otherways

[bloodyrockgod]

The hammock is still swaying back and forth, and Charlie clings to Gretchen, gasping for breath.

His patience has been rewarded. Give him a few mintues for his brain to start working again.

Comments

[youreweird.livejournal.com]

She blushes and looks away.

"My stupid stepdad."

She grabs her cup and goes back to the kitchen for more tea.

[bloodyrockgod]

"What?!" He gets up and follows her into the kitchen. "Shalom--talk to me."

[youreweird.livejournal.com]

She puts her cup on the counter and crosses her arms over her chest.

"My stepdad. He had these emotional issues. And he was kinda handsy."

She looks embarrassed and nauseated.

[bloodyrockgod]

Charlie closes his eyes a moment, and then steps to her and holds her. "I'm sorry." He kisses her forehead. "I'm sorry."

[youreweird.livejournal.com]

She presses close and hides her face in his chest.

"But he didn't take that."

[bloodyrockgod]

He kisses the top of her head. "I don't know what to say," he says quietly. "I love you."

[youreweird.livejournal.com]

"Love you too. Not much to say about it. He's a jerk."

She sighs and rests against him.

"But I'll get tested if you want anyway."

[bloodyrockgod]

"I--" He grimaces. "Only if you think it's necessary. I trust you. I'm the one who's been around the block a few times."

[youreweird.livejournal.com]

"Thanks. I'll ask the doctor when I get to the clinic. Might be part of the check-up anyway."

She tip-toes up to kiss him.

[bloodyrockgod]

He nods and kisses her back--more gently than he had been earlier, it's true.

[youreweird.livejournal.com]

She gets her tea and tugs him back to the booth.

"....so. How 'bout that soccer team?"

[bloodyrockgod]

"Football," he says. "It's called football. And they've been losing a lot."

[youreweird.livejournal.com]

"Sorry, when I think 'football' I think big dumb guys in helmets and shoulder pads."

She grins.

"Sorry that they've been losing."

[bloodyrockgod]

"'all right. Teams have ups and downs all the time. Manchester United is the name, by the way. I'll bring you a shirt." He looks mischevious again. "And we play it properly--no helmets and shoulder pads. Just knee pads and cups."

[youreweird.livejournal.com]

She grins about the shirt but then looks confused.

"What're the cups for?"

[bloodyrockgod]

"Protection of the wedding tackle." He looks innocent.

[youreweird.livejournal.com]

She looks even more perplexed.

"What?" realization dawns, "Oh!"

*headtable*

[bloodyrockgod]

"Cleats. They're dangerous."

[youreweird.livejournal.com]

"Yeah. I'd imagine so."

She sits up again and drinks.

"Do you play?"

[bloodyrockgod]

"Yeah. Not good enough for professionally, of course, but I did in school and we'd play in the park."

[youreweird.livejournal.com]

"Could you teach me?"

[bloodyrockgod]

"Sure. I'll bring a ball next time."

[youreweird.livejournal.com]

"Awesome! We can play out back as soon as the snow melts."

[bloodyrockgod]

"Brilliant! it's a good workout too. Running around for an hour.'

[youreweird.livejournal.com]

"Sounds cool. I could teach you Yoga too, if you wanted."