Work Text:
Charlie let out a long sigh, rubbing his face carefully, as he leant against the bar behind him, the cold countertop a welcome feeling against the back of his slightly sweaty button-down shirt. He felt somewhat exhausted because it had been a long day already even though it was just around eight pm right now. However, he had been on his feet since the early morning, taking his job as best man very seriously, taking care of everything that had been needed to be done so that his best friend’s wedding would be as wonderful as it should be.
With another sigh he loosened his bow tie, rolling his neck a bit and taking a deep breath before he turned towards the barkeeper to order a drink. Yes, this would probably help right now. Something to cool him down, to soothe his mind. A drink and a few moments in peace and quiet to relax. Then he would be recharged and being able to get back to the reception of two of his best friends to help them out so that their wedding day would be like they deserved it to be.
With a soft smile he shuffled a bit, still leaning back against the wooden bar, taking a sip of the cold and slightly alcoholic liquid in his hands that had been handed him a moment prior. He shook his head and snickered as some memories started to flood his mind as he watched Tao and Elle talking with some of their friends. Never in a lifetime any of them had thought that this would happen one day. That finally, the two of them would stop to kind of dance around each other, getting together and even getting married.
It had seemed like this had been going on for ages and it had been quite hard for everyone to watch it from the side-lines as none of them had wanted to confess their feelings to each other, convinced that it was just a one-sided crush. But fortunately, one day they had confessed, even though it had been just a coincidence and absolutely unplanned.
After that, they had been almost inseparable and Charlie and their friends were glad about it that finally the stage of mutual pining was over and everyone could move on.
Move on to where they were now.
At a sweet little restaurant where Tao’s and Elle’s reception took place. They had decided that it would be nice to have a place not exclusively for themselves. After all it was not that they had invited a big crowd, mostly just close friends and family. So, their thoughts had been that it would be totally fine just to rent a small room in a restaurant while it was still open for normal guests that they could mingle or take a break if they needed one (like Charlie did right now).
The restaurant they had found had been perfect for fulfilling these wishes. They had decorated their private room exactly like Tao and Elle had imagined it but leaving the doorway open to the rest of the seating area so that everyone could walk around freely.
Charlie was really grateful for that. He had executed his duty as best man until five minutes ago. He had supervised the speeches, holding a short one himself, had looked out for the food, had taken care of a few little fun games they had decided to play. After all, he had done everything that had been expected from him.
So now, it was just time to enjoy the rest of the evening. And so… he did. Or better, he would do. After he could recharge at least a bit on his own.
Taking a breath.
Getting a drink.
Enjoying the silence for a few minutes before he would get back to their group of friends.
That was why he was here right now, still sipping on the drink in his hand, leaning against the bar behind him. His eyes were on the wedding party even though he noticed as two women slipped into the seats right next to him. They acknowledged him with a little smile, a nod and a “hello” he returned before they got into their own conversation. Or better, continued to talk about what they had before entering the restaurant obviously.
Charlie tried to ignore them. He had come here to get some quiet and it was really hard with their constant chatting because they were quite close and not really keeping their voices down.
“…I tell you. It’s not that hard, Ava. You should try to get out again. You were so dependent in the past months, just clinging to that… guy. You need to get your life back.” One of them stated, her blonde curls bopping on her shoulders as she moved her head as if she needed to emphasize her words with that. The other one, obviously her name was Ava, sighed and scrunched her nose, playing nervously with her left earring.
“I know. It’s not that easy, Sophie. You make it look so simple. But… it’s not. I cannot forget him and…” She was interrupted by her friend, Sophie, who frowned at her with a shush. “Nah, don’t want to hear that. You will forget him. And I will help you do so.” The blonde turned towards the barkeeper, ordering two drinks.
“Here. You will drink that. And even more afterwards. And we’re going to have a fun evening together. And I might… no, I will find somebody you can take home with you tonight. You need to get over that dumbass.” She shoved the drink into Ava’s hand who took it with a sigh, raising the glass to her lips to take a sip.
“Fine.” She muttered and rolled her eyes while Sophie drank as well, her eyes darting through the room. “Oh, what’s going on over there?” She tilted her head as she spotted the private room where the reception was held.
“I don’t know? But it looks a lot like a wedding. See. There’s a bride and a groom and…” Ava let out a deep sigh, a sad expression rushing over her features.
“Stop it!” Sophie scolded her. “Don’t even get into that! This might be a wedding but… no. Just no.” She shuffled on her seat.
For a second, they were quiet, both watching Elle who was chatting with Tara and Darcy right now while Tao stood right next to her, their arms linked as he looked at her completely enamoured. The love was clearly visible on his face. “You know… I am kind of jealous.” Ava muttered into her drink, lowering her shoulders, throwing a longing look towards Elle and Tao.
“Jealous? Why? Because they are married and you’re not?” Sophie asked with a chuckle even though she had a daring look on her face as if she waited for Ava to mention her ex again.
“Because I will probably die alone and I will never be able to get married? To have what they have? I mean… it’s really hard to find a decent guy out there.” Ava seemed to know that look. Obviously the two had been friends for quite some time. So, she had decided not to dig into her past relationship again and the possible wedding she would no longer be able to have, trying to get slowly on board with how Sophie wanted this evening to turn out.
Charlie had listened to their whole exchange and had hidden his face behind his glass. Usually, he did not like to eavesdrop but they had made it impossible not to. To be honest, he had gotten slightly interested in their conversation, noticing something of himself in Ava’s words. Or better due to the situation she seemed to be in, remembering his younger self and a certain boy at Truham. He shook his head at this memory which he absolutely did not want to remember at a day like that, letting out a sigh that turned into a snort somehow that did not go unnoticed.
“What?” Ava turned around towards him, arching her eyebrow, frowning at him. “It isn’t that easy, really. Guys are just so… ugh.” She let out a huff which made Charlie chuckle.
“I am sorry on behalf of the men’s population then?” He replied, raising his glass. “To men who aren’t decent?” He suggested and the two women snickered at his words, taking a sip as well, relaxing slightly because he did not seem to mind their words.
“Are you part of the party over there?” Sophie asked, pointing at his suit and the loosened bowtie.
Charlie nodded. “Yeah, it’s my best friend who got married today. I am his best man. But I needed a little break right now.” He stated, winking at them.
“Ah, I can relate to that. Weddings can be overwhelming.” Sophie nodded.
“Congratulations to the bride and groom then.” Ava added, raising her glass and taking a big sip which made her friend shake her head with a grin before she turned towards Charlie, starting to mock-whisper. “You have to know… she’s a bit sour right now. Her last relationship didn’t go well. It’s been over three months now that her now ex-boyfriend cheated on her. She didn’t take it well…” She stopped as Ava nudged her side, almost shoving her down the barstool.
“Hey, don’t tell my life story to strangers. I am sure that he’s not even interested to hear something like that on such a happy day of one of his friends. And it’s none of your business.” The last sentence was just muttered and almost inaudible.
“Sorry.” Sophie rolled her eyes with a groan, shaking her head. “But… Ava, really. You need to get over it. And get out there. And…” She started but stopped as her friend stared at her.
“Would it help if I introduced myself? That it’s not that awkward anymore?” Charlie offered with a smile, trying not to grin at their antics.
“Maybe?” Ava muttered and tilted her head expectantly.
“I am Charlie. You are… Sophie and Ava, am I right? Now we aren’t strangers anymore and you don’t have to be that embarrassed that your friend spills all your secret relationship life to another person.” He chuckled and emptied his glass before he put it down on the bar’s countertop.
“Nice to meet you, Charlie.” Ava replied and leant back a bit, starting to play with the little wooden stick that had held an olive before she had popped it into her mouth.
“Nice to meet you, too. Do you come here often?” Charlie asked. He had to admit that he really enjoyed the little small talk with them, glad about some distraction from all the wedding stuff.
“Not that much actually. We try to go out every once in a while, visiting different places. We have been here some time ago and… well, today I had to drag Ava out of her apartment and threaten her to go out with me because she had a throwback, almost drowning in feels again.” Sophie explained and did not stop even though her friend had let out a groan, muttering something about it not being a throwback. “She had seen her ex on insta with his new girlfriend, all lovey-dovey and heart eyes. And ugh, the captions. So, I had to drag her out as the good friend I am to help her. That she might get distracted and stop thinking about this asshole. And what’s better for a distraction to get some great food to start the evening with before heading to a club maybe? Perhaps we can also get wasted there and find someone for her to… help her forgetting about her stupid ex.” Sophie smirked, almost toppling off the chair she was sitting on due to the way Ava was slapping her shoulder.
“Stop it. That’s so embarrassing. Why are you telling him that?” She asked in an accusatory voice.
“Because he seemed nice and like a decent guy. You are a decent guy, aren’t you?” Sophie turned to look at Charlie who nodded.
“Yeah, absolutely. Totally. Have been told by many other people that I am so, so decent.” He stated, hiding a smile behind his empty glass, signing the barkeeper to get him another drink.
“See, so there’s no problem here. Maybe… um… sorry to tell you that but even though you might be decent and kind of nice… you are not Ava’s type. So, there’s a no for you. But eventually he can help… to find some distraction?” The blonde suggested which made Ava roll her eyes while Charlie chuckled at the other’s open statement about him not being Ava’s type. If they knew…
“Sure. A distraction.” Ava snorted and shook her head, taking another sip and placing the glass back onto the countertop while her eyes darted through the room. “At a wedding reception? This would be…” She stopped mid-sentence and swallowed which caused Sophie to blink in confusion. She turned her head, following Ava’s look before a wide grin spread on her face.
“Oh, maybe a wedding reception is exactly where to find it.” She grinned mischievously, gripping the stem of her glass a bit tighter. “This… is absolutely and totally your type.” Sophie added before turning back to Charlie, winking at him.
“Um… what?” He asked, not sure what was happening right now.
“You said you are part of the wedding party, right? So, you know the people there, don’t you?” Sophie wanted to know, mustering Charlie with a look he could not quite decipher while Ava was still at a loss of words, staring at a group of Charlie’s friends over there. He swallowed and felt a bit weird, like being looked at like a cat would look at their prey, ready to jump onto it and eat it.
“Um… yes?” He muttered his reply, fumbling with the refilled glass in his hand and frowning a bit.
“So… could you please tell me the guy’s name over there who Ava already seemed to have undressed with her eyes? Is it possible to maybe introduce her to him?” Sophie asked, trying to point unsuspiciously towards the small group of men that had surrounded Tao who talked animatedly about something.
“Which one?” Charlie tilted his head, blinking at Sophie, trying to follow her finger to figure out about who she was talking.
“That one. Big guy. Blonde hair. Brown eyes, I think? The one who’s smiling right now.” She explained.
Charlie blinked again for a second before he let out a chuckle. “You mean Nick?” He asked and Sophie nodded.
“Yupp. If that’s his name. See. That was easy, Ava. Now you have a name. He’s called Nick. Isn’t that nice?” She turned towards her friend again whose eyes had gone wide, looking a bit scared and embarrassed at once, probably because of Sophie’s blunt way of asking Charlie about Nick. The man she seemed to have decided that he would be the perfect hook-up for Ava tonight.
“Yeah… I… I think?” Ava replied with an insecure tone in her voice, staring apologetically at Charlie who grinned at her and winked. It might be one thing to stare at a person but it was obviously something completely different to maybe be pushed towards him.
“Well… there might be just a small problem with… introducing you to him. I mean… not really about the introduction part. More about what you imply what could follow after that.” Charlie could not hold back a chuckle and bit down onto his lower lip, raising his glass again to take a sip.
“What? What are you talking about? I mean… okay… well… it might be not that common to do it that way. To find someone at a wedding and… well… you know. But this is an emergency. She’s really desperate and…” While Sophie talked Ava mouthed a ‘I am sorry’ behind her back towards Charlie who just nodded with a smile still on his face.
“Look… It’s really impossible to get you acquainted for just that. For real.” He said and scrunched his nose, trying to convince her how bad this idea actually was.
“Rubbish! I mean… why not? Ava is good-looking, he is good-looking. I can understand that you are probably friends with him and you want to protect him. But Ava here is a sweetheart. She really is. She’s caring, lovely, smart and absolutely wonderful. I promise you he won’t get hurt. Let them get to know each other and see where this’ll lead to? It could be the start of a new and beautiful love story. Just imagine what story this would be on your wedding day, Ava. That you met like that and…”
“Sophie!” Ava almost hissed, glaring at her friend while Charlie let out a laugh.
“You really have a livid imagination, Sophie.” He stated.
“It might not just be imaginative, you know. It could become reality. I can already see it. Big wedding. White picket-fence. Kids. A dog.” Sophie had a determined look on her face while Charlie muttered a “The dog I can imagine, too”. “It would be all in. I already have a speech in mind to hold at their wedding. How I have been the best wing-woman in existence. Dragging her out after their latest break-up to cheer her up when she finally met her now husband. That I have been the reason that these two got to know each other. This would make a perfect story.” Sophie did not seem to want to stop, ignoring Charlie’s little remark and Ava’s flushed face who stared into her glass, somehow lost in her thoughts about Nick and Ava getting married and growing old together even though they had not even met yet.
“Sophie, please.” Ava whispered pleadingly, sinking down on her barstool, glancing at her friend. “I am so, so sorry. She’s usually not like that. It’s just… She really cares about me and is mad because of what I had to endure. And it’s just her way to cheer me up, I think.” She then added, turning towards Charlie who just waved his hand, finding the whole situation rather amusing even though he felt slightly sorry for Ava due to the whole ex-boyfriend thing. And he really started to like Sophie because she seemed so invested to try to brighten up Ava’s day and life again even though she might exaggerate a bit by doing so.
“Ava. Sweetheart. Please. You need to get laid. And find someone. Maybe your forever. That’s what I am here for. What we are here for. I told you I would drag you out and find someone.” Sophie had tuned back in and looked at her friend, arching an eyebrow at her. “Really, it’s not… oh, crap. He’s coming over.” Her eyes widened and so did Ava’s, both staring at Nick who seemed to have decided to approach the three of them, a wide grin on his face as he looked at Charlie.
“Hey, you are not allowed to vanish like that. Don’t leave us alone with Tao. Otherwise he might get murdered on his wedding day because of all his rambling about films instead of rambling about his wonderful bride. Also, Elle has asked about you. Something about one last game, I think. I have no clue.” Nick shrugged his shoulders as he pushed his hands into his pockets, a bright smile still on his face.
“Oh, right. The quiz. I have no clue why Elle agreed to this. This is their wedding and none of our movie nights.” Charlie rolled his eyes with a sigh even though there was a soft smile playing around his lips. “But I think you agree to a lot of things when you’re in love.” He then added which magicked a lopsided grin on Nick’s face.
“Well… probably. I think so.” The other agreed and wanted so say something else but was interrupted by someone clearing their throat. Nick turned around and blinked a second in surprise as if he had not noticed the two women who sat next to Charlie who had listened to their short exchange.
“Um, Nick. May I introduce you? These are Sophie and Ava.” Charlie pointed at the other two women.
Sophie flashed him a wide smile, reaching out with her hand to shake Nick’s, holding it a bit longer than needed. “Nick? Nice to meet you.” She stated and tilted her head slightly, nodding towards Ava who had a shy look on her face now, her cheeks slightly flushed, not being able to will down the blush that had shown up the moment Nick had gotten close. “I just said to Ava that there are not enough good-looking guys out there and… boom. You appeared. Might have conjured you.” She chuckled. In the meantime, Ava let out a huff, staring at the ground as if she was really hoping for a hole to appear where she could jump into because Sophie seemed to be really all in with the flirting on her behalf.
“Thanks… I guess?” Sophie had finally let go off his hand, so Nick raised it and rubbed the back of his neck with it, smiling slightly even though his eyes darted back at Charlie with a questioning look on his face. But the other was just shrugging his shoulders, hiding his grin behind his glass again, thinking that the whole situation was somewhat hilarious.
Well, Charlie was not mean per se, knowing already how this whole thing would turn out in the end. That there would be just one outcome after all. But he could not stop watching Sophie’s obvious attempts to flirt with Nick on Ava's behalf and his reaction to it. Sometimes, he had to admit, he just liked it how flustered Nick could get when somebody was flirting with him.
“Ava agreed with me on your looks before. She has spotted you instantly over there. I mean… no surprise. Maybe… she could tell you when you have a drink with her? You could have a little chat. I am sure you might have a few things in common. Getting to know each other…” Sophie suggested, wriggling her eyebrows in a very non-discreet and obvious way. Charlie snorted at the look Nick was giving her, eyes wide as he blinked, his cheeks colouring slightly.
“Um sorry… but… sorry… I… this is… um… Charlie?” The last word was almost a whine. Nick stared at Charlie helplessly who seemed to be finally ready to dissolve the whole thing.
“Well… what Nick wants to say and what I might have wanted to add before I was interrupted earlier… Actually, he’s not single and he’s not available for Ava. Sorry, my dear.” Charlie stated with a little shrug, ignoring the little gasp Nick let out as he finally seemed to realize what this had been all about.
“Oh, damn.” Sophie groaned with a sigh, not noticing the other man’s reaction. She huffed and crossed her arms. “Why are all the good-looking and seemingly decent guys off the market?” She groaned and leant back against the bar. “Is it too much if I say that I hate your girlfriend even though I don’t know her?” She asked with an exaggerated pout so that neither Charlie nor Nick could be really mad at her while she rolled her eyes in an overly dramatic way.
“To be honest…” Nick seemed to have found his words again. “It is not too much.” He stated and exchanged a look with Charlie, sliding his arm around the other man’s waist. “Because there is no girlfriend. There’s just Charlie. My husband.”
For a long second there was silence. Both Sophie and Ava who had finally raised her head again to look at them understood what they had gotten themselves into. Both their faces turned bright red even though Sophie felt a lot more embarrassed about the whole thing than her friend, remembering everything she had said before. “Oh my… damn… I am… wow…” She stared at the two men. It was visible that there were a hundred thoughts racing through her mind while she fiddled with the hem of her blouse. “Damn. I am so, so sorry. For everything what I said and did and… gosh… This is so embarrassing. Can there be an earthquake? That there would be a rift in the ground and I could fall into it? Why am I not able to keep my mouth shut and… damn!” She muttered, shaking her head.
“It’s fine. You haven’t said anything bad actually. I mean… he is good-looking. I can totally confirm that.” Charlie chuckled and leant against Nick’s side who turned to place a small affectionate kiss onto his temple. “And I have to admit that it was a little bit funny, to be honest?” He then added while a groan left Sophie’s lips.
“You should have told me sooner. What I said and… damn… about the hook-up and… and…” She got interrupted by Ava who had been silent until now.
“You are the worst wing-woman ever.” Ava stated with an exasperated sigh.
Sophie stared at her for what seemed like a minute, dumb-founded. Charlie watched them for a second before he could not help himself but had to laugh at this statement. “You wanted to set me up with a man that’s already in a committed relationship. Who is married. Talking about it with his husband. You are really the worst when it comes to winging it, Sophie.” Ava added, looking serious before she could not keep it up. Her image cracked and she started to laugh at the ridiculous situation they had gotten themselves into, joined by Sophie and Nick a moment later which seemed to lighten up the mood and to ease the whole situation.
“Maybe I should practice a bit before our next evening out.” Sophie said after they had been able to calm down a bit, still giggling at each other.
“Yes, this might be a good idea.” Charlie agreed with a nod as he got up, entwining his fingers with Nick’s.
“Maybe… because Charlie did not tell you sooner… We can make it up to you two by inviting you over? Have a drink with us? I am sure that neither Tao nor Elle would mind. Maybe you’re not able to find a hook-up for Ava tonight. But I think… you could at least have some fun nevertheless.” Nick suggested. Both women exchanged a look before they nodded.
“If that’s okay? Then… yes. We’ll take the invite.” Sophie said while Ava paid for their drinks at the bar.
“But, please, no more wing-woman attempts tonight or anytime soon, okay?” She said with an arched eyebrow after she had turned away from the bar to look at Sophie who raised her hand and crossed her heart with her fingers.
“I promise.”