he’d talked about with anyone. Mostly because it never really came up. And yes, he’d noticed some of the thoughts he had for Pim were…more than friendly. But it didn’t matter, because Pim was as straight as they come as far as he knew. And even if he wasn’t, Pim wouldn’t go for him anyway. So this whole conversation was incredibly uncalled for.

He went upstairs to his room and quickly repacked his suitcase and grabbed the antique knives from the closet. They’d look pretty cool hanging up on the wall of his apartment. He decided to make a quick call to Zoey. They may be about to break up, but he was trying to do better. If he was going to be on the road, she deserved to know. The phone rang, and then went to voicemail. He left a message.

“Hey, Zoey. Look, things happened. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I wanted to let you know I’ll be back early. Some shit went down and… I’m leaving now so I’ll be back around,” he took the phone away from his ear to look at his phone. It was a little before one, “I don’t know. Maybe seven. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

He hung up, slipped his phone into his pocket, and made his way back downstairs and onto the porch. He looked at his uncle and subtly motioned to the car as if to ask ‘he say anything?’ His uncle let out a small shrug.

“Whelp, looks like me and Pim are heading out,” Charlie said, awkwardly. He was pretty bad at goodbyes.

“Yeah, I’ll probably fuck off too. No point in me sticking around here if you guys aren’t staying,” his uncle said, standing and stretching his hands above his head.

“Well..see you when I see you…”

Vince clapped Charlie on the shoulder, “Stay outta trouble.”

Charlie nodded and then went to put his suitcase, knives, and the box of old pictures into the trunk. He heard Pim and his uncle talking, and looked up to watch.

“It was very nice to meet you, Vince,” Pim said, “I’m sorry we’re leaving so suddenly. I wish we met in different circumstances.”

“Don’t sweat it,” Vince said, and a knowing smirk crossed his face, “I have a feeling our paths will cross again here soon.”

Charlie waved his uncle off, and got into the car with Pim. He immediately pulled out of the driveway, clearly itching to get the hell out of there. Charlie decided not to push Pim about whatever his mom had said to him. Maybe it would be best if they just never brought it up again.

“Charlie. I don’t ever want to come back here again,” Pim said firmly.

“Okay, man. We don’t have to,” Charlie said.

Anyone who was able to upset Pim that much wasn’t worth being around, Charlie decided. They didn’t speak for almost the whole car ride, but the further away they drove the less tense Pim seemed. Charlie just hoped things would be back to normal by Monday.

Chapter Text

When they finally pulled up outside of Charlie’s apartment complex, Charlie quickly got out of the car and headed to the trunk to grab his shit. The car ride had been so incredibly tense for him as Pim was still letting off a weird energy and the two barely talked the whole ride. Charlie couldn’t exactly ask Pim ‘hey, man, did my mom tell you I have gay feelings for you and, if she did, does that make things weird between us? But he was pretty sure that’s probably what the conversation between his mom and Pim had been about. And clearly Pim felt a certain way about it.

“Appreciate you driving me, dude,” Charlie said hurriedly, wanting to get upstairs and be away from people for a while, “I’ll see you on-“

Pim turned the car off and got out as well, “I’m gonna help you get upstairs, Charlie.”

He said it like it was so obvious. Was Charlie supposed to be a mind reader? From how Pim had been acting, Charlie was surprised he’d even driven him home.

“Ah, thanks, man. But you don’t gotta do that,” Charlie insisted. It was going to be difficult to carry his suitcase, the antique knives, plus the cardboard box up on his own…but Charlie would make do.

“I know I don’t have to,” Pim said, his voice tired, “But I want to.”

And that was that. Charlie handed him the cardboard box and then they went into the building. Charlie didn’t want to say anything to break the fragile calmness so he didn’t.

When they opened the door, Zoey was sitting on his couch. Shit, why was she here? He’d given her a key a year ago, but she never came over without him being home. Or at least he didn’t think she did. And this felt pretty invasive, especially since they were on the verge of a breakup.

“Um.” Charlie said, processing. Pim pushed past him and set the box he was carrying down on the kitchen counter.

“Hey, Zoey. Sorry, I’m just here to drop Charlie off,” Pim greeted, “I’m leaving now.”

“Okay, Pim. Thank you for driving him home,” Zoey said blankly. Obviously she’d put two and two together, especially since Pim was still in his funeral attire.

“Of course,” Pim then turned to Charlie with a tired expression on his face and said, “I’ll see you Monday, Charlie.”

He then hurried out of the door, clearly unaware of the situation he was leaving Charlie in.

Gulp.

“Before you say anything, Pim coming was sort of a las-“

“I don’t care.”

“Oh.”

“You left me a super vague and worrying voicemail, so I wanted to make sure you were okay when you got back,” Zoey let out an exhausted sigh, “Because I do care about you, Charlie.”

“I-“

“But I don’t love you. Not like how I should, anyway,” Zoey said, “And you don’t love me either. Why are we doing this to each other?”

Charlie could only stare. He did love Zoey. Or at least he had, at one point. You don’t get two years deep into a relationship if there isn’t at least some love involved. And when they first started going out, things were fine. She was into some of the same video games as he was and, at the time they started dating, she wasn’t really looking for much. And neither was Charlie. They were both just looking for someone to chill with, mostly. But time changes things. Zoey started wanting more and Charlie…he didn’t know what he wanted, but it wasn’t this.

“I don’t know, Zoey.”

“I don’t think you’re a bad person, you know?” Zoey said, “I’ve been holding a lot in. And it’s made me kinda resent you. But. I don’t think you’re a bad person.”

“Okay.”

Charlie felt horrible. He should say something else, anything else. Yet again, here he was letting Zoey do all of the heavy lifting. But in all fairness, he’d had a long, long day. He’d just had to watch his father be buried that morning. If anything, Zoey should have waiting until tomorrow to have this conversation if she wanted Charlie to be coherent. This was her fault, really.

“I’m sorry this had to happen today.”

Huh. Was she reading his thoughts? Get out of my head, Zoey.

“But we’re just not compatible. And if I wait for the right time to do it…there would never be a right time. Because you’re never…” she trailed off and huffed out a breath of air as if to calm herself.

Charlie knew what she meant. Things were never completely okay for him. And that’s not to say his life was horrible or anything, he was actually content most of the time. But he also complained a lot. If there was even something slightly unfortunate or annoying about anything, he’d go on a rant about it. And Zoey would listen, and then they’d turn on the television or play a video game to shift the mood. They never really got to have many serious conversations about their relationship. And when they did, the conversations didn’t last long.

“I didn’t want to leave you alone to deal with your problems,” Zoey said, “I wanted to wait until you were better. But…that’s not my job, Charlie. It’s not my responsibility.”

“I never asked you to do that,” Charlie defended, “I mean, all you had to do was leave. I wasn’t going to like hunt you down or anything.”

“I know that, I’m just saying morally I- never mind. It doesn’t matter.”

“Okay.”

“Look, I’m just going to go. This isn’t going the way I thought,” she made her move to the door, turned around and said, “I left the key on the kitchen counter. I…I hope you figure out your shit, Charlie.”

“Yeah. You too,” he said, “I’m sorry I’m such a screw up.”

Zoey just shook her head sadly, and walked out of the door. Well, this feeling sucked. He never wanted to go through this shit again. I mean, what have the last two years been about. What a waste. And if anything, this just really proved what Charlie had been saying this whole time: he wasn’t enough for anything long term. With anyone.

He let himself sit in those feelings for a minute, just standing in the empty apartment staring at his unmade bed. What was it Pim had told him once? Put a name to the feelings? Charlie really did try. Inadequacy? Failure? Grief? Regret? Ugh, this was stupid. And it was making him feel shittier. He shook himself out of it, pushed his feelings to the side, and flopped into the bed. He would not be getting up until Monday.

————————————-

Monday came quicker than he’d anticipated. Probably because he spent all of Sunday doing nothing but day drinking and fucking around on his computer. Oh, and he ordered some takeout off Meep Eats not once, not twice, but three times throughout the day. Cost him a pretty penny but to him it was worth it. Now he felt rejuvenated and ready for whatever the week would bring. Well, actually, no. He still felt like shit. But he wasn’t going to make a big deal about it or anything.

When he walked into the break room, both Allan and Glep were already there, looking uncharacteristically tired. Allan was sitting at one of the chairs, rubbing his forehead, while Glep was on a stool by the coffee machine watching it brew with a blank expression on his face. Huh. Must be the Monday blues.

“What’s up with you guys?”

Glep spat at him and let out an angry, “Ahshoowa forlad ama. Grela balkq c-“

“What the hell, Glep! I was just saying hello!”

Glep jumped down from the stool he was on and laid down on his beanbag, using his hat to cover his eyes.

Charlie sat down into the chair next to Allan, and asked, “You want to tell me what’s going on? Or are we all just in a crappy mood for the fun of it?”

“Me and Glep worked overtime all weekend,” Allan answered, his voice equally as frustrated as Glep’s had been. Or, well. As frustrated as Allan was able to sound.

“What? I assumed Mr. Boss would close down the office Friday, and we almost never work weekends. What the hell happened?”

“Mr. Boss came up with a new incentive program for us,” Allan explained, “The outside of the building would be painted to look like the employee of the month.”

“Okay?”

“Pim was employee of the month. He made me and Glep paint the whole building pink. It took us the whole day on Friday.”

“Looked pretty yellow when I came in, dude.”

“Frooka slipa skibbity chapa,” Glep said.

“Okay, okay, I didn’t realize the story wasn’t over,” Charlie apologized.

“The boss bought the paint off the dark web to cut costs. The neon color and toxic fumes were giving people seizures. So-“

“So he made you paint it back to yellow, got it.”

“Plora gowa!” Glep interjected.

“There’s more? Jesus Christ, dude.”

“Mr. Boss said it would be unfair if the building was yellow because you would think you were employee of the month, Charlie,” Allan explained, “And you’re not.”

“I mean. I would not have assumed that. But okay, I guess.”

“On Saturday we painted the building dark blue to cover up the pink.”

“And then what happened?”

“Fralla skiba boola shama.”

“Did you just say we got sued by Sesame Street?”

“They claimed we stole the likeness of Cookie Monster,” Allan nodded solemnly, “Mr. Boss fought it in court and lost. We lost a lot of money, Charlie.”

“Damn.”

“We painted the building back to yellow yesterday.”

“That’s rough, man.”

“Yes, it was very unpleasant,” Allan nodded, “What did you do this weekend? Why were you and Pim not here?”

“Mr. Boss didn’t tell you?” Charlie was surprised. He assumed Mr. Boss wouldn’t care about employee privacy.

“No, he did not.”

“Huh.”

“Ashawa shimono?” Glep asked.

“Nah, I don’t think I’ll tell you either,” Charlie shrugged, “Sounds like your weekend was way worse, anyway.”

Whistling from the hallway interrupted whatever anyone else was going to say, and Charlie turned to see Mr. Boss walking by. He stopped at the doorway, and peaked his head through.

“Hey, sport! Did you have fun at the funeral?”

“Uh. It was fine.”

Whelp. Guess they knew he’d been at a funeral now. All well.

“Cool, cool,” Mr. Boss swung his arms by his side for a moment, his eyes glazed over.

“Um, do we have a job or-“

“Listen, Charlie, I know the building is yellow, but just so you know you are not the employee of the month.”

“I- why would I even think that? The building was yellow before I started working here.”

“I don’t want you getting too big for your britches, son,” Mr. Boss continued, his voice serious.

“Okay.”

“Good! Glad we came to that understanding,” Mr. Boss said cheerily, “Whelp, if any of you boys need me I’ll be in the pool.”

They didn’t have a pool.

Charlie felt his phone buzz in his pocket and took it out to check the text.

8:56 am
Baby Boi 🥺: Hey Charlie, I’m running late. If Mr. Boss asks please tell him I’ll be there in like ten minutes

Charlie stared confused for a moment, and then let out a laugh. Right. He’d forgotten he changed Pim’s contact name.

“What’s so funny?” Allan asked, annoyed at the sudden noise.

“Huh? Oh, nothin’. Pim’s gonna be late.”

“Okay? I don’t get how that’s funny.”

————————————-

“Pim, man, I’m not gonna put on the suit,” Charlie said, looking down at a fur suit that was draped over their clients couch.

“Aww, why not, Charlie? It’ll make the client smile,” Pim said, his voice muffled.

He was already wearing his: a fennec fox suit. For some reason, their client today insisted the only thing that would make him smile was going to a fur convention. And he didn’t want to go alone. So….

“Yeah, no, I get that and all. But-“

“Then just real quick, we’ll only be there a couple hours! It’s not that bad, I mean. The rumors about fur-“

“No, no, hold on, hold on. I’m not, like, disrespecting furries or whatever. But I just don’t dress up. I mean, that’s like. My whole thing. I don’t dress up, remember?”

“I didn’t say you were disrespecting furries, Charlie. Geez,” Pim raised his little fox arms.

“Can’t you two just dress up and I’ll like, be there for moral support or something?”

“No!” the client, a critter who was now walking out of a separate room also in a fox fursuit, said stubbornly, “If it’s just me and him, it’s not a pack. There has to be at least three to be a pack.”

That didn’t even make any sense. Foxes weren’t even pack animals. Ugh. This is so stupid.

“Okay? What’s the problem wi-“

“Duos are lame. It’s only cool if we go as a pack,” the client crossed his arms.

“Charlie, come on, we’re wasting time,” Pim whined, “If we don’t get this done, we’re gonna miss the book signing.”

Right. He’d promised Pim that he’d go with him to some comic book signing after work today. Granted, Charlie was pretty excited for it too. He hadn’t read this particular comic book but from the way Pim had described it, it seemed pretty cool. Plus, he didn’t want to let Pim down. So…

“Fine. I’ll wear the damn suit,” Charlie huffed, “But there will be no mention of this again, got it?”

—————————————-
Official Smiling Friends Work Group Chat
7:55 am
Baby Boi 🥺: Good morning ☀️ I’m stopping for coffee before work. Can I get anyone anything?
Allan (Smiling Friends): No.
Glep (Smiling Friends): 🍩
Baby Boi 🥺: Okay Glep ☺️☺️ What kind?
Glep (Smiling Friends):🍓🪼
Baby Boi 🥺: You got it 👍 One strawberry jelly donut coming up 💚

8:10 am
Baby Boi 🥺: Charlie? Mr. Boss?
Charlie: No thanks
Baby Boi 🥺: Are you sure? It’s no bother!!
Charlie: yeah I’m all good
Baby Boi 🥺: hmmmm okayyy 🤔🤔 They have chocolate croissants 😋😋
Charlie: your use of emojis in the work group chat sickens me.
Charlie: but I’ll take 12.
Charlie: don’t actually get 12 btw, just one would be great. Thanks Pim
Baby Boi 🥺: of course!!!

9:57 am
Mr. Boss: Yeah. Get me an iced frappe with skim milk, caramel drizzle, and two and half pumps of marshmallows syrup.
Mr. Boss: Do they have cottage pie?
Baby Boi 🥺: Mr. Boss, that was two hours ago. I’ve been at work for almost an hour now. I’m not at the bakery anymore…
Baby Boi 🥺: Me and Charlie are out on a job…you sent us to make a librarian smile.
Baby Boi 🥺: Maybe @Allan can grab you something?
Allan (Smiling Friends): I’m organizing files.
Allan (Smiling Friends): Fine.

—————————————-

“Ashiba awla bagoot?” Glep asked casually.

They were all sat out behind the office in lawn chairs. They couldn’t go back inside because the whole building was flooded from what had happened earlier that day. Apparently, Mr. Boss didn’t buy any of the water pipes in the building. It was all rented for some reason. And since he forgot to renew the lease for them, some man came and took all of the pipes from the building…and now there was water just pouring in.

Well, there was water pouring in. Allan managed to shut the water supply off after about an hour. But at that point the damage had been done. Now they had to wait for the building to dry out and for the new pipes that Mr. Boss bought to arrive. Oh, and someone cooked fish in the microwave that morning meaning the whole building also smelled pretty awful. No one would fess up, but Charlie had his suspicions…

Oh right. Glep had said something.

“A dinner party? What for?” Charlie asked.

“Eeepa mova.”

“Aww, that’s a great idea, Glep!” Pim said enthusiastically.

“Glep, man, I don’t know what’s gotten into you but you’ve been ON FIRE lately with the ideas, man!” Mr. Boss shouted, jumping out of his chair, “I mean, wow! A dinner party?! Wow!”

“Settle down, Mr. Boss. You’re going to spill my glass of cranberry juice,” Allan said, side eyeing the boss who was coming dangerously close to the glass sitting by Allan’s feet, “But yes, Glep. I will also come to this dinner party.”

“Ashawa joma?” Glep asked, turning to Charlie. And then added, “Sweepa lola.”

Charlie winced, “Oof, yeah man. I’ll come but no I can’t bring Zoey.”

“How come, Charlie?” Pim asked curiously.

It’s been three months since the breakup and he didn’t tell anyone about it. It never came up in conversation, and at this point Charlie had moved on. He didn’t see the point in having an uncomfortable conversation or answering questions he didn’t want to when it would be easier if everyone just minded their business and never mentioned Zoey again. But, alas, things couldn’t be avoided forever. A lesson Charlie had learned many times by now.

“We broke up, man,” Charlie shrugged.

“What? Charlie, why-“

“Excuse me, I’m looking for an Allan Red,” an authoritative voice announced, breaking up the conversation.

The group turned their heads to see a blue critter with a large mustache in a police uniform standing in the alley.

“Um, yeah, that’s me,” Allan said, his voice confused.

“We’ve been getting reports about you, I must insist you come with me.”

“What? What reports?”

Charlie stared at the supposed police officer. He looked very familiar.

“Allan, man, I’m pretty sure that’s just your landlord wearing a fake mustache,” Charlie said, and then squinted, “Yeah, dude. It definitely is.”

The fake police officer started looking around nervously, “No, I-“

“Yeah, I-I think Charlie’s right, Allan. That’s literally your landlord,” Pim said.

“Argh,” the critter, Mr. Landlord, tore his fake mustache off in frustration, “Mark my words, Allan, one way or another you WILL play B-“

“Wait, wait, wait, hold up,” Charlie interrupted, holding his hands up to pause the conversation, “I’m starting to get this is like your whole thing or whatever. But like. The last two things you did were super elaborate and thought out. This just seems…weak.”

“Yeah,” Mr. Boss backed Charlie up, “When Allan wrote up his daily report after his paper clip run, he included all the wild and wacky stuff you made him go through.”

“And your outfit for the date was super complex. Like scarily so. If that dog didn’t rip off your skin suit, I would have believed you were a real woman,” Pim said, “Now you’re just wearing a fake mustache and a police uniform that you got on sale at Spirit Halloween. I can still see the tag…”

“Okay, YOU GOT ME,” Mr. Landlord shouted, “I blew all my money on the first two schemes and now I have resorted to buying my disguises from the clearance rack. But I’ll fool you one of these days, Allan. MUAHAH-“

“Is that why you raised everyone’s rent last month?” Allan asked.

“…well, yes. Landlords have to eat too.”

“Ashiba skids a oshowa,” Glep said and fixed the landlord with a heavy glare.

Mr. Landlord started backing away, his arms out in front of him in surrender, “Now, now. Let’s not make this into a political thing or-“

“How is that political? That’s messed up, man. You can’t just raise people’s rent because you’re irresponsible with your money,” Charlie scolded.

“Go on now, get!” Mr. Boss suddenly shouted, and started spraying Mr. Landlord with a squirt bottle.

Mr. Landlord, like a feral cat, hissed and scurried away. They all stared at the empty spot where he stood for a moment, and Mr. Boss put the spray bottle down.

“Anyway, Glep,” Charlie cleared his throat, “When’s this dinner party happening?”