"We have a big day today." // Consider,,, Mel
Charlie let out a quiet breath. They sure as hell did. Turning to look at Vee from where he sat on his side of the bed, he offered a small, nervous smile. He’d already finished getting dressed for the day, and for the first time since he’d gotten home, he’d woken up without a noticeable ache, but none of that meant he was ready to face this.
It’d been… going on three and half years, now, since he’d talked to his mom. Since Jay had gone missing, at least. The fact that she’d reached out at all was shocking, but Charlie was even more surprised with himself. He hadn’t expected to want to see her. But after a few near-death experiences, a marriage, and everything else he’d been through.. he figured it was about time.
“She said she’ll be here around noon,” he answered, reaching up to rub at the back of his neck. He frowned to himself. “So we’ve got… about an hour? …I- I guess, if there’s anythin’ you need to ask, now’s the time.”
@demonicfrustration
Vee’s brows knit together. Was Charlie not feeling well either? After that news, he wanted to hold him against his chest like they had this morning and squeeze.. but he supposed if he wasn’t in the mood, he wouldn’t force him. It was so rare that he didn’t let him touch, so he would take it seriously if he really didn’t want it right now. “That’s funny..” he said softly, folding his hands in front of him to have something to hold onto. “All I ever do is worry about you.. You’re my husband.”
Offering him a bittersweet smile and a tilt of his chin, he took in a quiet breath. Perhaps they both needed a little while to come to terms with all of this? Even so, that didn’t stop him from wanting to take his hands again. “..Are you sure you’re alright?” he asked him, his thumb tracing along a flower on the back of his other hand. “I’m here if you need me, Charlie.”
His gaze had started to drift from Vee’s face, one of his hands squeezing at his arm. He couldn’t decide if he just wanted to go back to bed or if he wanted something to keep his hands busy; either way, he’d still have this newfound guilt settled in the pit of his stomach. He still wasn’t even sure if he should care about what Melanie had said.
Looking up again at the question, Charlie felt something in his chest twist. There was his chance to explain, an open invitation to tell Vee what exactly was making him feel sick with worry. He knew he should take it. But even so.. he sighed. “Yeah, I’m.. I’m fine. Just, uh.. it’s- today hadn’t been a lot, but it’s been a lot, y'know? Guess I’m just.. I dunno. But I.. I- I know, Vee. I know I’ve got you.”
Vee tried not to look disappointed by that answer, but he did his best to keep his faith. Charlie had been getting better with talking to him, so hopefully.. he would just come around in a little while. He nodded for him before looking away and chewing the inside of his cheek; after a minute, he moved to the couch where he’d been before and sat back down, pulling his cat back onto his lap to pet her.
“I.. could still make us lunch.” he said, “I wasn’t lying to your mother, but it would be nice if it was just you and me. But.. I won’t be too upset if you need some alone time, my love. I understand.”
He watched him step away with a sinking feeling in his chest. He didn’t want to be alone, but he knew that staying near Vee would just make it harder to sort everything out. He glanced towards the front door and frowned before he followed him to the couch and sat just far enough away from away from him that they weren’t touching. He wanted to. “No, uh, you don’t have to. Uh..” he leaned back into the couch and looked down at his lap. “..I’m not hungry, anyway.”
Hesitating, Charlie glanced at Vee, then finally gave in. He wanted to be close to him- he could try and puzzle out the rest later. He shifted over a bit so he could lay down and rest his head against Vee’s thigh. “Sorry. It’s just.. Melanie- uh, mom. Seein’ her surprised me, I guess.”
When Charlie sat beside him, Vee picked the cat up to cradle her like a baby, her long legs stretching out in content and her pink tongue slipping past her teeth to hang out just a little. He scratched at her gently and nodded. He wasn't exactly hungry either, but he wanted that time with him to spend.
The weight on his thigh got him to look again, letting one of his hands drop to run through Charlie's hair. "I don't blame you.." he said, "You were very brave today letting her in." Vee hummed softly, tucking a fallen lock behind the man's ear so he could see his face better. "I'm sorry I cut it short on you. I.. didn't think the call would upset me as much as it did." he told him, "I.. couldn't continue to entertain her."
