Chapter Text
Charlie just moved to a new city not far from his hometown. Fresh start, and all that. Most people who need that went through a bad break-up, or just a break-up in general which he didn’t; He just needed a break from London because it was too much for him, the noise was too overwhelming.
He had been living in London since he moved to uni with his friends, Tao, Isaac, and Elle, but they went back to Newcastle after graduation because it was quieter. He stayed behind because he wanted to get away from his shithole of a hometown, and oh, he had a Londoner boyfriend.
Now, all Charlie wanted was to be surrounded by his friends again. A familiar space with people who knew him since he was just a young queer boy trying to run away from everything.
—
Charlie was on his way to the shops to get groceries while frantically rummaging through his coat when he accidentally bumped into something—or someone?
“I’m sorry I wasn’t—” he glanced up and looked at the wow—breathtakingly gorgeous man right in front of him, “…looking.”
He had strawberry blonde, almost ginger that was parted on the side and a stubble that looks so perfect on him. He was taller than Charlie, tall enough to give him forehead kisses.
Charlie tried to brush away the thought or else he’ll combust.
“It’s okay, I didn’t see you either.” the man gave Charlie a warm smile and cocked his head, “I’m sorry if this is a bit forward, but are you new here? I haven’t seen you around before.”
“Yea, I just moved in.”
“Dada, we got presents again!” a little voice called.
They both looked to the girl tugging the hem of the man’s jacket. Dada? The taller man crouched to talk to the little girl.
Charlie laughed at himself silently. Of course, the hot and apparently straight guy has a daughter. Just brilliant!
Charlie almost felt his heart shatter into pieces. Pieces…shit! Groceries!
Charlie ran out the door, heading to the shops as fast as he can, and thankfully he was really fast. He only had 30 minutes left to buy everything he needed and he can’t go back tomorrow, it has to be today because that’s the rule.
He still tried to check his pocket while running but now, he’s looking ahead to avoid bumping into guys that are both hot, and gorgeous people. When he finally arrived and entered the shop, panting, he grabbed a trolley and stopped at the cheese aisle to check his pockets once more.
Oh thank gods, he muttered to himself when he found what he’s been looking for, his house keys. He continued on shopping for toiletries, pre-packaged goods, and ingredients for the one thing he can actually cook—paella.
On the way home, Charlie was thankful his arms aren’t as weak as they used to be—because he’s carrying two full bags of groceries with both hands.
After carefully placing the bags next to the pile of boxes in his lounge, Charlie slumped on the sofa, and as if on cue, his cat, Magnus jumped on his lap to start their cuddling session.
“What a day, Magnus.” he stroked his hair, “I ran into a guy at the front door today. And guess what?”
“He has a daughter.” he snorted at himself, “Way to go, Charlie. Crushing on a straight, family man.” Magnus purred at him, “No, he didn’t have a wedding band, but he has a child. He’s commited.”
Charlie rolled his eyes and sighed. He doesn’t feel like cooking anymore, so he decided to get takeaway instead. He browsed thru Netflix for something to stream while waiting for his pizza, and after watching what must’ve been thousands of previews, Charlie settled on Supernatural.
“Well, Cas, not for nothing but the last person who looked at me like that, I got laid.”
Charlie scoffed and pointed his slice of pizza at his cat, “Magnus, are you seeing this bullshit? They’re clearly gay for each other, they just won’t admit it.” he rolled his eyes and screamed at the telly, “Just make out already, gods!”
Charlie’s mobile rang, with Elle’s name plastered on the screen, facetiming him.
“Hey Cha—are you watching Supernatural again?” she greeted him with a smile that turned into a suspicious look in the end. Charlie looked away and said, “No…”
“Then why can I hear Dean in the background? Unless you have Jensen Ackles in your flat?”
“Ugh that would be a dream. Anyway, why’d you rang?”
“Well, I was hoping, since you’re back that you could meet Tara and Darcy in person. We’re hanging round the pub tomorrow!”
“I’d love to meet them but will they be okay with me coming?”
“Of course! Darcy wants to see you, she won’t shut up about it!” they both laughed until Elle’s boyfriend and Charlie’s bestfriend came in the frame.
“Am I hearing things or is that Charlie Spring?”
“Hey Tao!”
“Charlie, I miss you! Are we seeing you tomorrow?”
“I miss you too! And yes, but you have to pick me up.”
“Fine! Be ready at 4 or I’ll leave you hanging! Wait…” he went silent before continuing, “Are you watching supernatural again?”
“Yes! It’s a comfort show, okay?! And why are you saying it like it’s a bad thing!”
“Comfort show—there’s too many death, how is that a comfort?!” Elle butted in, swatting away Tao’s face.
“It’s gay, Elle!” she rolled her eyes at him.
“If by gay you mean queerbaiting, then yeah.”
“Ugh don’t remind me of that!”
The three of them hadn’t realised they’ve been talking for almost two hours until Tao yawned and said, “I feel sleepy at 10pm, I’m getting old.”
“Aren’t we all?”
They bid each other goodbyes because Tao and Elle have to wake up early for work tomorrow, which made Charlie thankful since he’s not due to start at his new job til next next week, giving him time to adjust in a new city.