Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The work party was … fine as usual. Pim liked mingling as much as the next guy, but Mr. Boss always invited people he knew who were almost always weird in some way. They asked Pim questions about his *ahem* small stature and exposed nerve ending which he was about to put a damn hat on.

Pim preferred drinking in the company of his friends, but he sipped a solo cup of beer to be polite. Speaking of friends…

His eyes scanned the room for anything yellow. Charlie had left earlier to smoke in his car. An invitation Pim turned down (“Charlie it’s a work party), but he wished he went anyway.

Charlie is still not back yet- no wait, there he is. He is at the drink table of course, chatting someone up who doesn’t seem to be listening, pouring another drink. Pim rolls his eyes and takes a big gulp of his own drink, sighing.

“You are being loud”

Pim turns to see Allan approaching him. The whole party is loud, but Pim sighing is what set him off? Classic Allan.

“I’m sorry, Allan. I’m just worried about Charlie is all!” Charlie both looks too high and too drunk. Pim thinks it’s about time to check up on him, maybe find some water…

Allan scoffs. “I’m honestly surprised he’s not all up over you right now” he says in his monotone drawl.

Quizzically, Pim looks up at him. “Yeah I guess Charlie does get touchy-feely with his friends when he’s…not sober.”

A small barking laugh jump scares Pim out of nowhere. Was Glep there the whole time? Allan joins in, holding his stomach.

“What? What’s so funny?”

The two critters in front of him stop laughing and look at him.

“Wait,” Allan blinks. “Are you serious? You haven’t noticed?”

“Wajsixns jansiiiu skxjxkl” warbles Glep, pointing at Pim. Allan nods. “Glep is right, Pim. Sure he claps our shoulders or talks too close, but it’s like he’s drawn to you. It makes sense I guess” Allan turns to Glep “I bet it takes him less than ten minutes to come walking over to Pim talking nonsense”

Glep thinks for a moment, then holds out his hand(?). “Eencjiikmd”

Allan snickers. “Oh, it’s on Glep” they shook hands.

Pim was astounded. “Whoa, whoa guys! You shouldn’t bet on friends!” He looked down at his nasty beer. Did Charlie really touch him more than others while drunk? If he did, Pim hasn’t picked up on it. He usually didn’t mind when Charlie got all… well, Charlie. Something in his brain was not clicking though…

“Allan, what did you mean by it making sense?”

Glep and Allan just look at each other, something only they know passing between them.

“Pim, you can’t be that stupid”

Pim gasped. “Allan! I’m confused! What do you mean? What do you two know that I don’t?”

Glep shook his head, muttering under his breath. Allan explained, “Charlie absolutely dotes on you. Maybe you need to open those big eyes.”

Before Pim could even dignify that with a response, they were interrupted by the man himself.

“Pim! Ha, there you are man! I’ve been looking allllll over-hey! You have GOT to meet this dude over here. Says he has t-two girlfriends, one for each of his balls, dude HAHA! It’s hilarious, come on Pim” Charlie put his arm around Pim’s shoulders, pulling him into his own body.

Wow, he is really close, thinks Pim. He lets Charlie lead him, though Charlie is swaying something awful.
“Ok, Charlie! Let’s go get some water first, yes?”
They walk off towards the drink table, Charlie chatting all the way.

Allan sighs and digs in his wallet for a five. “You won that one,” Allan hands him the money, “I bet you thirty dollars it takes them a month to get together.”

“Ophsj wnnhvujnz”

Allan scoffs loudly. “Glep, they are too dumb to get together in a week”

Chapter Text

Pim didn’t know what the heck those giggling coworkers of his were talking about!

 

Exactly what are they trying to insinuate?

 

Pim was walking to work, thinking about Allan’s words for the hundredth time since the red critter spoke them. (He didn’t sleep much during the weekend, hopefully he didn’t look as dreadful as he felt).

 

Sure, Charlie was really buddy-buddy with him at the slightest bit of alcohol in the guy’s system, but they were best friends! Of course Charlie feels most comfortable with him they’ve been together for ever!

 

Doting??

 

That was the word Allan had used…

 

Pim paused in his trek, the memory popping back to his head.

 

“Charlie absolutely dotes on you.”

 

He couldn’t really remember what else Allan had said, because suddenly, he had his space full of Charlie and his crazy whims. A blur of The guy’s a hoot, Pim’s, all the hystrical jokes that needed repeating (Charlie finds them funny!), and what are we gonna do next, Pim’s. Pim shook his head trying to regain his thoughts. 

 

But still, doting is kind of a strong word for his and Charlie’s friendship. Those two were probably just joking with him or something. Friends do that stuff all the time!

 

With a pep in his step, Pim skips to the office front door. He makes his way to the break room. He enters with a “Goooood Morning, Glep!”, as he knows the greenie practically lives there. 

 

Glep garbles a greeting, Pim knows not to really talk to him when it’s his morning tablet time. If Glep noticed the “I’m extremely tired” aura on Pim, he didn’t seem to care.

 

“Let’s try to do the very best we can today!” Pim cheers as he grabs the remote and takes his usual seat.  

 

His brain can't seem to process what the party conversation had meant. Pim flicks through TV channels, while trying to remember what Allan had told him before being whisked away.

 

The sound of the door opening alerted Pim to Charlie’s arrival. 

 

“Gooooood Mooooorning, Charlie!! Ready to greet the day?” Pim stood on his chair to exaggerate the joy he was feeling hoping for a smile (of course). 

 

Charlie shuffled to his seat with an “uuhh yeah, sure man”, obviously deep into his phone scrolling. Geez, thinks Pim, everyone needs their morning phone time i guess. 

 

“There you are boys!” The group can hear Mr. Boss’s fast approaching footsteps down the hallway, reaching the door with a crescendo. 

 

“Just the beautiful workers I’m looking for!

    Listen boys, Papa is leaving for the day and NEEDS you to do some research on future clients. 

Here’s a stack! Bye Now!” A whoosh sound was heard and poof Mr. Boss was gone.

 

The stack had hit Pim right in his lap. Mind you it wasn’t light, but work was work. “How exciting! Isn’t it, Charlie?”, chirped Pim. 

 

Charlie grabs Pim’s chair, scooting it over to see. “Wow dude, there’s a hundred clients in that stack! Bye night plans.” He slumps over, draping himself on Pim’s chair.

 

Raspberry, surprisingly, is the scent of the stupid 3n1 soap Charlie bought as a joke one time because it said “razz my dazzle” on it. Pim could always tell Charlie liked it. His friend hasn’t stopped smelling like the slightly sweet fruit since. It smelled lovely though. 

 

“Come on, Charlie! The Boss is counting on us! Besides, if we start now, we can get through half the stack by noon!” Pim gives his best motivational smile to the critter next to him. Really next to him… wait-

 

“Do you have to do it here?

 

Any thoughts about to appear in Pim’s head were shoved to the side at the appearance of Allan who is apparently a ninja cause Pim didn’t hear him come in. ”Good Morning, Allan!” Pim beams, “do what?”

 

Allan gives a certain look to Pim as he strings some cheese. “Umm, your homework? Please go somewhere else.” He pleads, then stalks off to his desk. 

 

How rude, Pim is about to say as such when the warmth leaves his shoulder. Charlie is getting up. Pim blinks. He blinks again.

 

Was Charlie’s hand on my shoulder that whole time?

 

It was. Charlie had slumped over and put his arm around Pim.

Pim hadn’t noticed. 

 

“You haven’t noticed?”

 

Allan’s words come slamming back to the forefront of his thoughts. 

 

“Maybe you need to open those big eyes.”

 

A snapping in his ear makes Pim react, covering the offended ear with his hand. Charlie is huffing about getting Salty’s before doing anything. “I-…I’ll meet you in the car.” 

 

Pim quickly gets up and runs to the bathroom. He doesn’t care about whatever his coworkers think he’s doing. He needed more than two seconds to think!

 

 Finally in a stall, Pim relaxes. Okay, WHAT IS GOING ON?

 

Pim had suddenly remembered what Allan had said. Insult aside, Allan might be somewhat maybe a little bit right. Charlie had his whole ass arm on him and Pim was too focused on work to even notice! Charlie certainly is touchy-feely with him. It’s not that he minds, it's just become second nature to Pim. 

 

It’s just what they do. Pat on the head here, quick hug there. Fast, simple affections. Is it doting? Or is it just Charlie being a friend?

 

Quite the mystery, wonders Pim, I’m gonna try opening my eyes

Chapter Text

Salty’s actually had another person in the restaurant instead of the usual emptiness. They weren’t exactly friendly looking considering the constant turning on and off of the mini blowtorch in their hands, but Pim sent them a kind smile anyway.

 

After a brief squabble at the register, (Charlie, please don't make me get another of those burgers!), Pim sat happily drinking his Charlie-recommended Salt and Pepper soda (don’t knock it til you try it!).

 

Carrying the trays, Charlie sets their food down in front of them and digs into his heart attack in a wrapper. Pim knows how much his friend adores the food. So he just watches, not really hungry enough for his cucumber thingies. He hands half of the work stack to Charlie.

 

”Ok Charlie! I’m thinking we just go through the client’s favorite things, since we are trying to cheer them up after all!” Pim starts flipping through the stack looking for the ones who need a smile the most. “Westley likes dirty memes, new Fortnite skins, and keychains rattling… that seems easy enough!”

 

Charlie balls his wrapper up, chuckling. “What about that is easy to you?”

 

”Oh it’s not about the actual things, Charlie! It’s about knowing someone cares about your interests!” Pim continues rattling off clients and their likes to Charlie, who only seemed to be responding with “uh huh”s, grunts, and other weak quips. Pim glanced over the papers to find Charlie focused on him, his stack not even touched.

 

”Charlie are you even listening?….Charlie!”

 

The man straightened up and blinked. “Wha-? Oh sorry, Pim. Yeah what were you saying?” Charlie finally picked up his stack, seeming content to busy himself.

 

Pim eyes widened. Was this what Allan was talking about?, contemplates Pim, I mean Charlie was just staring at him.

 

He supposed that Charlie could have just been in the zone while Pim was talking work stuff. But Pim did tell himself to start opening his eyes more. A wave of nerves hit Pim out of nowhere.

 

“I was just wondering?”, begins Pim, he scans the profile again, “if you’ve heard of a…Treeventure?” He suddenly felt stupid. His nerves were slowly stacking one after the other. Heat was coming to his face for seemingly no reason. What the heck? Pim’s brain is doing that struggling thing again. Maybe I am hungry. He grabs a cucumber and tries not to look like he is eagerly awaiting for an answer.

 

Charlie emits a thinking groan and squints to the ceiling. “Uuhhh, can’t say that I have, man” He picks up his phone and then, Pim assumes, searches up what the term meant.

 

”Some kind of stupid tour guide thing for the Enchanted Forest. An adventure, I guess”, Charlie rubs the back of his neck, eyes returning to Pim “it sure took some creativity to come up with that name, huh?”

 

Pim laughs, “Yeah, Charlie! An adventure through the trees! A Treeventure!” He picks the stack up again. “I think that sounds like a fun idea! and the name couldn’t be better! Let’s get back to work, ready Charlie?”

 

Charlie just sits there for a second, looking at Pim with a strange expression. He seemed to snap out of it, moving to collect their trash. “Yeah dude, let’s go.”, he mutters then rushes off to the bin, leaving Pim to pick up the profiles. Pim swears he saw a blush on Charlie’s cheek, but that could have been anything. I’ve never seen such an expression on Charlie, Pim thinks.

Pim is baffled. The signs really have been there the whole time. Too many coincidences to come to a conclusion just yet. Pim sighs. More than anything, Pim is concerned by his own unawareness. How long has this (maybe) been happening?

 

Why doesn't he put a stop to it?

 

The thought surprises him. He quickly shakes it out.

 

No no, Charlie is not doing anything wrong! Pim truly doesn’t mind it. But why? If Charlie does dote on him, why did Pim not care? Pim starts walking towards the restaurant door. He has never really thought of Charlie like that. Charlie’s a great guy and they’ve been friends for nine years. Pim wonders if they could even work as both work partners and, well, partners. Before he can finish that thought, he meets Charlie on the sidewalk and they walk back to work.

 

***<3

 

The rest of the day is uneventful. (Besides Pim catching Charlie’s glances four more times and their hands accidentally touching a total of seven times, but hey who's counting?) Pim was currently staring up at his bedroom ceiling fan spinning slowly. Charlie was gonna be here any minute to grab his controller he left the other day. Pim wonders if he should just ask Charlie about it.

 

“Hey Charlie, what’s up with you lately? Just tell me so my brain can stop driving me crazy!” Pim hears Charlie’s knock on the door. He reaches the door in fifteen seconds and throws it open.

 

”Pim, are you free this weekend?” Charlie asks, not even waiting for Pim’s greeting. He is not wearing his usual hoodie instead looking like he just finished a shower, hair(?) still slightly damp. That damn raspberry smell was stronger too, confirming Pim’s theory.

 

Pim’s brain takes several seconds to come back online. Charlie asked you a question, dumbass. “O-oh! Yes I am! Why, Charlie?”

 

Charlie gently pushes past Pim to let himself in. He continues as he locates his controller, “I was looking into those Treeventure guides and they have a spot open Saturday. We should go.” He picks up the tossed aside controller and looks back at Pim who hasn’t moved from the doorway. Charlie’s eyebrow raises, asking the silent question of what Pim was doing.

 

Closing his mouth that he didn’t realize was open, Pim swallows, quickly walking over to the broad man. “I thought that stuff was stupid?” Pim’s eyes were wide open.

 

Waving his hand in a ‘dont worry about it’ motion, Charlie explains. “You seemed into it, man. The more I looked at their website, the more it didn’t sound as lame. Besides,” Charlie heads for the door, “we can take edibles or something beforehand. More fun that way.” Hand on the doorknob, Charlie turns to throw a wink at Pim. “We are so doing it, see you at work tomorrow. It’s almost your bedtime” (11:00pm every night except when Charlie dragged him somewhere)

 

And with a “Night, Pim” Charlie closed the door behind him. Leaving Pim speechless standing in the middle of his living room. He was sure he was three shades pinker and was definitely vibrating with…something.

 

Pim is absolutely screwed. Charlie took time out of his day to look at something Pim was slightly interested in and planned a day for them to do it together. No one has done that for him, wait- scratch that, Charlie has done that for him. Several times, in fact! Forget Charlie for a second, what about Pim?! Did he have feelings for his best friend? He knows the answer, he doesn’t even have to think about it. Oh Charlie, Pim sags to the floor, thoughts that have been in the depths of his mind finally coming to a head. Handsome, hilarious, hunky Charlie. Why has it taken me so long to see? Do you feel the same or am I seeing what I want to?

Chapter Text

Ah, yes. Welcome to the first after-moments of Pim’s ruined life!! Yippeeeee! Sleep? HA HECK NO! How can Pim sleep when every thought in his head, no matter what, has begun to sing the tune of Charlie Dompler.

 

When Pim cleaned his kitchen, he thought of Charlie’s hands.

 

When he brushed his teeth, Charlie’s stupid laugh.

 

He hurled himself into bed and flopped on his back. Squeezing his eyes tight, he tried hard to just banish his thoughts, but no, there are Charlie’s perfect stubby hands again.

 

They are really warm, Pim shuffled up to his pillow and snuggled into it. Sure, they get clammy often, but that just adds to the warmth.

 

Pim flipped onto his stomach, fully smothering himself in pillow. He racked his brain, trying to remember all the places Charlie had touched him. The spots seemed to be lighting up, tingling, in memory.

 

They are just big enough, continued Pim, Charlie wouldn’t struggle grabbing my waist. He is so strong too, he can pick me up sooo easily. How would it feel if Charlie squeezed…

 

Pim shot up. That line of thinking was gonna get Pim in A LOT of trouble if he continued down it. What was he even thinking? He didn’t know if Charlie was actually into him! He was just told a rumor and decided to see how far it went! Charlie could be 100% just a friendly friend and Pim was blowing it out of proportion.

 

Maybe Pim was just horny? He hasn’t had sex since the first time junior year of university, not really hooked on the whole thing. This was the first time in a while feelings have been associated with horniness in Pim’s mind.

 

Ohhhh I’m just coming out of a dry spell, silly me. Pim smiled, finally coming up with an answer to all his problems. My sexual desires must have been dormant until it was time for them to wake up!!! They just latched onto the first hot person around! Exhaustion yanked at Pim’s eyes, dropping him back to his soft…soft…pillow.

 

Faint glimmers of a familiar beautiful yellow smile, then off to the land of familiar dreams.

 

>>>>>>>>>>>

 

A total of three hours of sleep was all Pim could manage.

 

He didn’t feel completely Pim today… New(?) feelings were happening so fast and his brain hasn’t been working properly since… well, when exactly? Pim didn’t know how long his brain had struggled with the subject of Charlie. Pim had always looked up to Charlie, no matter how lazy and argumentative he could be.

 

Walking to work was harder than usual. Pim was definitely sluggish, he hoped it didn’t affect his performance at work.

 

Ugh! This was all Allan and Glep’s fault! None of this would have happened if they didn’t say anything in the first place! Pim huffed as he got to the front door. I’m going to give them a piece of my mind. He seethed the whole way to the break room, but any clever starting lines Pim had died when he saw Charlie already sitting at the table.

 

”Charlie!?” Ok, this is bizarre behavior. Pim knew Charlie’s morning routine, 8:30am was the fourth and final snooze press before Charlie had to get his ass up and to work. Pim was so shocked by Charlie’s being there that it took him a second to realize that all of his coworkers were looking at him, most likely due to his outburst.

 

Pim flushed. “O-oh Good Morning crew! Wow! Everyone is so early today! There aren’t even doughnuts!” He joked. Hoping to move past that awkward entrance, Pim hustled to his seat.

 

Allan and Glep are already on the work PlayStation. He gave them the glariest glare manageable, but obviously, they weren’t paying attention.

 

The phone in Charlie’s hand went down as soon as Pim arrived at the table and sat. There was a question lying somewhere in his friend’s eyes as he gave Pim an once-over, but clearly Charlie was amused by something.

 

“You didn’t get the text?” Charlie leaned forward and wiggled his eyebrows, “busy this morning?”

 

Pim waved him away with a hand. “I don’t know what you are insinuating, Charlie. What text?” He turned and grabbed his phone, seeing the notification that he had somehow completely missed. It was Mr. Boss texting the group to be there at 8:30 because 8:45 was when he was going to be back with things to unload from the van.

 

Just great, thought Pim. Now I’m so distracted I can’t even check my phone? How can you be such a disast—

 

A sudden warmth was on Pim’s knee, he spun back around to see Charlie was wearing a level of concern on his face. He was so close, Charlie didn’t need to reach very far to touch Pim.

 

Oh god, OH GOD!

 

Pim nearly started panicking, but the combination of Charlie’s hand and his general closeness and oh god, he has never looked at me like THAT, somehow compressed Pim’s nerves for a moment, leaving Pim with just a slight shiver.

 

“Hey, uh, you don't look great dude. What’s the matter? Did you not sleep…or…” Suddenly seeming nervous, Charlie started to withdraw his hand. Pim swallowed a wave of nausea, realizing he needed to say something. “Sleep!” Whoops, too loud!

 

He got up to his feet in a flash. “Yes! I’m just tired, Charlie! Mattress must be wearing out, silly old thing. Is coffee made?” Pim leapt off his seat and went to check without waiting for an answer. Luckily, there was a pot made. Pim doesn’t really drink caffeine, tea if anything, but Pim needed a distraction and besides, Pim can drink coffee if there was a lot of su…gar? Wait, where was the sugar?

 

Of course, it’s in the conveniently only Allan sized cupboard. Pim looked around for the step stool (lovingly called the “PIMpstool” by Charlie), but it was nowhere to be seen. Juuuussst grrreeaat.

 

Charlie must have noticed Pim’s dilemma, because he has joined Pim in staring at the sugar cupboard. “Here man, I got you.” Charlie didn’t make a move to do anything, they both returned to staring at the obviously too tall cupboard for either of them. Pim looked at Charlie with an eye roll locked and loaded. Charlie nervously laughed, “Could just pick you up and you could grab it.” He was joking of course, Pim could tell. (Hands in pocket, usually a sign of unseriousness or uninterest in Charlie).

 

Pim thought it over. He could ask Allan who was literally sitting right there, but was Pim gonna pass on this opportunity to let Charlie’s hands roam over him?

 

“Yeah Charlie, I mean, if it’s the only way…” responded Pim. Wow that sounded…flirty? Was Pim flirting? He didn’t get time to question too much though, due to Charlie already putting his hands under Pim’s arms. Pim was lifted up and towards the cabinet. Whoa, Charlie is strong! Pim practically swooned, thankful that he was facing away from Charlie. There’s not even any wavering in the thick arms holding him!

 

And his grip was delicious! If only they were on my hips…oh god focus Pim! He saw the sugar behind Glep’s crackers so he used his hand to grab the bottom of the shelf for leverage. Charlie shifted his hands down to push Pim further in if needed and oh! Pim’s wish came true!

 

”Find it?” Charlie asked. Pim pretended to look for a few more seconds trying to relish in the bliss, but Charlie was reaching a limit in his arms. “Come on Pim, the boss will be here soon.” Charlie punctuated this with a squeeze to Pim.

 

The sugar was forgotten in an instant when a jolt was sent from Charlie’s hands straight through his body. It had electrocuted every nerve, even the exposed one. Pim then slumped in Charlie’s arms following a very embarrassing squeak.

 

Charlie dropped him immediately. “Whoa whoa Pim! Are you ok!? Did I…Did I hurt you?” Pim wasn’t hurt, not from the fall or Charlie, but he was entirely too confused to answer any question right now.

 

”I’m fine Charlie! Oh! I hear Mr. Boss! He must be here! Let’s go help himmm!” Pim bolted from the room, leaving everyone puzzled.

 

Charlie was stunned for a couple of moments. He came back to life with a “Pim, wait!”, then charged after him. Allan looked at Glep.

 

”What the fuck?”

 

“Poeifdnfhui huehue”

 

Allan sighed, “I don’t want to, Glep. What have they done for me?”

 

A glare was all Allan received.

 

A bigger sigh.

 

”Fine.”

 

<<<<<<<<<<<<<

 

Pim was a few meters away from the door when Charlie stepped in front of him. Pim couldn’t stop fast enough though, ending up with a face full of Charlie’s stomach (the feeling of THAT will be stored in his ‘alone time folder’ for now).

 

”Pim?” Charlie looked beyond worried, but Pim’s brain was scrambled and he needed out. “What happened, man? You just went all… went all loose for a sec! I don’t know what happened! Did I—“

 

The instincts in Pim’s body took over, reaching a far away limit somewhere. He grabbed Charlie’s arm, halting his question.

 

”Listen, Charlie. You did nothing wrong. Absolutely nothing wrong. I’m feeling under the weather and have to go home. Tell the boss, please?”

 

He gave his friend’s hand a squeeze, hoping that no more questions would be asked.

 

Charlie stood there, presumably trying to register what Pim had said, but then he squeezed back. “Yeah, okay.”

 

Pim smiled. “Thank you, Charlie” Then he ran out the door and straight to his house. It didn’t take him long. He threw open the door and practically leapt across the house, right into bed. He didn’t want to sleep, he wanted to unpack whatever the fuck just happened back there! Although, he was feeling sick. Between the sprinting home and the absolute disaster of the last ten minutes, Pim had no chance when Sleep closed his eyes and took him under.

Chapter Text

Thankfully, the least of Pim’s problems had been solved when he woke up refreshed five minutes before his alarm. Refreshed did not mean relieved though, because the results of yesterday’s actions were in! Drumroll, please!

 

…….

 

A COMPLETE AND UTTER EMBARRASSMENT!!!

 

Pim felt tears fill his eyes. Not wanting to cry, he spun his body to his stomach to wipe them away on his pillow.

 

What even was that?! When Charlie, ahem, squeezed, it was like Pim had never experienced something feeling sooo good before!

 

This was all too much for Pim. So he thought his Best Friend of nine years was absolutely captivating and all he wanted was to put his hands all over Charlie and vice versa, what did that make him? A weirdo? A creep??

 

A dreamer would be the correct answer. His brain was losing control of his wishful thinking function. Charlie was a fantasy, a delusion even… Pim knew that Charlie had girlfriends before, recent girlfriends. You don’t just ask your Best friend of nine years ‘Hey let’s explore each other's bodies!’

 

It would be lovely though. Charlie was such an amazing person; passionate when he wanted to be, easy to talk to (and listen to, Pim could do so for hours), naturally funny. He just had the gift to make Pim laugh at any witty quip uttered. Not to mention how difficult it was to NOT keep his eyes off of him. Charlie somehow managed to always stand in the exact spot he needed to be for the sun to catch him. He didn’t have the best hygiene, but Charlie always had a…a musk that followed smelling oh so good. It left Pim floaty, lightheaded.

 

He could see it now. The pitter-patter of little feet as they played in front of their father’s XBOX as Charlie shoo’d them away, about to win a game. Pim would walk over and gently scold the children as he gave nuzzles to his Darling secretly hoping he would get off the game soon. Pim got his wish when Charlie tossed the controller aside and grabbed his hips, pulling Pim in closer. “Dinner smells amazing, Babe.” Charlie’s breath was curling around and through his ear, sending shivers up and down Pim’s spine. Charlie dropped his voice in the delicious way Pim liked “When the kids go to bed, you better be in the bedroom, clothes off. I’m going to come in there and BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP—“

 

Ah, that was five minutes then. Pim never hated the sound of his alarm clock before, but alas, it's time for work

 

God he was being stupid. No matter how much Charlie has been in Pim’s head, he should never be the target of Pim’s fantasies. That was disrespectful. Charlie deserved soo much better.

 

Ugh, Pim wasn’t usually like this! What had happened in the past couple days that caused him to— oh right. It was Allan…

 

Pim started his get ready for work routine quickly now having some motivation. He needed to be sure Allan wasn’t talking out of his tall cherry-red behind.

 

>>>

 

Funnily enough, Allan and Glep were in the break room right where Pim needed them.

 

“Good morning, Glep. Allan. Can we talk?” He didn’t wait for an answer. He stormed over to the spot in front of them and crossed his arms.

 

The two were looking at him from the table then shared a glance. Allan sighed and gestured to the chair across from them.

 

Pim sat. Allan spoke.

 

“You obviously got uncomfortable when I told you about Charlie. I should not have told you, but…its not like it’s subtle. Glep said Charlie has been simping for you long before I noticed.” Allan shrugged while Glep silently nodded.

 

”Whoa, whoa, wha?” Pim waved his arms in an x-motion to interrupt. He was confused. “What do you mean uncomfortable? I’m not uncomfortable!” He exclaimed.

 

“You’re…not?” replied Allan.

 

”No! Why would I be uncomf—“ he stopped. Allan thought he made Pim uncomfortable because of his behavior yesterday. Oh God, Pim had completely forgotten. He had acted a fool then bolted, no wonder Allan got the wrong idea. Pim started to explain to him that no, Pim was NOT uncomfortable, he was quite the opposite in fact when his brain finally decided to process all of Allan’s words.

 

”Simping?…Charlie’s doing what now?” Pim questioned. Allan keeps coming with these silly words to describe Charlie’s actions…Pim has never heard of “simping”.

 

The signature Allan and Glep look was shared again right in front of Pim.”What?!” He all but yelled when they looked back at him curiously. Pim was vibrating, he couldn’t take the confusion for much longer.

 

Allan sighed. “Pim, you need to get with the times. Glep, you wanna take this?”

 

Glep hopped on the table and cleared his throat.

 

”Jeihs doers fondu iskseirf eh cuise sjdkrjs wewww e disks… j’dis Irak anasmd. Jskjjdjedjieuryc d sémème osodjrks dkjddsks, nnsjkfhn sghjhgvushi je akjdk”

 

Wow.

 

Pim crossed his arms again. “See? This is why I came to talk to you guys! Allan, you are blowing things out of proportion. Charlie is not Simp!! He’s just friendly! You are confusing me!!” Pim covered his ears in an attempt to stop listening to these jerks for his own sanity.

 

Allan shook his head in annoyance. ”I do not know why you refuse to see how differently Charlie treats you from everyone else. He’s painfully obvious.” Allan holds up his hand and starts counting on his fingers. “He hates when anyone touches him EXCEPT you, he only gets in fights with people when you are involved, he only really listens to you, I mean, basically all you have to do is bat your eyelashes and he starts drooling. God, it’s sickening.”

 

“Ok, ok Allan? I am a grown man. I don’t need to ‘bat my eyelashes’ at anyone.”

 

“That’s what you got from that? Maybe you need more help than we thought.” Allan leaned back in his chair. “You should try it and see if it works.”

 

Pim looked at Glep who nodded approvingly. These critters really did seem fed up. “But isn’t that…manipulation?” countered Pim.

 

His two coworkers shared a laugh.

 

“No Pim, it’s called flirting” Allan said as he wiped a tear from his eye.

 

Right. Flirting.

 

Pim felt his face heat up. He never had to flirt with anyone before. How was he supposed to start with Charlie? He was going to mess up their relationship for sure. Was it truly as simple as batting your eyes?

 

The man of the hour burst through the door just then.

 

“Pim!” Charlie excitedly walked over to the break room table and sat. He had a huge smile which was unusual for a 9am Charlie, but it’s not like Pim was going to complain. Charlie had a lovely smile.

 

“Good morning, Charlie! What’s got you in a good mood today?”

 

“Pim, I’ve been telling you for months. GTA: PLYMOUTH ROCK comes out tonight and I’m going to be the first one to speed run it. You were gonna watch me…remember?”

 

Nope, Pim did not remember until right now. Charlie HAD been talking about it for months. Pim could tell when the critter was really excited, but hid it behind that tough, alpha look. It made Pim feel all warm inside thinking about how he knew most of Charlie’s quirks, gosh he was so cute. Speaking of Charlie, the man himself was looking at him weird. Did he say something? OH-

 

“O-oh yeah course I remember, Charlie! I love watching you play!” Whoops, let that slip. Pim waved his arms in front of him “I mean! I think its…entertaining!”

 

Charlie chuckled. “Good cuz I already got everything ready and the gas station finally got those candies you like back in.” He took his phone out of his hoodie pocket and assumed his natural Charlie position. Pim blinked.

 

Did he hear that right?

 

”Um, what candies?”

 

Charlie glanced up from his phone with a ‘you’ve got to be kidding me” expression. “The little balls? The sour ones?”

 

”Cherry sour balls?”

 

“Bingo.” Charlie snapped his fingers and pointed at Pim. “I never see them in the store anymore until the other day. You love those things.” He said matter-of-factly.

 

Those were Pim’s favorite candy. He honestly didn’t remember if he told Charlie that. Of course, before he could process this information, Mr. Boss came into the room with the tasks for the day.

 

Pim was more staring into space than he was listening to the morning spiel. It wasn’t until Charlie’s hand hit the table loudly that Pim was snapped back to reality.

 

“Mr. Boss, why can’t we just talk to the client now? I have very important places to be.”

 

”Like I said, Charlie. This client is nocturnal! You know we don’t discriminate against our clients' sleeping schedules! We don't want another class-action lawsuit! Pluuuusss, you didn’t schedule tonight off, did ya?”

 

Charlie just sank back into his seat with a child-like huff. He was muttering under his breath something about how bullshit it was.

 

When the boss left the room, Pim quickly turned to comfort the yellow man.

 

”Ohh I’m sorry Charlie. I know how much you wanted to play the game. But it will be there tomorrow wont it?”

 

Charlie grimaced at him. “Yeah dude it will, but I wanted to play it tonight! I had everything-…ugh, I’m not going to be the first one to speedrun. Dude, I’m ditching, fuck this.” He stood up to leave.

 

Pim didn’t want Charlie to leave upset. He jumped from his chair and stopped him.

 

“Wait! Oh come on Charlie you can’t leave! We have to help this client together!” Charlie shook his head. “Dude, I’ve been wanting to play this game forever. It already sucks that you are going to be stuck here too. But I really want that record.”

 

An idea came into Pim’s head just then. Allan did say he should try, um, flirting. Pim had a lot to lose, so much to lose, but he was a grown man gosh darn it.

 

Pim glanced down and back up to Charlie who was looking at him, he was still in Charlie’s way after all. Here goes everything.

 

”Charrliee, I don't want you getting in trouble with the Boss. I know you want the record but we can do it tomorrow night? It’s Friday anyways! We can have a sleepover since we are going to Treeventure!” Pim batted his eyes feeling utterly ridiculous, “Please Charlie, just stay.”

 

Seconds ticked by. Charlie stood there looking like he was constipated. Oh no, Pim thinks, Oh God, I’ve done it! Charlie hates me. He hates me!

 

Finally, Charlie looked away. His hand came to the back of his head to rub. “Fine dude just don’t call it a sleepover…” He gently pushed past Pim to go to the freezer probably because he now had to stay in the break room all day.

 

Wow, that actually worked? Pim pondered if it was him or the promise of convenience. He risked a glance at Allan who was unfortunately already looking at him with a stupidly handsome smirk.

 

Pim rolled his eyes. This stuff was so confusing. He couldn’t understand how Allan ‘knew everything’, for all Pim knows Allan could be single since the guy never talks about that stuff.

 

Sighing, Pim reached for the TV remote, a task he does everyday, and started to flip. Charlie was back at the table, but his body language was off. No more of the energy Pim saw earlier and he was very much trying to not look towards Pim.

 

Pim stared off into space once more, deciding that he was going to use this time to rest his weary mind.

 

He thought about if he really did tell Charlie about that candy instead.

Chapter Text

Pim stood in the hallway of Charlie’s apartment waiting for 3:00pm to hit. He got too excited about the Pim and Charlie Sleepover!!!! Or “hangout” as Charlie would put it.

They have had sleepovers before. Pim has a nice room dedicated to smoking seshes that Charlie loves using and Charlie lives closer to work so most times it’s convenient to just crash on a couch when hangouts get long.

It’s just… this is different. All thoughts of Charlie are now in a whole new section of Pim’s brain. Pim struggled ALL day yesterday because everything Charlie did had his full attention.

Pim sighed and checked his watch for the umpteenth time. 2:53pm. Curse his nerves. Curse his mind. Curse Charlie’s ability to do the most attractive thing he can do at every possible turn. Seriously, the guy can take a breath and Pim’s knees lose their dignity. When Charlie says something clever, he has this smirk. Oh my, every time Pim sees that smirk, he just want to push Charlie onto any solid object and see what kind of sounds he makes when Pim wraps his lips around his—

The door opening snapped Pim out of his fantasy.

“Pim? What are you doing out here?”

God, did Charlie look delicious today. Pim’s previous thoughts were not doing him any favors. Charlie was leaning against the doorframe, scratching his chest. He didn’t put much effort in his clothes (when did he?) but anyone looks good in gray sweatpants, ESPECIALLY Charlie. Pim swallowed. Jesus Christ this was going to be a long night.

“Hiya, Charlie! I just got here early is all. Didn’t want to bother you!” Pim hoped that Charlie wouldn’t ask how long Pim was standing out in the hallway, but all he got was a “Pfft, you are such a dork, just get in here.” Charlie motioned Pim in, but didn’t really give any room. Pim awkwardly tried to enter without touching Charlie knowing full well any contact will just send his brain into a scramble. He made it past with no incident and was mind-celebrating his victory as Charlie closed the door.

Charlie had surprisingly picked up the place. Pim noticed, of course, the lack of pizza boxes and litter of cans, but he especially noticed that the usual bachelor smell (you know the one) was not as present. It now smelled of fresh linen. Pim was very pleased.

Upon approaching his spot on the couch, Pim found a pile of snacks on the coffee table. Including not only his favorite candy, but his favorite chips AND his favorite drink from the gas station. I seriously can’t remember ever telling Charlie what my favorite snacks were…Pim racked his brain as he sat down but considering his head has been mush ever since that silly party, no answer would come to him.

The couch shifted slightly as Charlie sat down. He was pretty close, it was a loveseat so Pim didn’t question it too much. Didn’t make him any less nervous though.

“Are you feeling any better Pim?” Said Charlie as he began to boot up his XBOX. “You don’t have to watch me play this if you don’t wanna. We can think of something else to do, we have all night.”

Right, Pim went home the other day after the squeezing fiasco (Hey even when you get to your thirties, you can discover new things about yourself.) Charlie checking in on him should be the least of his worries, but Pim couldn’t help feeling touched.

“Soo are you cool with watching me play orrr…” Charlie was studying him fully focused as he waited for a reply. Damn, Pim get your thoughts together and answer him!

Pim shook his head. “I’m fine Charlie! Yeah I want to watch you play! You just got your game after all!” He hoped he wasn’t vibrating hard enough for Charlie to notice.

Charlie seemed to sigh with relief. “Man, I tell you. Now that I’m not worried ’bout the speed run, I can relax and just play the game, ya know?” Getting settled in, Charlie leaned back into the couch inching ever closer to Pim. God, if Charlie moved a millimeter, they would be touching.

“Mmm hmm!” Pim rubbed his hand on his own leg to try and steel his nerves. So close!, thought Pim. How was he to focus on the game Charlie was so excited about when he was too busy wanting to feel him up! Would it be too forward to bring up cuddling? Ugh NO Pim! Nine year best friend, remember??

“Uhhh are you sure you’re ok dude? You seem…funny.”

Pim reached to the table and grabbed the cherry balls, opening them quickly. “I’m ok! I’m better than ok! I am just so excited to watch you play! hahaha” he popped several balls into his mouth to not have to answer anymore.

Charlie shrugged and looked at the bag of candy that was in Pim’s lap. He took it upon himself to reach into the bag for some, making Pim squeak. Charlie went back to his game with a “suit yourself dude” and a “mmm, these are actually good, Pim.”

Pim swallowed and attempted to focus on not being a total loser. With his face as hot as it is, he is surely failing miserably.

Ok, here you are, in the home of the hottest person you know who also happens to be your best friend of nine years. You have reason to believe that he “simps” over you which if true means that you have been taking advantage of his kindness for…months? YEARS? Oh nooo…

Pim grabbed his drink that Charlie got him from the table. Charlie was going on about how good the dialogue was in the game and Pim was trying to listen! But there goes his stupid brain again, getting stuck on something silly. He simply had to know.

“Hey…Charlie?”

Charlie glanced his way but his focus was on some dude he was fighting in the game. “Yeah?”

“How did you know these were all my favorite snacks? I appreciate it of course! It’s just that I don’t remember telling you.”

Charlie killed the NPC he was working on then gave a little snort. “Dude, you don’t remember that one night we got reallllly high and just kept bouncing questions back and forth. Like ummm oh! Like favorite movie, favorite cereal. You know stupid shit like that. I guess I just remembered.”

Oh, well that made sense. Pim knew all of Charlie’s favorite stuff so why wouldn’t the opposite be true?

Charlie is just being friendly…He reminded himself and sank back into the couch, content with watching Charlie play his game.

He truly did love watching Charlie play, the guy always got so into it! It was super cute to watch him rage over something small. Charlie was currently customizing his vehicle getting it all decked out. When he got to the colors, Charlie cycled through all of them before finding the pink option and selecting it immediately.

Pim giggled. “Aww, pink? It’s so cute!” It wasn’t what Pim expect Mr. Macho himself to pick.

”Haha yeah, I know I know, I love pink unironically. It reminds me of you.”

That did it.

All of the emotions Pim had been keeping in, the stress of weird, confusing thoughts that had plagues him for days came out with an embarrassing thunder of a sob. As a grown man, there he sat, full-on bawling into his hands. That comment had been the final nail on the coffin that was Pim’s obliviousness. Pim of all people should know that Charlie kept his bromance jokes with his homies to a minimum. Him immediately picking pink because of Pim? Now that was just too cheesy for Pim to NOT notice. Allan was right. Charlie really must be a… HAS to be a sim—

”Whoa dude, what the hell?!” Charlie pressed pause on his game and tossed the controller. Wide eyed, he stared shocked at Pim crying. “Pim? What’s wrong? What the hell happened?”

Pim lifted his head from his hands to wail.

“I’M SO SORRRYY, CHARLIE! SO SO SORRY! WAHHHH!!!”

Charlie was frozen in place, most likely due to the fact that Pim had never acted like this before, all the while Pim took stuttering gasps of air.

“Heyy. HEY.” It’s clear that Charlie’s Smiling Friend training must have started to kick in, because he put his hand timidly on Pim’s shoulder trying to console him. “Just take a breath, Pim. That’s right, there you go…sorry for what?”

Pim jumped from the couch so he could pace in front of the coffee table, wiping his face every three seconds due to the massive stream of tears pouring out of his eyes.

“I’m sorry, I-I didn’t realize! Only just now! You have been…been giving me all these hints and I have been too unaware to even acknowledge themmmm wahhh!”

“Hints? Pim what are you talk—“

“Ohhhh you are so wonderful, Charlie! So wonderful and sweet to me and here I am just t-taking you for granteddd!”

“Uhhhh…”

“All week long I have just been thinking about you constantly and it’s like I can’t get your stupid, handsome face out of my head and I just wish I had realized so-soonerrrrrr”

“Oh wow.”

“Ever since Allan and Glep told me what you were, my- my brain has just been through a reset and and now I JUST FEEL SO MEAN! HOW COULD I DO THAT TO YOUUU!!

“Wait, what did they say?”

“YOU DESERVE THE WORLD CHARLIE! YOU DESERVE SOMEONE WHO DOESN’T IGNORE YOUR FEELINGSSSS!”

“Pim.”

“I CARE ABOUT YOU SOOO MUCH CHARLIE I AM SO SORRY THAT I DIDNT SEEE!”

“PIM!”

Charlie reached out and grabbed Pim’s arm, facing him towards himself. Pim got a blurry look at Charlie’s face for the first time since he started crying. If he wasn’t currently sobbing, he might have been surprised by the blush on Charlie. Charlie looked more confused than Pim had ever seen him.

“What did Allan and Glep say?” Charlie’s voice had a hint of anger in it. Pim realized he didn’t give any context so he hurriedly started to correct himself.

“Oh um it wasn’t anything bad I think!” He took a much needed deep breath and wiped his remaining tears away. “They just said that you were a…simp…for me.”

“…...what?”

“I don't know! Something about you always being all over me at parties. Well that’s how it started at least. Allan kept saying this stuff and I was confused! But then…it started making sense. Or maybe its what I wanted to…”

Charlie’s confusion stayed put on his face as he seemed to process that information. Confusion slid into Charlie’s “the gears are turning” face as the seconds passed by.

“Charlie, I-mmph!”

“Shhhh…” whispered Charlie as he put his finger on Pim’s lips, quieting him. “Hang on…”

Pim stood there, not wanting to move a muscle as Charlie thought to himself. Pim’s curiosity over the man’s thoughts only grew when Charlie facepalmed and started to giggle.

“Um, Charlie?”

Charlie’s giggling was bubbling up to a full belly laugh right before Pim’s very eyes. Charlie tilted his head back and began to absolutely howl with laughter. What a sight. Pim was in awe despite not really knowing what was going on.

“…Charlie?” He tried again.

”Heeheehee! Oh man! Pim, listen. I had NO IDEA.”

Pim didn’t understand.

“What?”

Charlie guided the still standing Pim back to his seat on the couch. Pim sat but was surprised to find that Charlie’s hands went to his own and grabbed them pulling them close.

”Dude, you are right. Or the guys are right I guess, but it didn’t even register to me that I was doing all that. No wonder I’ve been so confused! Thinking about it, I did the same thing to all my partners though I was more aware of it. It’s funny how I didn't even notice! I, like, subconsciously started doing it to you before I even knew I liked you yet. Crazy how instincts just kick in like that. Oh, uhh, sorry if I made you uncomfy or something.”

Pim was stunned. Charlie…subconsciously liked him? What did that even mean? Charlie was being so nonchalant about this, how is he not freaking out?? Pim squeezed Charlie’s hands in assurance.

”No you didn’t make me uncomfortable, Charlie! More like, I wanted to be real. When Allan made me aware, I kept trying to explain it away as us being best friends. To tell you the truth…I liked it. Me being the center of your attention is one of my favorite places it seems.”

Charlie gaped at him, mouth open before a wild blush began to appear on his face, especially his nose (cute!). He pulled his hands from Pim’s and covered up. It seemed that the gravity of the situation had finally hit him. Pim was about to backtrack when Charlie started groaning.

“Awww dude I’m fucking mortified. I can’t believe everyone knew I had a crush on you before I did. I’ve been making a fool of myself. This is so embrassing…”

Pim started vibrating excitedly. He couldn’t help giggling a little. “No more a fool than I made of myself the other day!”

Charlie peeked from behind his hands. “When you were sick?”, he asked.

Pim shook his head, smiling. “I wasn’t sick! I was flustered and confused and couldn’t stop thinking about your ha—“ He slapped his hand over his mouth. Too much stupid! If there were judges from a blushing competition here, they would have a tough time choosing a winner.

”My what?” Charlie leaned in closer to Pim as if trying to hear better. Oh gosh, that damn smirk.

Pim waved his hands in front of him. “NOTHING nothing, forget it!”

Charlie chuckled, leaning back. An awkward silence fell between them. God, what do I say now? Pim thought.

“So-“

“Is it-“

Having spoken at the same time, they looked into each other's eyes and promptly burst into laughter. Pim was wiping tears (Golly I must look a mess…) when Charlie’s hand came to his shoulder causing him to freeze. His hand squeezed and then traveled to Pim’s hand, lifting it. Pim looked from his hand to Charlie’s eyes in shock. The most adoring look he had ever seen was filled to the brim of Charlie’s whole being. Charlie brought his other hand to Pim’s and said softly “You can go first, Pim.”

Wow.

Pim gulped and attempted to suppress a shiver (he only failed slightly).

”It’s true then? You…like me?” Pim had to look away, feeling too bashful. Ugh, it was like being in high school again, feeling silly about the stupidest stuff. Though, when Charlie looks at him like that, Pim doesn’t mind being a tad silly.

Charlie seemingly thinks about it. He takes a deep breath.

”I mean, how could I not? Pim, you are the literal best person I know, man. You care for everyone and everything. It…it makes me want to care too. You are the only person to not treat me for the loser that I am. Seeing you everyday is the best part of waking up. Your cheeriness is so infectious that it makes living in the shitty world way better. I have a feeling I would do anything for you. Huh, no wonder the guys called me a simp…” Charlie looked away, shaking his head. Pim decided to be brave, gently grabbing Charlie’s nose and turning him to face him.

“Oh Charlie, you are so far from a loser that I’m shocked it even came out of your mouth. It takes one to know one right? And from what you said about me, you don’t think I’m a loser. So I don’t think you are, Charlie.”

Charlie closes his eyes and snuggles Pim’s hands on his face.

”Okok You are right as usual, Pimmy”

Pim gasps. “Pimmy?!?”

Charlie chuckles. “Yeah I regretted it as soon as I said it, sorry.”

Giggling Pim assures Charlie that he thought it was cute.

Suddenly, Charlie stops laughing. Pim stops as well almost concerned until he sees the cursed smirk on Charlie’s face.

“Soo, what was that thing you couldn’t stop thinking about again?”