Chapter Text
"I think my wisdom tooth is coming out.”
You have a finger in your mouth. It’s not like you’re the type of person who does it for fun. It’s actually a little gross, but you want to be absolutely sure; the need to spend money at a dentist isn’t something you want to invest in.
“Love?”
Charlie’s head is spinning. He can’t think straight about what to say, not when one of her fantasies is becoming a reality.
You.
With the 29 pearls you now possess for teeth. Captivating his heart every time you come together in a smile. Melody of Dulcinea, songs that change with laughter, and for him.
The aroma of strong coffee in the mornings. The aroma of light tea in the evenings. Essences that combine sweet and bitter, fruity and citrusy, making moments warmer.
It’s true that Charlie would never make drinks with measurements. He doesn't have the time or patience to do them. Neither do you, but you always did anyway.
Frosted skin, a tapestry of colors. Lavender leaves trickling down his face after gazing too long at the vastness of the trees.
And you are a dream come true.
You are the flame within his heart.
More than once he's asked you, “Haven't you met Jeff Buckley?” and more than once you've replied, “I didn't know he existed until you started asking about him."
Somehow, that man knew about you.
Writing things about a woman who could be none other than you.
In the end, everyone wants someone they don't need, someone who simply lets them be freer.
Just like that, you met. On a trip. The world had become a multitude for your next encounter. Both of you were strangers in this city, searching to explore the boundaries of your existence.
Their eyes locked on every movement they made in that moment, because there was no other, or if they would ever see each other again.
There was no pride in their actions. Just a touch of anguish, shame, and guilt at telling a stranger of their interest.
During a break on the second day of the tour, they found themselves on the beach. The sea was drawing in, and the breeze was falling.
You took a piece of their heart with a torch and exchanged it with yours, uniting the flames.
And he said whatever. Well, there's nothing in my way to stop this, it seems there's nothing in yours either.
Why not try?
You didn't kiss that night, not much else happened, but the act of exchanging numbers was everything.
The world that became yours. After a long time of texting and disorganized calls, that led to casual dates at movies or restaurants.
Until finally, you felt comfortable enough to start something. And then to say…
“I love you so much”
“I love you fucking so much too”
“Could you keep your tooth if it doesn’t bother you?”