Work Text:
The atmosphere in the bullpen was elated after the team witnessed the engagement. Jesse being the most excited at the opportunity to officiate. Charlie noticed how Sarah was slight tearful and happy for the couple she barely knew. He couldn't help but think that for someone who was adamant she didn't need a Prince Charming she was a romantic at heart. Joe came back from his office with shot glasses and whiskey or water to toast the happy couple.
As the group dispersed, Sarah said to Charlie "Pizza and the game tonight?" to which a bark and a yes were the answer. Sarah joined Bonnie and Rainey and was quickly brought into a discussion about wedding planning. He was caught by surprise when he heard them ask her if they were a couple, and saw a slight blush on his best friends face before she said no they were just colleagues and friends. Rex gave a slight sigh behind him as if saying "yeah right" Charlie thought he heard "Sorry, I thought I heard you making a date tonight." and a " Oh we just have dinner together a few times a week."
Charlie had to sit down next to Rex for a minute as he realized he really couldn't recall when Sarah and him didn't have dinner together. Even during cases they would take time to grab a bite. A voice that sounded a lot like Aunt Miranda's saying "maybe he had found the one." This realization didn't scare him as much as he thought it would. He realized friends and co-workers eat together all the time but probably not all the time and he would miss it if it stopped. Sarah was his best friend, but was it possible she was more than that. Yes was the quick reply and he hoped she felt the same way. Another sigh from Rex, got his partner a pet. Getting up Charlie said his goodbyes to the group and called "Come on Pal." He had a plan starting to form in his mind.
On the way to the car he texted Sarah that he would order the pizza, but she could bring wine if she wanted. After getting Rex settled in the car and getting into the drivers seat. He turned to his partner and said "Okay partner before my planning goes further it depends on you. In the past you have gotten between myself and potential dates. Although some have been criminals, most were nice woman who were either allergic to you or somehow you were allergic to them. If I ask Sarah to be my girlfriend will you be developing an allergy to her?" Rex gave a bark of excitement and a lick to the face. This was the only approval Charlie needed and laughed "I'll take that as a yes." Starting up the car and pulling away ready to put his plan into action.
A couple of hours later, Charlie answered the doorbell to find Sarah holding a bottle of wine and two boxes of pizza. "I pulled in when the pizza guy did, so I thought I'd take care of it." Charlie took the items and headed to the kitchen and their spots. He turned back to the sound of Sarah laughing as Rex was up on hind legs to get a full hug. It was a sight he never got tired of seeing.
As Sarah made her way to her seat, Charlie asked "Sarah, I, uh have something to I want to ask you?" "Sounds serious." echoing the recent conversation about taking custody of Rex in the event something happened to him. "Yeah, but I hope it will lead to a good thing." Taking a moment to gather his thoughts he opened a beer for himself and poured a glass of wine for Sarah. Taking a deep breath "I noticed Bonnie and Rainey asking if we were a couple, and I got to thinking that you are my colleague, work wife and best friend, but that doesn't really explain how connected we are. I mean Joe and Jesse are my friends too but they don't have dinner with me almost every night. " Sarah looked at him curiously, trying to keep up with his thoughts. "Would you like me to invite Jesse over for pizza, or do you want us to stop have dinner together?" she asked hesitantly. "NO! I think if you want maybe we could go on a date, have a relationship with each other. I mean our families, friends, co-workers and suspects think we are. How many times have you been referred to as my lady friend?" "Too many," Sarah whispered knowing Charlie knew she didn't like the term. No one asked if he was her gentleman friend. Sarah was quiet for a few moments as her brain was processing everything, Charlie shifted nervously from his side of the kitchen counter thinking maybe he had misread things. "Charlie, are you asking me to be your girlfriend?" "Yes, I'm saying that if you would be willing to take a chance with me I would like you to be my girlfriend." Sarah turned towards Rex and asked "Well what do you think pal." The answering bark was all the approval she needed. She turned back to Charlie with a huge grin "Okay, boyfriend, you have yourself a girlfriend as long as we agree to remain professional at work and best friends first and foremost." Charlie responded with his own grin and an "Agreed.", while coming around the kitchen counter to meet for their first kiss.
A little while later, after reheating the pizza, Charlie found himself watching the game with Sarah cuddled into him and Rex resting his head on his partner's lap. Charlie could not help but note how lucky he was to get an evening with his girl and partner. Well maybe a few changes, starting with Sarah moving in and one day the family ring that Aunt Miranda had given him sitting in his desk drawer moving to her left hand, but all that would be in due course.