Plastic trumpets, check. Food, check. Candles, check. Wait.
Candles? This isn't supposed to be a candlelight dinner, so I quickly remove those from my table. I look around my place one last time before deciding it's enough with the decorations. It's just a New Years celebration. That I will be spending with Charlie. Alone.
God, ever since I came to terms with the fact that I like Charlie, I've been meaning to move around him rather carefully. Although my actions are the complete opposite, seeing as I decided to fly back early just to see that guy. I'm completely whipped and he doesn't even have a clue. I did decide to keep my feelings hidden from him and just stay as friends. I never would have thought I'd be a victim of unrequited love.
The doorbell rings moments later and I stride to the door to open it.
"Happy New Year!!" Charlie practically beams, holding up a whole ass grilled chicken.
I shake my head. "It's not New Years yet. We still got a couple of hours."
"Right, my bad." he steps inside, shrugging his puffer jacket off as I put the chicken on the table.
Charlie makes a straight beeline to my couch, swiping the remote so fast I barely notice until the TV jumps to life.
"What are you doing?"
Charlie turns around, joining me at the table. "National TV is broadcasting a live countdown. Thought we keep playing it in the background in case we miss it."
I snort. "Miss New Years?"
"Happened to me once."
"Were you busy playing video games?"
He smiles sheepishly. "Guilty as charged."
I let out a soft laugh. It's almost comical how well I know him by now. But it isn't enough. Far from it. I want to know every single little thing about Charlie. Even the thought of how he'd look underneath me. In bed. I shouldn't go there, but I can't help it. If I don't pursue him in real life, I'll do it in my mind. Sue me.
Dinner went by relatively calmly, mostly because Charlie was too busy eating everything I prepared tonight to engage in a conversation with me. He devoured several slices of my simple meat pie, which totally boosted my ego by how much he complimented the dish. Even my butter tarts were no match for Charlie's bottomless pit of a stomach. Honestly, I was content just watching him stuff his cheeks full of food like a silly little chipmunk.
Now, Charlie's on his third can of soda with a hand in a chips bag while he watches me play some video game he brought with him. I lose almost immediately. My gaming skills are non-existent, both Charlie and I established that a long time ago. And it'd be a whole lot more embarrassing if Charlie wasn't chuckling and giggling every few seconds. I could listen to those sounds for hours. No exaggeration.
"God, Blake. You suck!"
That I can do. Damn it, focus.
I clear my throat, tossing the controller on his lap. "Then you try it!"
Charlie's lips curl into a grin and he licks his chips covered fingers before grabbing the controller. I shouldn't find that gesture that alluring, but I do. Especially because of the way his plump lips wrapped around his fingers and the sound they made when he popped them out. I'm actually going insane and I have to force myself to rip my gaze away from Charlie and focus on the game instead.
A while later, Charlie lets out a victory yell. "And that's how you clear a level!"
"Huh, what?" I exclaim, my eyes jumping to the screen. I couldn't tear my eyes away from him even if I desperately wanted to. "That's amazing, Charlie. Good job!"
His victorious grin widens and I resist the urge to kiss him right there and then.
A sudden noise catches both of our attention and we look out the window just in time to see the source of that noise. The sky is painted with colors, each firework coming after another and realization kicks in.
"Wait, what time is it?" I shoot Charlie a look.
He quickly grabs his phone. "Oh my god, it's New Years! I almost missed it again."
"No way." How long were we playing??
Charlie jumps to his feet. "Happy New Year, Blake!!"
I get up from my seat as well, smiling at this little bundle of joy. "Happy New Year to you too, Charlie! Good thing we didn't miss it."
He chuckles and turns his attention to the window as another round of fireworks are set out in the sky. Charlie is really so easily mesmerised by almost anything.
"Want to go outside and watch the fireworks there?"
He nods, eyes beaming even brighter now. "Let's go! Hurry!"
I bite back a laugh as I watch Charlie sprinting to the door.
I move as well, yelling after him. "Don't forget to wear your jacket!"
"We don't have time for that!"
I shake my head, grab both of our jackets and step out of my apartment, the cold hitting me hard. Yet, I feel warm all over. Charlie rushes down the stairs with surprising speed, skipping two stairs at a time. I follow suit, not wanting to lose him. He stops a few steps away from my apartment complex, his head tilted up as he watches with awe. I move in front of him, helping him put his jacket on like a damn toddler. Charlie's being particularly difficult right now.
"Blake, come on and watch! The fireworks are so pretty!"
I don't even lift my eyes from Charlie as I zip him up, admiring something completely different. "Yeah, so pretty." He's prettier than any kind of shiny firework.
Charlie continues to watch the sky like a hawk while confidence grows in my stomach. Or maybe it's those butterflies everyone keeps talking about. The noises and sparkles get louder and my resolve only hardens as I gently cup Charlie's cheek in my hand. He finally looks at me. Good.
"Blake?"
Amongst the commotion and the pounding of my heart, I release a shaky breath at his soft tone. My jaw clenches before finally forcing it to relax as I lean in and shut my eyes. I connect our lips, closing the distance once and for all. I've never felt anything softer than this, and I'm growing addicted each second that passes. Charlie isn't pushing me away and I can feel his body tense up for a split second before he eventually eases up. So, I press a little further, savouring the way he tastes and feels on me. The way his breath clashes with mine and his hands come up to grasp onto my jacket. I need more.
Charlie pulls away first and I stare down at his expression, flustered and confused. But he looks so god damn good like that. His chest keeps rising and falling, his lips still slightly parted like a silent invitation for more. But I don't take it.
I speak before he does, looking away from him. "I'm going back in first."