Work Text:
Steven loved them. He was running out of time to tell them this. In a week’s time, he was to be graded on his job as Orlando Fazbender’s manager. He knew he was going to fail. After he failed, he would be killed and used for scrap. Yet that didn’t bother him nearly as much as not getting to tell Charlie how he felt. How he had felt for a while now.
There wasn’t an exact time when he had fallen for them. Though there were moments that, in hindsight, were definitely signs. Like learning Charlie only ever bought Bonnie Blue Beer because he liked it. Or when they got him those tickets to a local fox reserve for a weekend out. Yet one moment in particular always stuck out to Steven
It was a week before the Incident. He had gotten absolutely shitfaced on the rooftop. All he could think about was how much he was going to miss Charlie, even though they were currently right beside him. He doesn’t remember much from that night, only Charlie deeming he was way too drunk to drive himself home, and taking it upon themself to make sure he was ok.
In the morning, he had woken up with a splitting headache. Charlie was snuggled into his side, head tucked firmly in the crook of his neck. They snored incredibly loud. They had left a cup of water and painkillers on the small bedside table for Steven. The whole scenario was incredibly domestic, down to Charlie making them both breakfast after they had finally woken up. Hell, they had even walked with Steven back to get his car after they both ate, laughing the whole situation off as one odd night. When he drove off back to the factory, he felt empty watching Charlie disappear behind him.
He loved them. He would do anything to protect their smile, the peaceful look they had while sleeping, their relaxed stature when he was around. He should have done more.
He loved them. He hoped they knew, he thought as he dialed their number on the payphone, even if he never said the words himself.
He loved them. Even if they didn’t feel the same. As long as they were happy.
"I'm sorry; the number you have reached is not in service, or temporarily disconnected"
He loved them.