Archive of Our Own ^beta

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Conrad was laying on the lawn outside the library and fully submerged in one of his medical study books, completely oblivious to what was happening around him. March was coming to an end and while it was still cold outside most of the time, spring was in full bloom on campus. The weather was beautiful and he didn’t want to spend his time cramped inside, so for the past few weeks he’s been finding himself staying outside to study when he didn’t have his classes, chasing that sun dopamine whenever he could.

He was lost inside the pages till a shadow suddenly towered over him and blocked the sun that warmed his body and kept his summer tan alive. There were no clouds in sight a few minutes prior, so he looked up in confusion, closing his book in the process and marking the spot with a finger left between the pages as he was planning on reading again as soon as the inconvenience in front of him was gone. He lifted his head and his last thought left his brain when his gaze was met with two of the most beautiful and apologetic looking eyes he’s ever seen. 

He has always believed brown eyes to be boring as they were the most common but those dark brown eyes were filled with so much life, he found himself sitting up, putting his book aside and removing his headphones. “Sorry didn’t catch that, what were you saying?”, he asked the girl in front of him, an apologetic smile painting on his lips, as he previously saw her mouth moving but couldn’t understand anything over the volume of his music.

“I didn’t want to bother you but I was just trying out my new camera lens and snapped a photo of you and it’s like the most editorial-esque photo I ever taken and I just wanted to show you. Maybe for you to use it on your hinge or tinder profile which would be a shame but… maybe you’re not even single or even interested and nevertheless…. I… am rambling. I’m sorry” she quickly shut herself up, tugging a stray strand of ginger behind her ear. 

“God… I can’t even study in peace at college”, Conrad joked when he noticed her mortified expression and quickly back dragged, “I’m joking… it’s okay. You can show me. I want to see”, he genuinely was interested and patted on the ground right next to him, signaling her that she could sit down. She took the hint and kneeled down beside him, trying not to fall over in the process. After she found her balance, she turned her camera back on and opened the last photo she took. It showed him casually combing back hair that had fallen into his eyes with his fingers while being concentrated on the paragraph he has been reading.

Conrad usually didn’t like his photo taken, with always having to pose for his mothers paintings while growing up and general body insecurities that everybody goes through during their teen years. This photograph however… he genuinely likes it. „That’s incredible“, he let out and smiled at her, „I know right? Not to brag but like Brown could totally print that straight onto their flyers to lure in more students for they have intellectual and good looking guys“, she responded and started to laugh about her own stupidity. Conrad shot her a dirty look but also let out a laugh, „Aha! So that was no accident. You walk around campus and stalk innocent students for the college’s benefit!? And I thought I was special“, he had just now noticed her Australian accent.

„No!“, she shouted and felt her cheeks flame up but then quickly put on a mischievous smile, „I just stalk you. You indeed are special“. Game on. „Ah, I can finally put a face to the presence I’ve been feeling in the showers since I got here“, he replied, mirroring her smile. „Sorry to disappoint but guys usually notice right away when I’m in the shower with them. So that couldn’t be me“, Conrad faked a shudder going down his spine, making her laugh, „Damn then it really was the janitor“. 

„Anyway, I’m Charlie and happy I didn’t creep you out just yet“, she finally introduced herself and turned her camera off again, laying it on the grad beside her. „Well Charlie, I’m Conrad and happy to be your chosen model for the day then“, and he meant it.

„You’re a med?“, she asked, looking at the book he had placed away somewhen during their playful banter. He nodded, „Yeah. It’s my first year and I guess your major is art“, he gestured to her camera. „Psychology. Haven’t we just talked about how I stalk people in my free time?“, she replied and started laughing again, „Nah, you’re right even though I don’t know if I should keep on pursuing it. Psychology actually was a close second call“, Charlie answered truthfully this time and now fully plopped herself next to him, criss crossing her legs as the kneeling got a little uncomfortable for the time being.

„You can’t be serious“, Conrad said in disbelief and shook his head slightly, „You just showed me the most incredible photo I’ve ever seen, let alone me being in it and then want to convince me you aren’t born to do exactly just that?“. She just shrugged her shoulders, „I do like photography, I know I’m good at it. I just picked that major out of spite… you know?“, as if it was the most reasonable answer to exist. „No, actually I don’t. How can you pick a major out of spite?“, „I just wanted to annoy my aunt. She said that I can’t choose to go to university and not pick anything with more significance. Going here to study arts always seemed silly to her. Well.. art in general. So I did just that“, a sly smile crossed Charlies lips, expecting rejection, she was surprised as Conrad started nodding understandingly.

„Okay… maybe I do get it. I stopped playing football in High School even though I loved it and was actually really good at it. Like really really good. But my dad was so proud of me and I didn’t like that… so I quit“, „Daddy issues. I see…“, she joked and got shoved by Conrad, a playful smirk on his lips before he also burst out laughing. „Hey… do you maybe want to have lunch with me. Like now?“, he asked her after their laughter died down and he heard her stomach crumble, realizing how hungry he himself has gotten.

„Weird way to propose but yes. Wow, who would’ve guessed that accusing someone of daddy issues would result in a date? I’ve definitely been handling these situations wrong” Charlie joked and fell backwards on the ground, only then realizing her exact words. She put her hands to her face in embarrassment, „I mean… lunch sounds good. I would love to“, she smiled, the mortified look returning to her face. Conrad just waved it off, „No, no it’s okay. Then it’s a date. As you correctly guessed beforehand I’m single. So, let’s have a date then“, he said with a shy smile. A date. Just this morning he still found himself thinking about Belly and how he fucked everything up with her. Never in a million years would he have guess that he would have a date the same day. Who would’ve guessed that getting a date was that easy. Maybe it was college? It wasn’t the first date he had since he was in college but it was the first one he genuinely didn’t want to end with a quick fling. He had been interested in the other girls but not like that. He actually wanted to deepen their conversation.

Charlie nodded in excitement and stood up, grabbing her camera and waiting for him to pack up his stuff. „So Charlie, tell me. What brings you to California? Didn’t they have good enough art schools in Australia for you to annoy your aunt?“, Conrad asked as he finished up packing and slung his back over his shoulder. „Oh, I wish but sadly no. She actually took me in about 5 years ago after my family had passed. I was 14 and had no more family left in Australia so I moved here…“, she explained and trailed off in her thoughts. „Oh my god! I am so sorry! I didn’t mean to…“, Conrad started to apologize but she waved him off, „No… it’s okay… I mean we don’t know each other. I could’ve lied or not even tell you but it’s okay. I guess you’re able to make people open up to you without trying. I learned to live with it over the years“, she explained.

It still hurt, most of the time but having to deal with something like this in her teenage years, she found ways to deal with it. He nodded, letting his gaze wander to his feet, „My mother has cancer“, he breathed out, his voice suddenly soft and gone from his previous confidence. He didn’t even knew why he told her. He just wanted her to know that he understood her pain, even when both their situations weren’t comparable in the slightest. Maybe she was then one making people open up to them by just existing.

„I’m sorry“, Charlie replied in an equally soft voice, reaching for his arm, she gave it a small squeeze. There was a silent understanding between them, she did understand what he was trying to say. He was already grieving something that hasn’t happened just yet. „How about take-away?“, she then suggested, suddenly not in the mood to deepen their conversation in public. He looked at her again, nodding in agreement, „Sounds good“. „My roommate still has classed, we could go to my room? It’s not far from here“, she further suggested, not actually knowing what her roommates schedule was.

She was just hoping for the best and was afraid he lived in a frat house. Aside from parties she wasn’t planning on stepping inside one of those. „Lead the way“, Conrad accepted the offer and swung his arms for her to start walking. „On we go“, she grinned and spun on her heel to walk in the different direction than they were previously facing. Conrad following suit. „I haven’t tried much of the take-away options just yet but I guess Chinese is always a good option?“, Charlie started thinking, she actually has been graving Chinese for a while now. „Me neither. We can try ourself through them together“, Conrad answered, surprised on how easy that suggestion felt for him. Charlie nodded, „Yeah, we can do that“, she smiled, excited to maybe finally have found someone on campus she actually genuinely liked as her roommate and her felt quite indifferent to each other. 

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„So, where in Australia are you actually from?“, Conrad asked as he was looking around Charlies side of the room, taking in everything it had to offer. A Chase Atlantic poster was hanging above her bed alongside a few polaroids and printed out photos of what he guessed was her family and friends. She placed her camera on her desk were a lot of other lenses and a vintage looking polaroid camera were sprawled across, next to her text books. Her bed sheets were blue like the ocean and next to her pillow was a stuffed wombat plushie.

„I have been quite lazy with decorating“, she said, watching him before answering his question, „I grew up at Byron Bay. Like literally. Our house was right next to the beach, I was surfing before I knew how to walk“, she told him and flopped down on her bed, automatically grabbing the plushie and placing it in her lap to fiddle with. „Oh, really? That sounds awesome!“, Conrad sat down on the bed beside her, now having a better view of the photos hanging on the wall, „We should totally go out surfing some time together“, „Totally!“, Charlie agreed happily, „So you must’ve grown up around the sea as well?“, she asked while grabbing her phone to open Uber Eats.

He nodded, „Kinda. I grew up in Boston but have spent every summer in a town called Cousins. It’s this really upper-classy beach town where I learned how to surf and sail“, he explained and took her phone after she was done picking her food. „Seriously?“, she asked in disbelief, „Football, surfing and now sailing? What can’t you do, pretty boy?“, Charlie shook her head as he seemed to perfect to even exist. „Wait till to see all of my trophies“, he joked while scrolling through the food options of the Chinese restaurant she had picked.

„Oh you mean those ribbons for participation, so you don’t feel bad about losing?“, she mocked him, raising an eyebrow. Conrad looked up and replied in a serious tone „Yeah exactly those. Should see the big red one I got for the competition called ‚existing‘“, „Oh, I think I have the same one“, Charlie said. They held their gaze in a serious manner before bursting out laughing at the same time. Ah, yes jokes about trauma. Conrad actually can’t remember the last time he laughed this hard and this many times in such a short amount of time.

His cheeks started hurting and he was already clutching the side of his stomach as the both of them started laughing even more when they caught another glance of each other. Charlie had tears running down her face and was trying to wipe them away as he laughter died down a little.  „I think I got it“, Conrad then said after he gained back a little of his composure and handed her back her phone. She took it and scanned the order before paying for it. After she placed the order she put her phone on her desk.

As she was turning back around, she felt his hand brush against her cheek. He wiped away a tear that she didn’t catch before and let his hand linger a little longer than it needed to be. A smile crossed his face, „I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone cry from laughter before“, „Get used to it. I cry easily“, Charlie explained, feeling disappointed when he removed his hand from her cheek, a lingering feeling left against the air, „Especially during movies“, „So watching a movie now is out of the question?“, Conrad didn’t actually want to watch a movie, he felt perfectly content with just sitting in silence and talking to her all night but he was curious. „Well… we already crossed the crying line so we could still do that… later“, she also wasn’t to keen on watching a movie now, even though she wouldn’t mind having an excuse to cuddle up to him.

„Can I ask you about…“, she blurted out but then trailed off, leaving the question open. She didn’t want to push the topic further as she didn’t want to make him feel uncomfortable or destroy the light-heartedness they had going on. He sighted and glances back over to her family portraits but didn’t have to think twice about it as he let it out, „My mothers name is Susannah. She has breast cancer and already beat it once when I was younger but it came back last year. Well.. that’s at least when I found out about it. She didn’t tell us exactly when it happened again as she refuses treatment this time around. It’s more aggressive and has spread to other organs…she’s gotten very thin and week over the last few weeks“, his voice broke and he swallowed. It hurt but at the same time it felt… good to speak it out. Tell someone. Someone on the outside that wasn’t his family. Or the Conklins.

Charlie placed her hand on his as she noticed him fiddling with his fingers, trying to calm him by stroking her thumb across the back of his hand. Trying not to completely loose it, Conrad had fixated his gaze completely on her photos. Maybe she had already crossed the crying line but that didn’t mean he had to do it as well today. „That’s my mother“, Charlie pointed with her free hand to one of the bigger photos. „Her name was Danielle“, she told further as Conrad examined the family portrait. It must’ve been one of the last ones as Charlie herself looked about 14 on it. Her mother looked eerily similar to her, the only difference being he blond hair and tanned skin. She apparently got her red hair and freckles from her father. He was standing right next to her mother, staring lovingly at her.

„My fathers name was Jack and next to him is my little sister Mary. She was 8“, a blond girl with pigtails and a wide toothless smile was staring at Conrad. „How…?“, was the only word he was able to get out as realization hit him. „Car accident. We were driving through the Outback. Australian roads can be long and tiring and especially bumpy in the deserted areas. An oncoming car was trying to avoid a kangaroo that crossed the street but ended up in our lane and fronted us. My sister was in the passenger seat on the lap of my mother as I was being a terrible annoying teenager and had made her cry about something. I was the only one in the back. I can’t remember what happened to the people in the other car… just that an helicopter was there somewhen after the collision and me waking up in a hospital bed again. My family didn’t make it there alive…“, Conrad now looked at her, expecting to see tears as she previously warned him but he was staring into a blank expression. She had told this story countless of times, removing every emotion she’d ever felt from it. Sometimes it didn’t even feel like something that had happened to her anymore. Just a tell-tale she retold from the news. Only her sunken in shoulders showed the impact it still had on her.

Conrad had his hands freed from her grip and was now the one holding both her hands in place, squeeing them. They stayed in that position for a long time. Sitting across from each other, holding hands, staring in each others eyes. Taking everything from each others appearance. Conrad could do that for hours. Getting lost in her eyes, his mind was blank. He was just living in this moment, experiencing, enjoying it. Usually he turned to alcohol or weed to shut his thoughts but they often still crept through. This was new. He liked this. Charlie was the first to jump when her phone suddenly started ringing, signaling that the delivery man had arrived. Conrad let go of her hands and she answered the phone. As she was hanging up, she looked at the clock. About half an hour has passed since she had placed the order. It definitely didn’t feel that long.

„Stay here, I will get it“, she spoke in a soft tone, barely above a whisper even though she had answered the phone in a normal volume. She however didn’t feel like it was appropriate towards Conrad and the moment they just shared. He nodded and she grabbed her keys before quickly leaving the room to meet the delivery man in the hallway. When she returned she found him sunken on her bed. He had stretched his legs out and was resting his head against her wall, playing with the wombat plushie that was now sitting on his lap. She took the moment in for a second before speaking up, „I don’t know if they just don’t care on campus or if it was my Australian-ness but I ordered a bottle of wine alongside the food and the guy didn’t even ask for my I.D.“, she explained with a grin on her face, holding the bottle up.

„I just don’t have glasses…“, Charlie then remembered but Conrad shrugged his shoulders in response. „Good call about the wine but we can just drink from the bottle. Like real classy people“, „Is that how the people in your upper classy summer town do it?“, she laughed, relieved how quickly the mood lightened again. How easy it was with him. It didn’t feel forced, it was natural. „Of course, learned from the best“, he responded over confidently and propped himself up to take the bottle from her hand. She put the bag with the food on the bed before placing herself next to him with her back against the wall as well.

While he opened the wine, thankful that it was no cork, she unpacked their food. Their conversation shifted to light-hearted topics while they ate. Favorite color and animals. Their favorite movies and books. Childhood teachers… the bottle of wine always wandering between them, the touches lasting longer the emptier the bottle got. 

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When Charlie woke up the next morning she felt something heavy sprawled across her, cuddled into her. She didn’t dare to move her hands that were wrapped around Conrad who was laying half on top of her, his arms hugging her tightly. She slowly blinked herself awake against the bright light shining through the window. As her gaze resorted to normal she moved her head down to see his light brown hair tousled. His head rested on her chest and moved up and down with each of her breaths. Her laptop was pushed to the foot rest of her bed and they somehow ended up beneath her comforter even though clearly falling asleep on top of them.

With half a bottle of wine in both their systems they decided to watch a movie the previous night and ended up cuddling more and more into each other the longer the movie went on. The bed frame already was quite small for a person of Conrads height so her being nearly a head and a half smaller than him didn’t matter much as he was taking up most of the space of the bed but he didn’t seem to mind. They were spooning, him clearly being the big spoon when she had noticed him doze of a couple of times, not entirely sure if it was the nightly hour or the alcohol that had suddenly made him sleepy.

Every time he dozed off again, he had sunken more into her until his head was completely resting on her chest and that’s when he couldn’t fight it any longer. A soft snore had erupted from his alcohol-infused lungs when Charlie decided to stop the movie, close the laptop and let herself thrift off to sleep as well. Now, the longer she started on his hair, she had the sudden urge to flatten it out. She lifted her right arm and let her fingers run through the brown mess. His hair felt just as soft as they looked and she found herself caressing his head when he slowly woke up from the motion.

Conrad tilted his head to look at her, his chin still resting on her chest. „Good morning“, he whispered a sleepy smile forming on his lips as his consciousness began to realize where he was. His voice was deep and raspy. Charlies fingers wandered from his hair down his face. Taking in the texture of his perfect skin. It came to a stop on his cheek, her thumb stroking along his smile she stopped at the mole above his upper lip. He shifted his head against her hand, closing his eyes again.

“Morning“, she let out as whisper and turned her head to look to the other side of the room. Her roommate wasn’t there, her bed however looked unmade so she must’ve slept here. it was Saturday but maybe she had an early weekend class. She turned her head back to find Conrad already staring at her, „You’re comfy“, he whispered, speaking against her thumb that still rested on his face. „Right back at ya“, she replied smiling. „Care to make this date last all weekend long?“, he then asked her, propping himself up by his elbows on either side of her.

His sudden movement left her feeling empty and cold but she took it was an invitation to let her hands wander from his face down to his shoulders and biceps. She felt him shudder beneath her touch and bit her lip to keep her from smirking. „I wouldn’t mind having this date last forever“, she finally answered him and a smile spread across the entirety of his face. „Just for technicality… if I go leave to change clothes and have a shower… would that still count as one date in total?“, „As we’ve established yesterday I will be waiting to watch you in the shower“, she laughed, calling back to their banter of the previous day, „but yes, I guess I can accept your absence for half an hour. Just no minute longer“, she furthered her answer.

„Sounds fair“, he agreed and much to his own dismay stood up completely. „Okay… meet up at the coffee cart in half an hour?“, he suggested, tidying up his shirt and ruffling through his hair. Charlie sat up, wanting to be closer to him already again and nodded. „See you then“, she smiled and for a second there she was unsure if she should stand up and kiss him. The urge was definitely there but he luckily made that decision for her when he leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek before quickly walking backwards, closing the door behind him after not breaking eye contact until it physically wasn’t possible anymore.

Charlie fell back onto her bed and punched the mattress with both her hands and feet, wiggling in excitement and squealing from all the emotion overload she was feeling right this moment. What has he gotten herself into? Merely 24 hours ago she was planning on not dating her first year of college, just wanting to have fun and maybe slut around a bit and now she spend the night with the most beautiful man she ever came across, inside and out and would be content if she died tomorrow because she couldn’t imagine her life getting any better than this. She experienced the most happiness she could ever feel.

To not make him wait, she got herself out of bed and opted for a quick shower before deciding on a emerald green flow-y dress with long sleeves and finger brushed her wavy hair. She threw her phone, keys and wallet in a tote bag before making her bed and leaving the room. The coffee cart in question wasn’t always in the same spot so she probably needed some time to find it this morning.  When she finally found it, she already saw Conrad standing there, dressed in black skinny jeans and a white linen shirt instead of a black tee like yesterday. She smiled about the fact that he tried to look more put together this time but stopped walking when she saw him FaceTiming someone. 

Just as Conrad had left the shower his phone started ringing. He knew he was in a rush but he didn’t want to put Steven on hold as he already didn’t answer the last time his friend had called. After he accepted the call he propped his phone against a bottle on his desk and searched his drawers for a clean pair of pants. „Finally“, Steven said as he call was connected but was taken aback when he saw his childhood friend shirtless, getting dressed and in a good mood.

„Dude, are you still drunk or why are in a good mood this early in the morning?“, he asked to which Conrad just laughed, finishing zipping up. „Nothing… just experiencing college… meeting new people… the usual“, he then replied and walked back to his closet, trying to find a appropriate shirt but Steven could clearly hear the smile in his voice and shifted his position forward.

„Oh my god! You have a date, don’t you?“, he immediately knew. The two always had a special connection growing up and Conrad knew that lying was pointless so he just admitted it. „Yeah…“, he pulled out a white linen shirt and started putting it on. „How? The last time we spoke was a week ago and you were still mopey and in a bad mood“, Steven shook his head in disbelief, the last few summers he had gotten used to Conrads sudden shifts in mood but he hadn’t seen him this happy in like forever. To not destroy it he tried to avoid certain topics e.g. his sister. That was a conversation for another time. Or maybe not.

„I don’t know… it just happened yesterday. I was reading and then this girl approached me and suddenly we spend the entire day together and I woke up in her bed half an hour ago“, explained Conrad, trying to make sense of everything that happened in this short amount of time. He grabbed his wallet and keys and left the door, his phone in his hand, so Steven was still able to see some of his face. „Ooooh you’re such a flirt“, he teased and wiggled his eyebrows when Conrad shot him a glare and rolled his eyes but still got flustered when he replied, „No, not like that. Nothing happened just yet“. „But you’re meeting her again now?“, Steven questions further to which he earned nodding.

„Yeah, in like two minutes. I asked her to meet me for coffee and we kinda agreed to let this date last all weekend long… so sorry for cutting you off like that but I gotta go“, he cut short when he came to a halt at the coffee cart and spun around in search of her. When he finally spotted her, a smile erupted on his face and Steven now was sure he had never seen this look on his friends face and he had seen Conrad with a lot of girls in Cousins throughout the years. „Its okay… call me when its over. I want details. All of them!“, he bid his farewell and ended the call. Conrad put his phone in his pocket and walked into her direction. „Sorry about that. That was a friend from home“, he quickly apologized as soon as he reached her. „No worries“, she waved it off. „You look beautiful“, he said after taking her appearance in. 

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„That’s disgusting“, she heard him say as soon as she had placed her coffee order, „You don’t have to pay for it“, she shrugged. „No, I’ll but still… americano with an extra shot expresso and hazelnut sirup? How do you even come up with that?“, Conrad asked, still in disgust as he the barista handed him his simple cappuccino with almond milk“, „By wanting to still feel something in my dead soul“, she answered him and took the cup she was given. He shook his head and handed the guy the money. „If you tell me you like pineapple on pizza, I have to end this date right now“, he said in a serious tone as they started to walk away.

„Allergic“, Charlie simply replied, „To pizza?“, „No pineapple, you doofus“. „Oh… I’m allergic to peaches“, „Noted“, she nodded her head as if she was making a mental note, „But… you do know that peach skin is actually fuzzy feeling to everybody?“, she said half joking. „My closes throat after eating one to many when I was 7 definitely knows“, he replied. They were crossing the campus, not taking their eyes of each other, mindlessly strolling around. 

„Was it…“, he began, contemplating his next words, „… hard for you to get in a car again… after…?“, he didn’t want to finish his sentence. She looked up at him and slowly nodded. „I actually only got my license after I turned 18. Whenever I had to get into a car prior to that I had a full blown panic attack. My aunt lives in Brooklyn, so cars weren’t a huge issue anymore as I was able to get anywhere by train but I always knew I had to get it over and done with. I don’t plan on living in a big city forever. I would love to one day move back to the beach but that also means I would need to get a car in the long run“, „The other solution would’ve been to marry rich and get a driver“, Conrad joked, trying to lighten her up and she did let out a laugh before continuing,

„Yeah… I just don’t trust other people behind the wheel? Driving myself is no issue now but you’ll never dare see me jump into the passenger seat of anyones car. I need that feeling of being in control or else the panic rises again“. Conrad understandingly nodded his head, „Makes sense. If you can’t escape a situation at least you have the control over what happens“, he somewhat repeated what she said. Since his first panic attack on the sailing boat with Cleveland he now regularly had one.

His last one had only been a few days ago. Even though studying and learning new things in general always came easy for him, studying medicine was a whole other level. All the things he had to learn and remember. It just had felt overwhelming that day. 

„When you say you want to move to the beach… do you mean back to Australia?“, Conrad ask now, they had reached a bench now and he decided to sit down on it. She shook her head no and sat down right next to him. The bench was big and there were no other people sitting on it, still her knees ended up resting on his thigh as she had put her feet on the bench as well. His right hand automatically found his way on top of her knees, sliding down a little onto her thigh.

„I thought about moving back to Australia for sure… but there’s nothing there for me to go back to… sure I had a best friend growing up but we kinda grew apart over the years. My aunt is my only family left… apart from some cousins in Scotland I think but that’s about it. Australia is great but America has equally as good waves to surf. I do miss Marmite though…“, she laughed, „I don’t see myself anywhere in the future. Maybe I’ll stay here. Maybe I’ll move cross country or to a complete other continent… or maybe I’ll fall head over heels for a guy and will go wherever he’ll lead me“, she continued and looked in his eyes again after she had led her gaze wander over the campus.

She didn’t even have to think twice about it. If Conrad would declare he had to move to Iceland the next day, she would follow him, wouldn’t even question it. She had been playing with the hair at the nape of his neck, as her arm was resting on the back of the bench. A smirk formed on his lips, „Is that so?“, he squeezed her thigh, „Lucky you that this guy’s family owns a beach house where he always saw himself move into when he grew older“, he said.

Charlie hummed in agreement, „So be it. I’ll become a upper-classy wine mom with a doctor husband and spend my days gossiping with other stuck up stay at home wife’s“, she said but then actually imagined their life together. Living in his beach house. Always surfing together. Having fun. One day having kids run around and drag sand everywhere… she was never one to see herself with kids. Not in her 19 years of live did she ever think about becoming a mother. But now she did and she could see herself be one to his children. By the looks of it Conrad had a similar thought playing out in his head.

„Was that childhood friend that had called you earlier one from the beach house?“, Charlie asked after she had snapped out of her fantasy. He nodded. „His name is Steven, he is a few month younger than me and it always felt like he was my little brother growing up. Our mothers are best friends. They had been going to the beach house ever since they were 16 and just continued to do so when we were born. So every summer since I can remember, I had these two bonus siblings. My summer siblings, if you will. He’ll start college next year so he’s trying to get know everything about my experience. We usually had contact about a handful of times throughout the year… you know like birthdays, Christmas and all that but ever since I moved here we had been trying to call each other more regularly. I talk to him more often than my actual brother“, he told her.

Charlie wanted to say something when she saw someone approaching them, „Hey Conrad“, the guy half-shouted when he was in earshot of them. Conrad reluctantly removed his eyes from her and looked up at Trevor. One of the guys in his dorm, they hardly talked but he always was up to party and that was probably also the reason why he had interrupted them just now. „Ah, a new girl I see“, Trevor said and wiggled his eyebrows at Conrad, making the top of his ears turn as bright as Charlies hair from embarrassment.

Charlie looked at Trevor in disgust. He was definitely the type of frat boy she usually tried to avoid. „There’s a party going on tonight at the frat house down our dorms“, he explained his appearance and looked at Conrad with hope, „You joining?“. Conrad looked at Charlie as if to check if it was okay. „She can come as well“, Trevor added and that’s when she started to nod. „Yeah, we’ll be there“, she answered for the both of them. She was curious how Conrad was at parties. What made him friend with a guy like Trevor.

She didn’t like parties as she always found herself somewhere in the corner on a couch, sipping on drinks and talking to people rather than actually partying. She didn’t need to go to a party to talk to people when she could do that in more comfortable settings, so why even bother?

Her answer as all Trevor needed and as fast as he had gotten to them, he’d left them alone again. Of course not before shooting Conrad another look, showing him how he approved of the „new girl“. „He’s in my dorm. He just always know about parties and where to get weed“, Conrad informed her as if he wanted to distance himself from anything that could make her think that he was actually friends with that guy. 

„Where were we?“, Charlie changed the topic, wanting to more about his childhood upbringing. Conrad had to think real quick. „I was telling you about my brother Jeremiah and how fitting that we were interrupted by a party offer as he’s usually the life of the party. He has this charisma that can make a whole room like him in an instant“, he continued, „And then there’s Belly. Isabel. She’s Stevens little sister. She’ll sometimes call me in the middle of the night and wants me to help her with math“, he laughed. 

Chapter Text

„Tell me, why did we agree to that party again?“, Charlie asked and looked at Conrad. After they had spent nearly all day sat on that bench, they had had decided to order food again. To that exact bench. This time they had agreed on pasta and debated whether they should order alcohol with it but decided against it as they would be getting free alcohol at the party later. „Because we apparently are both socially incapable to say no to anything people ask of us?“, Conrad answered in a way to serious tone. „That must be it“, Charlie nodded, smirking.

„And if we don’t go now, we probably never will“, he said and slung his arms around her before standing up. She put her arms around his neck as he was trying to readjust his grip and ended up carrying her bridal style. „Yeah no“, she said and looked him in the eyes before pushing her up with her arms and swung her legs around his body. She was now on his back, positioning her piggy back style, waiting for him to grab her legs. „What the fuck did just happen?“, Conrad was confused. He was at a loss for words, trying to comprehend how she did that.

„I was a Cheerleader in High School“, Charlie whispered in his ear. Slowly the dots connected in his brain and he just accepted it. „You accused me of doing too many sports and decided to keep that one to yourself?“, he shook his head and finally grabbed onto her thighs. She loosened the grip around his neck a little and let herself sink into his hands some more. „Do you want to change? I want to put on another shirt“, he said, earlier while eating pasta he of course got tomato sauce on his white linen shirt. No matter how careful you were while eating, some of the sauce always ended up on white clothes. And even if he hadn’t been this clumsy, wearing a rather nice shirt to a stupid frat party to get drunk also didn’t seem like the best idea.

„No, I guess I’m fine“, Charlie said. Conrad nodded and walked them to his room. „Hey Eric“, he muttered when he opened the door and saw his roommate sitting in front of his computer at his desk. Eric only acknowledged them when he saw Conrad flipping Charlie down on his bed. „Hey…“, he said and gave them a quick nod before returning to his game. Conrad got himself back up and walked to his dresser, searching for something to wear. Charlie propped herself up on her elbows and followed his every step.

He pulled a gray henley out and turned around to look at her as if to ask if it was alright. She shrugged and he started unbuttoning his shirt, fixating his gaze on her. Her eyes followed his hands down his body, lingering on every part of skin that got exposed with each button. His chest was bare, just as his face. She found herself wondering how his father looked. If he was able to grow a beard or hair on his chest. His muscles popped when he flung the shirt off of his shoulders and put the henley over his head. Charlie was disappointed to see his skin getting covered again.

He fixed his hair with a swift hand motion, „Ready?“. Charlie stood up „Lets go“. They only had to round the block to get to the frat house. The music could probably be heard from a mile away and even though the evenings were rather cold, a lot of people were standing outside in the yard, cups in hand. „Conrad!“, Trevor shouted and stumbled towards them. He already had one too many and slurred his words, „Come play beer pong with us“.

Conrad grabbed Charlies hand and they followed Trevor to the other side of the house. He stopped them in the kitchen. „You’re sober. You need something to get on our level“, he slurred and grabbed one of the tequila bottles. „Bottom up“, he said and gave the bottle to Conrad who gladly accepted it. „Where’s the salt?“, he looked around the kitchen but Charlie spotted it first. She grabbed it, alongside the bottled lemon juice and smirked at Conrad before pouring the salt in her hand. He mirrored her smirk before tilting his head down and licked the salt off her hand. She tried to suppress the sudden arousal she felt.

Holding the tequila to his lips, he took a large sip and hadn’t swallowed everything before Charlie already poured the lemon juice in his mouth. The juice doesn’t hold the same effect as a fresh lemon slice but it did his job. Charlie had already put another round of salt in her hand and had licked it off, grabbing the tequila from Conrad and taking an equally large sip but it kept pouring out of her mouth as she was trying to drink from the lemon juice. He started laughing at her and swiped his sleeve across her face, not caring that it would get sticky from the liquid. She rolled her eyes and took another sip from the tequila.

Conrad took the bottle from her hands again and drank while slipping his arm across her hips. Trevor seemed satisfied and started walking again. „You taste good“, Conrad whispered, his mouth grazing her ear as they followed him to the next room and squeezed her side. The tequila already loosened his tongue and confidence. A beer pong game was coming to a close when they entered the room. „Perfect timing, who’ll join me?“, asked Trevor and lined himself up at the table. Some random guy stepped next to him while Conrad and Charlie stepped on the other side of the table. A girl was already filling the cups back up with beer.

„I’m terrible at this“, Conrad confessed to Charlie as he got one of the tennis balls. „By terrible you mean…?“, Charlie asked but then watched him throw the ball straight into one of the cups. „Ah, I see“, she said to herself. Of course he was good at throwing why did she even ask. But that meant that the other team had to drink more and more frequently, resulting in them becoming drunk faster. So wanting to play this game to get drunk you had to stand opposite from him and not next to him. He gave her the other ball and she actually tried but the ball landed next to the table.

Trevor and the other guy took their sweet time to find the tennis ball before they were able to throw themselves. Charlie sighted and took another sip of the tequila that they had brought with from the kitchen. „Good thinking“, Conrad took the bottle from her hand and caught the ball that failed to stay in one of the cups. „God, can you stop being so…“, Charlie looked at him and moved her hand in front of him to point out his entire body „.. effortlessly sexy at everything“, she huffed. Conrad chuckled, „Effortlessly sexy?“, that’s a new one.

They downed the entire bottle during the duration of the game alongside some of the beers that were actually hit with the balls. Trevor was on his knees, gulping down the last cup and let out a loud burp afterwards. They saw their change and left the table and behind them the cups were already refilled as another couple stepped on their previous place. They made their way through the living room and Conrad flopped down on a couch that wasn’t yet occupied.

People around them were dancing or in conversation. Charlie let herself fall down next to him but he shook his head „No“, he said and grabbed her by her waist to pull her into his lap, „Better“. Conrad led his head fall back onto the couch in satisfaction and rubbed his thumbs alongside her thighs. „No more drinks?“, Charlie pouted and tugged at hem of his neckline. „Maybe later“, he said and lifted his head up again.

Their faces were now right next to each other, their noses almost touching and that’s how they stayed. Staring into each others eyes again, soft smiles crossing their lips. The only thing moving was Conrads hands on her bare thighs. As the minutes passed his hands became more brave and slipped down her thighs under the part that had been covered by the fabric. Charlie sucked in a breath when he stroked across the skin that connected her thigh to her hips. A shudder went down her spine and Conrad smirked when he noticed, „Oops“, he let out innocently and that was it for her.

She swung her left leg across his body and felt his breath on her calf as it was only millimeters away from his face. She took her sweet time, letting him admire her flexibility before positioning her leg on the other side of him, straddling him. She sunk down on his lap again, pressing her chest against his. Her hands had found their way around his neck. Conrad carefully watched her every move. His gaze had shifted from admiration to lust. His eyes flicked from her eyes down to her lips and back up again.

His hands had found their way beneath her dress again, cupping her ass. When he gave her cheeks a firm squeeze she crashed her lips to his. The tension between them washed aways as they they both let themself sink into the kiss. She kissed him with force, which he mirrored. Their mouth were slightly opened but still kept their tongues to themselves. Charlie tilted her head to the other side and slightly pulled his hair as one of her hands had found its way upwards. Conrad moaned lightly and tightened his grip. To this moment he didn’t even knew that he liked his hair getting pulled.

She took his moan to slip in her tongue and grinned into the kiss when she felt a force growing beneath her. Conrad started moving her hips on top of him, hoping she would get the hint. She did. Charlie started grinding her hips against his crotch. The texture of his jeans rubbing nicely against the thin fabric of her underwear. His right hand moved between their bodies. He slipped his thumb down the hem of her panty and started to caress her skin while she continued to to grind against him. Conrad tilted his head in arousal as his jeans seemed to tighten. Charlie let her lips wander from his mouth down to his now exposed neck and stopped near his ear when she heard him suck in a breath. She stayed at that spot, biting into it a little. That did it for him, his lips searched hers again as he felt the orgasm rush through his body.

She continued to move her hips as if she wanted to guide him through and as he thrusted his hips upwards she knew it was over. She felt his crotch twitch beneath her which send her over the edge as well. She kept grinding herself deeper on him as her legs started to shake. She moved away from their kiss and buried her face in his neck as she rode her orgasm out. Her legs were still shaking as she collapsed into him. She lifted her head and looked at him. He moved his hands above her dress again and they smiled at each other. He was still hard and her legs kept shaking.

„I’m definitely keeping you after this“, muttered Conrad, brushing a stray piece of hair behind her ear, that had fallen in her face.

Chapter Text

„Conrad!“, Steven exclaimed in shock as the older one had just filled him in on all his weekend shenanigans. „You wanted every detail, remember?“, Conrad laughed, his ears and cheeks tined red. He was laying outside the library again and actually had planned to study when Steven had called him, impatient. He had waited all day for Conrad to call him as he was on edge on how his date went. „And I’m happy for you and wished I was at that party with you. Not to see you going at it but damn you were basically fucking in public!“, Steven had lowered his voice, he was at home after all and didn’t want Laurel or Belly to hear what he had just said.

He had seen Conrad kissing a lot of girls during their summers in Cousins. He even witnessed him going to third base during a bonfire night once but they were hidden. Conrad was a private guy, he couldn’t imagine his friend display any sort of PDA like this. Charlie and Conrad had left the party quickly after they were sure that she was able to walk normally and his boner had died down. Nobody around them had seemed to care. There were other couples going at it as well if not more graphically as they made their way out the frat house.

They went into Charlies room as she was sure she had seen Ellen, her roommate, going at it with some guy at the party as well. They had hung a sock on the door handle, in good old fashion manner, and didn’t leave the bed anymore until this morning. Conrad lost count on how many times they had done it yesterday and he was sure he didn’t have anything left inside of him for another month.

„Yeah“, Conrad said and smiled at the memory. „Oh my… you’re head over heels for that girl Just look at your reflection, that’s disgusting“, Steven noticed and he his ears turned even a deeper shade of red. „I didn’t even know it was possible to fall in love like this“, Conrad said and looked away, a little embarrassed to admit this towards Steven. Steven who probably still hold resentment towards him after how he’d dropped Belly. If Belly had even told him. Conrad hoped not.

„You deserve this“, Steven told him. He didn’t know. „After everything going on with Susannah, you deserve this happiness in your life. I think the universe wanted to treat you with something good and I’m glad you’re not pushing it away“, he suddenly had gotten very serious. Steven usually was one to joke around and lighten the mood, it was selten that you heard words like this from his mouth.

Conrad sighted, „Yeah.. I guess“, he didn’t want to think about it. He was laying on his stomach, propped up on his elbows and had headphones in. He didn’t hear Charlie approaching him. She had just finished her last class for the day and they had agreed to meet in front of the library afterwards. She heard him say Stevens name from afar and knew she could proceed to walk towards him. Conrad had spoken so highly of his friend and she didn’t feel like she would be interrupting them in anything serious. If it would’ve been any of his other family members on the phone, she probably wouldn’t have done what she did now.

She started sprinting the last few steps towards him and flung herself on top of him with one elongated jump. Conrad screamed and threw his phone out of his hands. „Hello handsome, she said as she ripped on of his headphones out while her other arm was dangling over his shoulder across his chest, in an attempt to hug him. She could feel his heart racing as he caught his breath again. „Don’t ever scare me like that again“, he scolded her but laughed anyway, grabbing his phone that landed on the gras in front of him and had a confused Steven still on screen.

„Sorry about that“, Conrad apologized as he put his phone in the same position as before. „As the universe will, that’s her. Charlie that’s Steven. He just told me that he can’t wait to meet you when you decided to bodyslam me“,he looked over his shoulder at her and there it was again. The heart eyes that Steven had noticed whenever he heard him talk about her. This time in full display. He had never seen anyone look this in love. Not his parents, not Belly even though she had claimed to be but maybe… maybe Susannah. Yeah, that right there was the look Susannah gave them when she was proud of them but not even her version could compare to the extend Conrad looked right now.

Charlie slid herself up little bit so she had a better view of his phone and Steven could actually see her and not just the mop of red hair on Conrads back. She had stuck the headphone she stole from Conrad in her own ear, so she could actually listen to what Steven was saying „That’s an entrance, if I ever saw one“, Steven said and grinned. „Nice to meet the girl that Conrad lost his mind over. I can see why“, he continued. A blush crept on both their faces. „He’d been talking very highly about you too“, Charlie said and looked at Steven. A smile crossed his face. He had always looked up to Conrad so hearing something like this made him feel proud.

He looked away from his phone when he heard a knock on his door. „Steven?“, he heard his mother say. A panicked look crossed his face, he looked back to Conrad, unsure if he should just end the FaceTime or shoo his mother away. „Is that Laurel?“,Conrad asked him to which he nodded. „Get her in“, he said without hesitation. So Steven did exactly that „Come in“, she opened his door and stepped inside. „I thought I heard you say Conrads name. Were you two talking?“, she asked her son.

He nodded, „He’s on FaceTime still“. Steven showed his display in her direction so she was able to see his face. „Laurel“, Conrad said happily, „I’m sorry I haven’t called you in a while“, he genuinely was. They had been talking to each other at least bi-weekly but with her now basically living weekends in Boston and his courses it hadn’t worked out in a while. She must’ve just gotten home from his house as she was looking exhausted. „It’s fine Conrad. Don’t worry about me, you are probably busy with all your studies“, she waved off as she sat herself next to Steven on his bed.

She then looked into his phone like a typical mother did. She wasn’t gifted with much technical understanding so of course she was also confused about how she should take part in a FaceTime call. She squinted her eyes at the red head on top of Conrad. He hadn’t planned on introducing her to Laurel but as soon as she had knocked on Stevens door he just… wanted to. „Charlie this is Laurel, my second mother“, he said over his shoulder and then turned back around to watch Laurel carefully. He was a little taken aback by him calling her that but she smiled. „Laurel this is Charlie…“, „His girlfriend“, shrieked Steven excited next to his mother.

They hadn’t made it official, haven’t had the ‚girlfriend and boyfriend‘ talk just yet but that was because neither felt the need for it. And to be fair, the had only know each other for three days now, even though it already felt longer. They had just wanted to continue on how they were. Living their life, spending their time together. Conrad knew he should feel embarrassed about Steven called her that. About how he just exposed him to his mother but he didn’t. It was fine. If what they had could be perceived as boyfriend and girlfriend from the outside, so be it.

„Connie..“, was all Laurel got out. She didn’t know what so say. He was exhausted from the weekend she just had. From the drive back. Hadn’t heard from Conrad in weeks and neither had Susannah. He was worried about her son and about his college life but now that Laurel saw her Connie smiling toward her, he felt relieved. She hadn’t seen him smile like this in years… maybe ever. He was a beaming ray of sunshine. A mirror image to her best friend when she was younger and still full of life.

„Nice to meet you“, Charlie said and buried her face in Conrads shoulder. Laurel snapped out of her thoughts and started smiling at the two of them. „Connie that’s wonderful“, „Can we… keep this between us?“, Conrad asked suddenly, tensing up. Charlie put her free hand on the back of his neck, trying to calm him. „Just for now, I mean…“ but Laurel cut him off „Of course. I’m glad you’re doing good and we“ she glared down at her son „won’t tell anybody until you’re ready to do so yourself“, she encouraged him. Conrad sighted in relief.

„But call your mother anyway. She misses you. Just seeing you in a good mood will brighten her day“, Laurel then said and stood up again. „How is she?“, asked Conrad before she could leave Stevens room. „She gained 5 pounds this week“, Laurel smiled, „I’ll leave you three to it. We’ll talk another time. I’m exhausted“, she said and excused herself before waving goodbye and leaving the room.

Conrad was thrilled to hear the good news about Susannah gaining weight but he also knew that patients suddenly doing better usually meant that they were nearing their end. They kept talking to Steven a little while longer before hanging up. Conrad rolled themselves over so she was now laying beneath him, facing him. He laid himself on her, careful not to put his entire weight on top of her but still kept his hands next to her on the grass, so he was able to look at her. „Sorry to just put that upon you…“, „Its fine“, she smiled and moved her hands along his arms.

„Laurel seems lovely and so does Steven. Don’t apologize about wanting me to show off to people you love… Connie“, a smirked crossed her lips when she said his old nickname.

„Don’t. That one is only for Laurel to call me“.

Chapter Text

It’s been almost two weeks since the photo happened. They had adjusted themselves into each other lives, course schedules. Just everything. Right now they were in Charlies room, Conrad sat on the floor and leaned his back against her bed. He had a notepad resting on his leg, scribbling on it while being on the phone with Belly. She had called him in need of her math homework again. Charlie was sprawled on her bed, laptop in front of her.

She was editing some of the photos she had taken over the past few weeks. Moments like this were spend co-existing. It didn’t matter what the other was doing, they just wanted to be close to each other while doing their separate thing. Ellen, her roommate, had apparently fallen in love  that night at the frat house and thus was spending more time there with her lover. So Charlie and Conrad mostly had her room to themselves now. He slept here every night since as he claimed he couldn’t fall asleep without her anymore.

„Belly no. I can’t do that“, he said and caught Charlies attention with that. He suddenly sounded distressed. He shifted her focus on his conversation. They were arguing and he hung up on her. As soon as he did that, he turned around to look at Charlie. He had an expression on his face that she couldn’t quite place. „What was that about?“, she asked curious. „She asked if I would go to prom with her“, he said, his voice monotone. Charlie turned so she was sitting directly in fron of him and lowered herself to his height.

He had opened up to her about how Belly had a crush on him growing up and how they had kissed a few times last year. „That will just get her hopes up. Make things awkward“, he tried to reason. „You should take her“, Charlie said after thinking about it for a little. He was surprised, didn’t think she would take that side of the equation. „Think about it. She has no-one or else she wouldn’t have asked you. You’re her big brother. The guy she crushed on since forever. She would be forever grateful if you did that for her and also… it would make your mother happy“, she explained herself.

Conrad had called his mother a few days after his talk with Laurel. Just to check in. He had hardly revealed anything about his life at college. Deep down he knew that her time was coming to an end. He didn’t want to stress her, make her worry about him. He wanted her to live in her world, the one she build for herself. Let her continue her summers. He would’ve loved to introduce Charlie to her… her two years ago. Back when she was still his mother, when the cancer hadn’t spread again and she was still completely herself. In her mind. But now it would probably just stress her out too much. Letting a new person into her life would mess with her perfect world. Charlie was understanding about all of it. He loved her even more for that.

Others girls would’ve freaked out in this situation, would be jealous out of their minds but then again maybe Charlie only wasn’t  because she didn’t know his family. How they really were.  „You’re right“, he sighted, „God, why do you always have to be right about everything? I don’t deserve you“. „I am 5 years of trauma ahead of you, that makes me wiser“, she said and smirked. „Call her back and then come to bed“, Charlie added to which he nodded. „Okay“, he grabbed his phone and clicked on her number in his recently called. 

A week later the prom had already happened. It was Sunday, Conrad had just gotten back and was laying in her arms, exhausted. Charlie had been right, it made his mother very happy but he found himself annoyed about her involved in all of it. He had known that she would do that. He excepted nothing else from her. He had been able to rent a suit but to everything else his mother had asked of him, his mind drew blanc.

Charlie had noticed the shift in his behavior, how he had deserted him more inside of his mind. He had talked about it with her, opened up about it but she knew that no matter how much they would talk about it, she couldn’t change his feelings about it and it wasn’t like he was a different person to her. He was still the loving and caring guy she had met. They still laughed a lot, she felt it was real and he didn’t put up a facade for her. All she could do now was be there for him, mentally and physically.

The morning before he left for the prom, she had went out to and bought two large picture frames. She had printed out two copies of the photo, she had taken of Conrad, in the photo lab the previous night and put them in the frames for him to gift to his mothers. He loved the idea. „Text me when you got there and try to enjoy it for your own sake“, she told him when they were standing outside his car. „I can’t enjoy myself when you’re not there with me“, he said and kissed her.

They only time they had been separated during the past weeks where when they each attended their courses. Other than that they had spend every minute of every day together. Awake and asleep. Him being gone for about an entire day wasn’t in their liking. Before the kiss could deepen into more, she pulled away, squeezing him tightly. She didn’t let go as long as he himself didn’t pull away. When he did she took a step back and watched him sit into his car. His suit and the picture frames on the passenger seat. She waved goodbye as he drove off. 

She had only heard from him twice all day. Once when he arrived. It was a half-assed text that he probably send on accident as somebody had interrupted him while typing. She didn’t question it. 

Glad, have fun

She had texted him back and chuckled at how they had to exchange numbers before he drove off because they hadn’t done that yet. 

The second time he texted her was around 11pm. He was annoyed and wanted to drive back to Brown even though he had Laurel promised to sleep there. 

Do whatever feels right

She wrote back as she couldn’t think of anything she could do from this far away. She didn’t know why he was upset. 

A few hours later her phone had buzzed again and he informed her that he was at his mothers and would be return in the morning. She didn’t know which mother he meant. But she still wrote back.

Okay, sleep tight. Love you

They hadn’t said it to each other yet but in this instance it just felt right.

When he finally got back, it was almost noon. Charlie laid on her bed, scrolling through her phone when he burst through the door and let no time pass to flop down on her bed. Burying his face in her chest. She slung her arms around him tightly and caressed his back. „I love you too“, he confessed against her clothes. It sounded muffled and she hardly understood but she squeezed him even tighter after. 

„My boobs or me?“, she said in an attempt to lighten the mood. She felt him chuckle, „Both", „Do you want to rant and me just to listen?“, she asked him softly in return. Her way of acknowledging his words without saying it again. He didn’t open up straight away. She could tell he had already felt his emotions on the car ride back and was sorting through everything in his mind. Trying to make sense of it before he laid everything open for her.

How Laurel loved the photo and that it was taken by Charlie. How he told her and Steven everything about them while Belly got dressed. How he still hadn’t told Belly and how she still tried to make a move on him as their last kiss had been only four month ago and she still had hope. Charlie had to admit that she did feel a sting of jealousy when the told her this and how Belly had tried to make Conrad jealous by talking about some random other guy. How they left the ball and that’s when he texted her because he wanted to be with Charlie instead because he already missed her.

How he probably messed it up with Belly for good now and how he instead drove to Boston as he saw the second copy of the photo and needed to give that to his mother. The breakfast the next day was barely manageable for him. Susannah was asking him about every detail about the prom and he could tell that Jeremiah was seeing through his lies but he just hadn’t put much effort in remembering anything from it. His mind had been occupied by Charlie instead. Susannah was disappointed when he had no photos of him and Belly but was happy about the photograph nonetheless. She even hung it up straight away. Well… Conrad had to help her put the nail in the wall. He had left soon after, before his mood could get any worse. 

Chapter Text

He was back to the Conrad she had gotten to know by the next day. He hadn’t heard from Belly since, their math calls coming through an abrupt end. Steven had checked in about a week after but being the big brother he was a little annoyed still. Any check up calls from Laurel and Susannah had been ignored. While Charlie was worried about him, she didn’t say anything about it. If that’s how he dealt with his family she didn’t want to interrupt but that all changed when the phone call came one early morning in may.

She was the first one to wake up from his ringtone. It was Laurel calling. She immediately knew what that phone call meant and so did Conrad. By the looks of it, he didn’t want to answer his phone. He just stared on Laurels name on it. Charlie hesitated but then accepted the call on his behalf. Ignoring it would only make it worse. He had to face reality now. She put it on speaker mode and let out a still sleeping sounding „Laurel“ to let her know they both were listening. „She’s gone“, Laurel barely got the words out. There were so many mixed emotions in her voice while still sounding monotone and numb.

„I’m so sorry Laurel. Thank you for calling us. Please get some rest now. Let us know of we can do anything, if you need anything“, Charlie got out after a few minutes of silence and heavy breathing. She didn’t know what else to say other than offering her condolences and help. She hated how people had been treating her after the accident. On the one hand everybody pitied her for her ‚awful fate‘ on the other hand she was barely allowed to grief before she was expected to be a functioning member of society again and then there was her aunt that was of both sides but still liked to remind her of the accident any change she got.

„Thank you Charlie, I appreciate it but please just take care of him now“, Laurel answered and hung up. Charlie put the phone away and looked at Conrad beside her who hadn’t said a word since waking up. His expression was blank, he started at the wall opposite of them. His mind tried to process the information. He wanted to cry but couldn’t. He just felt numb. Charlie snuggled up behind him, spooning him and trying to hold him as tight as she was physically able to as he curled himself up into a ball. They stayed in that exact position for the reminder of the night, staring at the clock as the numbers grew bigger.

„You should drive home“, Charlie was the first to speak after a few hours had passes. The sun was already shining in full display again. Conrad didn’t answer. „At least by tomorrow. I bet Laurel is already on her way there and the funeral will be held soon“, she didn’t even know why she brought it up. She just wanted to break the silence somehow. „I don’t want to leave without you. I need you“ he got out, silently, after what felt like forever. „I shouldn’t be there“, she argued against his back.

„I don’t want to leave you alone but I couldn’t show up to a funeral of someone I never knew. That would just make things complicated. I try my best to be there for you… from afar“, she said and Conrad knew she was right. He had been the one who didn’t want to introduce her to Susannah. Wanted his mother to die while still living in her perfect summer dream. It just didn’t feel right bring her home with him when all he wanted to do is let the whole world know who is girlfriend was. But it would’ve complicated things and it would complicate them even more now if she would just be at the funeral.

He knew that there would be people he didn’t know as Susannah had always been a peoples person and was adored by many, he just didn’t need to bring in one more. One last time of being the oldest child that seemed to have his act together. Who protected his younger siblings. Was there for everybody while he had to leave the person who was there for him at home. 

Another hour passed when Conrad finally fell asleep from exhaustion. Charlie tried her best to get up from bed without waking him again and quickly threw on some clothes before leaving the room. First she went to his room and got some fresh clothes for him and put them in his carry-on. She packed a few more than he would need and also got his suit with an black shirt for the funeral. She didn’t want him to think about anything before he left.

Before leaving his room again, she also got his shower things, if he felt ready to take one. It took her weeks after she had gotten out of the hospital before she was finally able to take a simple shower or brush her teeth again as she didn’t see a point of doing it any longer. On her way back to her room she stopped at the campus supermarket and got him water and his favorite snacks in case he could actually get something down. She had lost a lot of weight after the accident because she refused to eat. Of course she couldn’t compare her situation to his but if she had learned anything from him by now was that they had a lot of the same personality traits and coping mechanism on how to deal with things.

Assuming that they would be similar in a situation like this wasn’t far off. As she returned to her room, she found him still sleeping. She put everything on her desk and then grabbed her shower utensils to get herself ready for the day. Upon her return she found him awake again. He had eaten a few of the snacks but had returned back into the same position he had been in before she left. Charlie didn’t say anything, she just climbed on her bed again and was about to position herself behind him again when he rolled over and buried his face in the nape of her neck.

She hugged him close, intertwining their legs. „Thank you“, he whispered and she squeezed him in return. It was almost night when Conrad moved away from her and stood up. He changed his underwear and threw on some of the clothes she had gotten for him earlier. He then put the snacks in the bag as well and looked at Charlie „I’m driving now“. „Are you sure?“, they had been drifting in and out of sleep the entire day, so she wasn’t worried he would fall asleep behind the wheel. She was just worried in general about his state now.

„Yeah. It’s fine. I’ll call you on the way if I feel the need. If not I’ll text you when I get there“, „Okay“, she stood up. „Be careful“, she said and hugged him tight. „I’ll try“, he said and for a quick second there was a smirk on his lips but it was gone as fast as it came. „I love you“, she said and kissed him before she let him leave. She didn’t get a call from him on the road, nor a text when he got there. She however got a text from an unknown number. 

You could’ve come with

-Laurel 

Her heart jumped and a smile sprawled across her lips. He got there safe which was a huge relief and Laurel saying these words made her feel accepted. She saved her numbers in her contacts.

I would’ve felt out of place. So it’s just call duty for him… and you. If you need somebody on the ‚outside‘ to talk to

-Charlie

Thank you, Charlie

And that was it. The day passed and she didn’t hear from anything from anyone. She tried to keep her mind busy with her studies but that worked only half of the time. The next day the same thing. No new texts, no phone calls and failed study sessions but she didn’t expect anything since the funeral was held that day. Charlie was about to fall asleep, when her phone suddenly started to ring. Conrad.

She accepted the call and whispered a sleepy „Heya“, when she heard him breath fast on the other side. He didn’t say anything but she could hear him burst into tears. „It’s okay. Let it all out. I’m here“, she said and listened to his sobs and whimpers, wishing that she could be there for him now. Like physically be there and hold him while he cried in her arms. She was glad that he called her, he didn’t want to cry alone and by the sounds of it he hadn’t cried all day. It all just came bursting out now. Everything he had held back. Month worth of grief.

She got up to fight her sleepiness and listened to him cry for the next three hours while throwing in an „I’m here for you“ once in a while to let him know that she was still listening. His sobs slowly turned into snores and she laid back down to go to sleep herself. She however didn’t end the call. Listening to his soft snores, caused by the stuffed nose he had gotten from all the crying, she could fall asleep more easily. When she woke up the next day, he was still snoring on the other end. She kept the phone call going while she got dressed when she suddenly heard his voice. Soft and exhausted. „Thank you, Char… I’ll be home soon“, Conrad said and hung up. 

Chapter Text

Conrad had returned by noon. He didn’t say anything about the ceremony. Charlie didn’t ask. She was sure he would open up once he felt comfortable enough to revisit that day. During the next weeks, life for them returned to normal. As normal as it could be with him still grieving. She got him to laugh often, he participated in their playful banter as much as she did and she just wanted to bring his thoughts to a happy place as often as she should because late at night, when it was just the two of them, he would cry himself to sleep in her arms.

He ignored every message and phone call he got from his family. Even Steven and Laurel. She didn’t take them for him. His panic attacks came back frequently again. Often caused by his studies when he felt everything overwhelm him. She always tried to guide him through them as best as she could and was becoming a frequent customer to Trevors weed runs. To ease the frequency of the panic attacks she thought it would be a good idea to always have edibles or at least something to smoke around.

He had failed two of his exams but no-one blamed him for it. His professors offered him to take the summer classes so he could revisit everything and get caught up for the following semester. He had agreed and she stayed with him at Brown. She didn’t need to take any classes but also had nowhere else to go. She didn’t want to leave him alone in this fragile state. 

One day, at the end of June, they were in his room. Eric was also staying for summer school and was doing his usual, when Conrad started frantically rummaging through his dresser. Charlie was sat on his bed, watching him. They came here so he was able to change shirts. „I can’t find it“, Conrad said, his voice was rushed as he was throwing out his shirts in search of a specific one. „It’s probably in the wash. Take another one“, Charlie said but already knew that a panic attack was coming. She heard it in his voice.

„No, it can’t be. I haven’t worn it in a while but I want to now. Goddamnit where is it?“, his voice got louder towards the end of the sentence and his body started shaking. He turned around to look at Charlie and was already gasping for air. „It might still be in Boston“, she tried to reason, „I think I packed it for you back then“, she said even though she didn’t even know which shirt he was searching in the first place but she tried not to question him during an episode and he did return from the funeral without the bag as he had left in a rush.

„That must be it“, Conrad agreed and fell down on the bed next to her. At least he was still able to walk. She wrapped her arms around him and over exaggerated her breathing for him to follow along. He was shaking heavily and sweating but this time it didn’t take long for him to catch his breath to a normal pace again. Luckily it only was a mild one. „Better?“, she asked and he nodded against her chest. „Let’s drive to Boston, shall we? Get that bag of yours“, she suggested and he nodded again.

They didn’t have anything better to do today so why not. His summer classes weren’t as often as the regular ones so they would be fine. Even though she only planned to drive there and right back again, so they would be back by tomorrow. When Charlie was sure the panic attack was completely gone, she shoo’ed him under the shower to get rid of the sweat. While he was gone, she picked up the clothes from the floor and folded them back up to put them back in the dresser. She was about to pull the sheets of his bed, when he returned. He never slept in it anymore anyway but she didn’t want the sweat to sit in it.

But as he was now eager to leave, she let them be and followed him to his car. „I love you and all but to not trigger a panic attack in me as well today, I’m going to drive“, Charlie said and held her hands out for his keys. He didn’t argue. The attack was gone but he shouldn’t drive just yet. As Conrad had only driven between Brown and Boston maybe three times in total, he was pointless in giving her directions so they typed his home address in the navigation system and she started driving.

The drive was pleasant, Conrad complimented her driving skills and they talked about nothing of importance. Conrad did however started getting exited when he suggested showing her all of his favorite places in the city. A short guide of his life, as he called it. Charlie liked the idea. They also wondered if anybody would be home and both kinda wished not as Conrad didn’t want to face his family and Charlie didn’t want to make this trip a ‚meet the partents’ one… well the parent. 

„Lets switch“, Conrad suggested when they were about half an hour away from Boston. Charlie looked at him, confused. He said it again and she nodded. She drove out at the next stop and changed into the passenger seat while Conrad got into the drivers seat. „So I don’t have to navigate you around when I want to show you something“, he explained while he adjusted the seat to his height. „I sometimes forget how small you are“, Conrad said laughing, „How can you forget that when you always have to look down to see me?“, Charlie laughed as well.

„Well, we’re in bed most of the time. Laying down, everybody is the same height“, he smirked at her. Charlie rolled her eyes and laughed about his reasoning. Conrad started driving and after about five minutes sounded worried when he remembered something. „How are you feeling?“, he asked her. „Huh?“, „I just remembered that you don’t like being in the passenger seat. How are you feeling?“, he repeated. Charlie smiled, „Honestly I didn’t even think about it up until now. It’s fine, I’m fine. I guess you’re my safe place. When you’re with me I don’t care about stuff like this“, she pointed her hands all over the car.

Conrad smiled and reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers. The next minutes they spend in comfortable silence before he stopped the car for the first time and pointed outside his window. „So that’s my High School“, he said and she started gaining, „Oh really? Would’ve never guessed with the huge sign reading High School“, she replied but squeezed his hand. They didn’t leave his car, he started driving again and stopped at a few more places. The skate park, „Of course you also know how to skate“, Charlie commented on that.

Some random spot where he made Jeremiah trip once and many more before finally driving to his family’s home. It was a big three story build with an equally as big front yard and a garage to fit two cars. The garage doors were closed and no car was parked upfront. Conrad led out a relieved sigh. Nobody was home. „Are you like rich?“, Charlie joked after she finally comprehended what she was looking at. „I did tell you about that upper-classy beach town I grew up in..“, he said and shrugged his shoulders as he was used to it and never saw anything special in his upbringing

. They walked up the porch to the front door and Conrad yelled an „Anyone here?“ After opening the door. Just to be extra sure. Silence. They walked inside and Charlie needed a moment to take everything in. She could tell that the furniture was off the high end. But she could tell how out of place Conrad must’ve felt growing up. That is nothing like the Conrad she got to know. He didn’t fit in here.

As she was walking inside and Conrad led her upstairs to his room, they passed family portraits along with the photo she had taken of him. They actually hung it. She smiled. „That was her“, he said and pointed to the photo next to it. A beautiful photograph of a woman in her mid forties with blond shoulder length hair and a warm smile that reached her eyes. She wore a dress with a flowery fabric and a big hat. Charlie could see their resemblance in their eyes. The same kindness. „She was beautiful“, Charlie breathed out and looked at Conrad who was trying to hold it together. Now having a face to the woman the decoration all over the house made sense. Seemed fitting. It was her house and Charlie could picture her coming down the hallway any second now.

A wave of sadness overcame her, wishing she would’ve gotten to know here when she still had the change. They would’ve probably liked each other. Conrad pulled her into his childhood bedroom. The walls and sheets were held in different shades of blue. His walls were plastered on posters of his favorite bands. Books and some old school trophies ranking from football to the science fair. Charlie shook her head, this room. This was all him. She could see him being 15 and taping his walls with the posters and being moody about the good-heartedness of his mother while also not wanting to throw about all his precious prizes and projects he had done all throughout middle and high school. 

Chapter Text

Shit hit the fan, when they were about to leave the house again but stopped, when they heard an oncoming call going to voice mail. A woman was on the other end, leaving a message. Conrad had stopped in his tracks and listened carefully. He was tense as he first thought his father already had a new affair going on but the message left was way worse. Something about everything going according to plan and that the movers would be there Monday to get all the furniture from the house and how they then could proceed on finding a new buyer.

„I can’t believe it!“, Conrad screamed and let his bag fall to the ground. „He’s fucking selling the summer house. That asshole. It what right would he even… asshole!“, he screamed, „I hate him!“, „Conrad“, Charlie said with a calm in her voice. He turned to look at her but shook his head. „I fucking hate him. I knew he would do something like this. Wouldn’t even wait till summer was over. Not that I could bring myself do go there this year anyway… but we have to go there now. We can’t let this happen. That house is sacred“, his shoulders slung down.

„I’m in“, she said without hesitation and grabbed his hands that he’d balled to fists. Conrad searched her eyes in disbelief. „I was getting in your family dynamics sooner or later. Now I’m here. I’m not leaving. We’re in this together and I’ll follow you wherever you want to go. No questions asked“, Charlie said with force in her voice. She meant it. Every single word. „No questions asked?“, he reassured himself. „No questions asked“, she nodded, „Well… maybe a few along the way… but not now“, she chuckled. He nodded and grabbed his bag again.

They left the house and got back into his car. Conrad in the drivers seat, Charlie in the passenger. „Well, as you’ve seen my childhood home today it only makes sense for you to see the other one as well“, Conrad said and smiled. „Yeah“, Charlie agreed and he started driving. Before they left Boston, he stopped at a supermarket for them to get a few groceries since the house was most definitely empty. Afterwards they continued their drive and Charlie actually got excited to see that part of his past as well today.

Even though the reason behind hit was a terrible one but she didn’t want to think about it or the consequences of them maybe not returning in time for his classes. She didn’t care. All that mattered was the boy next to her. The drive to Cousins actually didn’t take as long as the previous one, especially since Conrad was driving faster than she did, so they got there before dawn. When they got there, Charlie was in awe. She didn’t know what she was expecting the summer house to look like. Maybe equally as majestic as the house in Boston and it was definitely bigger than she remembered her house back in Australia. Well… how else was it supposed to house two families all summer?

He was right about the upper-classy vibe the town hold but he perfectly fitted here. His face had relaxed as soon as they had entered Cousins and now in front of the house, she was sure. This is were he belonged and she would try everything to help him be able to stay here. Forever. She looked at Conrad, he had tears in his eyes. She walked around the car and hugged him around his waist. „This house… it’s so you“, she said and looked up at him. He wrapped his arms around her as well. „I’m so glad you’re here with me“, he said and kissed the top of her hair.

They grabbed the grocery bags from the car and made their way inside. Upon entering the kitchen, Charlie spotted the pool in the backyard. „Go on“, Conrad said as he followed her gaze. Charlie squealed and dropped the bags onto the kitchen counter. She pulled the door open and launched her self head first into the pool. Conrad followed her and jump in right when she resurfaced from the water. She screamed when he swam beneath her and picked her up. He resurfaced and pushed her against the pool wall.  „There goes my dry clothes“, Charlie giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck. „I don’t mind you walking around naked around the house. In fact, I’d prefer that“, Conrad said smirking and kissed her. Charlie deepened their kiss and started tugging on the hem of his wet shirt.

She tried to pull it up his body put failed to which Conrad quickly pulled away from her lips and pulled his shirt off just as quick. He then helped Charlie out of her own shirt before crashing his lips back to hers. With all of his grieving they hadn’t been intimate other than a few make out sessions and her trying to make him feel better by going down on him. She didn’t want to pressure him into something he didn’t feel ready to do again. But he wanted her now. Her being here with him, made him love her even more. His two worlds colliding. His summers and the sunshine to his life.

It didn’t take long for their pants to land next to their shirts. Charlie wrapped both her arms and legs around him and he pressed her against the wall with his body to try to stabilize them both while his hands wandered into her hair. Slightly pulling at them and making her moan into their kiss. Conrad loved hearing her moan. Knowing that he was the one responsible for her making those sounds. It didn’t take long for him to orgasm, being to excited to finally be doing it again mixed with the place they were doing it in.

„Fucking in a pool while the sun is setting in the background definitely was never on my bingo card of things that would ever happen in my life“, Charlie said after they finished up and had propped themselves up to watch the sunset. „Then you definitely have to write that on your next bingo card since this wasn’t the last time we did this“, Conrad said smirking. „Absolutely“, Charlie agreed. „Do we have wine?“, she then asked. „We have a wine cellar“, Conrad just answered which earned him a splash of water, „Of course this house has a wine cellar“, Charlie exclaimed in disbelief.

Conrad pushed himself out of the pool „Be right back“, he said and quickly rubbed himself dry with his shirt before entering the house. Charlie watched his every step, taking in his naked appearance. He returned a few minutes later with two beach towels, a bottle of Chardonnay and… joints. „Two things this house will never get low of. Weed and wine“, he said and got back into the pool. „I start loving this house more and more“, Charlie answered and immediately took the bottle from him as soon as he was in reach. He had already opened it.

„I figured to not bother with glasses as that’s or usual way“, Conrad said, „Yeah, they’re just more things to clean after all“, she answered and took a sip. „That already tasted more expensive than that wine they sell at Brown“, she said and laughed. „It most definitely is. My dad put a lot of money down there… just because he could“, Conrad rolled his eyes and took the bottle from her again and took a big sip. He then put the joint between his lips and lightened it, „Sadly weed doesn’t get better with age“, he inhaled some of it before passing it to her.

„Good thing we still have the one Trevor gave us“, Charlie said and inhaled some as well. „You took that with you?“, Conrad ask and looked at her, taking the joint from her hands. She nodded, „I figured we could use some after the visit in Boston. I thought maybe your father would be there and you needed something to calm you down“, she explained her actions. Conrad smiled, „I like your thinking but honestly, when you’re around I don’t need anything else. That’s just bonus“, he said and kissed her on the cheek. „Sometimes you can be so corny“, she said and smirked, „My Corny Connie“, she started laughing and he joined her. „I love you“, he said in return and took another sip of the wine. 

Chapter Text

They did fuck in the pool again and other parts of the house for that matter. Conrad was keen on making new memories in these walls and she was all for it. They sleep in his old room at night and were happy about the bigger mattress but had gotten used to sleeping cramped up together so the extra space didn’t matter much in the end. Charlie did tease him a lot about all those sailing trophies but they had agreed to go out sailing some time, he just had to go ask Cleveland if he still had his boat and if they could maybe borrow it and they went surfing together every morning.

The first day out on the water, Charlie was having a rough time as she hadn’t been on the water for five years but she quickly got the hang of it again. Muscle memory was a real thing after all. That day the movers also had arrived. It took about an hour of convincing them to leave again with a lot of angry voices and arguments but they left and that was all that mattered. But that’s when Charlie decided she needed to get back to Brown and get herself a few more clothes among other things. Basic hygiene toiletries were all over the house but having to surf in the same underwear everyday and letting it dry afterwards became a little inconvenient in the long run.

She also couldn’t get Conrad’s short shorts over her thighs and if they wanted to leave the house to go explore the town, she didn’t want to have to wear the same thing all the time. So he drove her to the train station that day and she left for Brown. They had agreed that he needed to stay at the house in case anything happened at the house and he needed his car for the exact same reason there with him. She also didn’t want to drive his car all by herself and she could sleep on the train ride. Something they had barely done the last few days. She honestly couldn’t even say how much days had passed since they had gotten there.

It felt like weeks but also like no time at all. When they were together nothing mattered. They just existed together and enjoyed every second of it. They parted ways with a quick passionate kiss, careful as to not let it deepen to anything further, which usually happened. Kissing in the summer house always turned to ducking. They were going at it like rabbits and had hardly any condoms left since they hadn’t brought any in the first place and had to go through the olds stacks they had found in his drawers and in Jeremiah’s and Stevens rooms. So she would need to buy those too. 

Corneas stayed on the platform, watching the train leave until he couldn’t see it anymore before he drove back to the house. Charlie did indeed fall asleep on the train and only woke up upon its arrival in the station near Brown. She got herself an taxi to the campus as her phone still was dead and she couldn’t get an uber. They had looked at their phones once since they got into the summer house and hadn’t bothered to charge them back up when the battery had run out so that was the first thing she did when she got into her room.

Pluck her phone to the charger but even before she got into her room she took a detour to the pharmacy to get condoms, the morning after pill since they had done it without anything that first night in the pool and she was slowly running out of time for it to still work and some tampons, just in case. She then quickly swallows the pill with some water she found in her room and grabbed her laundry basket, deciding to get a quick wash in before she left again. Charlie remembered that there also was some dirty laundry on his room still, so she made her way there to put it in the wash with hers.

She’d been doing their laundry together anyway for the last few weeks, seeing as Conrad hadn’t been able to do basic everyday tasks anymore. Eric was nowhere to be seen when she arrived in his room, so she grabbed Conrad’s dirty clothes and the sheets of his bed, she hadn’t gotten around to as they had decided to leave. She put everything in the washing machine down the hall and put it in a quick run. She then walked back to her room to pack a weeks worth of clothes and some more for Conrad as well. When she had everything she walked back to Conrad’s dorm and put the laundry in the dryer as it was already done.

Eric was also back in his room and they held a quick conversation. He didn’t question that they hadn’t been on campus for a few days. He didn’t see them around often anyways as they were mostly staying on her room so it just seemed normal for him. Charlie put new sheets on Conrad’s bed while they were talking and didn’t bother to make it perfectly neat as he usually did. She threw his comforter back on when she heard the dryer beeping and grabbed the laundry basket to grab the clothes. As she returned to his room, she was confused to hear multiple voices.

A figure, she first believed to be Conrad was, was seen through the slit in the door she had left open. But it couldn’t be Conrad and it wasn’t. It was his little brother, she had seen from photos in his family house in Boston. She put the laundry basket on his bed in confusion, as Jeremiah had sat himself on Conrad’s desk and the girl he was with rummaged through his belongings with a confidence im her actions. That must be Belly, Charlie thought as the girl looked similar to Steven. “Are you a friend of Con’s?”, Jeremiah now asked her, “Do you know where he went?”, his voice was a little higher than Conrad’s but they spoke in a similar tone.

Charlie started putting away his clothes in his dresser and some in her bag, contemplating how she should answer his question. “I’m his girlfriend” she said, deciding on the truth. It felt weird leaving her lips. After Steven had shouted it out, they never talked about it. It was an accepted fact to everyone around them. They hadn’t had to introduce each other to new people just yet. A sharp inhale made her look up. Belly looked at her with an expression she couldn’t quite place. “We’ve been staying at the summer house. I just got back to grab a few things”, Charlie explained her actions further.

“No, Con doesn’t have a girlfriend, now does he?”, Jeremiah asked in disbelief and stood up, “I think I would know that”. No he wouldn’t. Conrad didn’t want to tell his family before his mother passed and afterwards they hadn’t talked again so it never came to a situation where they could’ve told them. “How long have you been dating?”, Belly asked. Good question. Charlie didn’t have an answer for that one. They just… met and have been together ever since. They don’t have a special day. She couldn’t even remember the day the initially met. Maybe she could figure it out by looking in the metadata of photos she took day day. Her camera. She needed to bring her camera with her as well! “Somewhen in march? I can’t really remember”, Charlie then said and put the last of his things away, the remaining items in the basket were her own. 

“How can you not remember something like that?”, Belly asked. Charlie looked at her and shrugged her shoulders, “I don’t care about anniversary dates and it was just some random day anyway. You meet new people everyday on campus and we… just have been spending every day together since”, she said and got an “I can confirm that” from a smirking Eric who had gotten in front of his computer again. “Who even are you two anyway and what are you doing here?”, Charlie asked at looked at the both of them. After all they hadn’t introduced themselves yet.

“I’m Jeremiah, his brother and that’s Belly. A family friend”, Jeremiah said, a touch of hurt in his voice. “Isabel”, Belly corrected. “Con never mentioned us?”, he then asked. Charlie didn’t like that nickname. She much preferred Connie, even though she knew he never allowed her to call him that. “No… he’s been quite private about his personal life”, she said, “Anyway, I’m Charlie…” she then looked at Belly “Charlotte”. “Ah, did you take that photo of him then?” Jeremiah asked her, “I think I remember him mentioning something about a Charlie to mom but I thought it was a guy”.

“That’s me. That’s photo is actually how we met”, Charlie said and  smiled, ignoring the comment about her name being masculine. So he had talked to his mother about her. “Still haven’t gotten an answer on what you’re doing here”, she then reminded them of her earlier question. “We were looking for him. Our father had gotten a call that he was gone and missed his summer classes”, Jeremiah said and Charlie suddenly felt embarrassed. She had completely forgotten about his summer school responsibilities.

“Yeah.. okay. Well, he hasn’t been missing. We just went to the summer house to blow off some steam and must’ve forgotten the time”, she then explained, chuckling to herself about the double meaning of blowing off some steam. “I’ll call dad and then we have to drive there and get him back!”, Jeremiah said sternly and left the room, phone in hand. Charlie didn't understand why he made such a big fuzz out of it. Yes, maybe he missed a few classes but it wasn’t like they were important. Especially with everything he had been dealing with. The most important exam was still a week away anyway. They still had time. 

“Do I have something on my nose”, she asked Belly, who had been staring daggers at here while they heard Jeremiah in an argument with his father. „Just the usual freckles“, Eric replied from his desk, without looking up. „Thanks Eric“, Charlie rolled her eyes. Jeremiah walked back into the room „Dad wanted to come get Conrad himself but I convinced him outer wise…“ 

Chapter Text

Charlie took a quick detour before she went to her room, she needed something to survive the drive and luckily she knew that Trevor was still at the frat house. She bought some edibles from him and popped two in her mouth while walking to her room. That should give them time to unfold their magic. Back in her room, she put her leftover laundry away and put her camera in her bag. She then closed the door and got back to Jeremiah and Belly who were already waiting at the car outside of Conrads dorm building.

„Let’s go“, she said and put her bag in the trunk alongside their. She rather redundantly got into the back of Jeremiah’s car, popping another edible in her mouth. She hoped they wouldn’t ask her if they could have some gummy bears too. They didn’t the drive was rather awkward and silent. She was Jeremiah look into the rear mirror at her a few times. She had her window rolled down and enjoyed the breeze on her face. She edibles had worked by now and she was just… feeling. The wind felt good, it tickled her but she suppressed the urge to giggle. The amount of edibles had made her tired and she gave into the feeling, sprawling across the entirety of the backseats and felt herself drift off to sleep. 


Charlie only woke up when they arrived at the beach house. „Let me get in first“, she said as Jeremiah was already charging at the house. He stopped in his tracks and let Charlie pass him on the stairs. She was slow, to slow for his liking but the edibles were still in full effect. „You’re back already? I didn’t expect you this soon“, Conrad said, he stood in the kitchen, only wearing his short shorts. His hair was still wet as he’d just came back from surfing. „Did I ever mention how much I love your ass in those short shorts you always wear?“, Charlie said, ignoring his words and walked towards him.

„Wait, I’ll get you all wet“, Conrad said smiling, as she slung her arms around his torso. He put his arms around her as well. „You usually don’t care when you do that“, Charlie responded giggling. She looked up at him, a smirk forming on her lips between her giggles. „Oh, you’re so high right now“, Conrad realized but smiled anyway, liking where her dirty mind went. „Well… you see, I had to. I didn’t want to have a panic attack on the car ride“, she explained and snuggled her head in his chest. „Car ride?“, Conrad looked up in confusion and that’s when he finally noticed them.

Jeremiah and Belly had walked in behind Charlie. Conrads smile dropped and was replaced with annoyance. „What the hell are you doing here?“, he asked, staring at them both, his grip around Charlie tightening before he let go of her. „I’m here to pick you up and take you back to school“, Jeremiah answered him, trying to sound relaxed, „You really messed up, man. Dad’s out of his mind“, Conrad waved him off, „Tell him to go screw himself. We’re staying“, he said, turning around to the kitchen counter. He got a glass out of the cupboard and poured water from the sink.

„You missed two classes and you’ve got midterms on Monday. You can’t just bail. They’ll kick you out of summer school“, Jeremiah tried further. „That’s my problem“, Conrad said, turning back around, „Bottoms up. I need you sober now“, he said to Charlie and gave her the glass in the process. She took it and chucked the water down without hesitation. Only now realizing how thirsty she actually was. The glass was empty in seconds and she got to the sink to pour her another glass. „And what’s she doing here?“, Conrad asked then, still looking at Jeremiah. Belly stumbled to the glass sliding doors.

„I brought her with me to help“, Jeremiah explained, „Look We’ve got all your books and everything. You can study tonight and tomorrow and then we can head back to school“. „Screw it. I don’t care“, Conrad said and sat down on the sofa. Charlie had poured herself a third glass and followed him. She knew she couldn’t do anything in her state of mind, she just wanted to be near him. She stood next to him, putting her hand on his back, slowly stroking up and down. „What’s your problem?“, Jeremiah asked him. „Right now, this is my problem. You and her here“, Conrad looked at Belly when he said it.

„No seriously, Con, dude what the fuck is wrong with you?“, Jeremiah could now barely hide his anger anymore, „You bail school to have a romantic weekend with your girlfriend? Did you fucking elope or what? And you never even dared to mention your girlfriend to us? To mom? She’s high out of her mind and you don’t even blink an eye at that? Are you an drug addict now?“, Jeremiahs voice got louder the more he rambled on. Charlie wanted to say something but Conrad had wrapped an arm around her legs and nudged her not to. „Fuck you, Jere. You don’t know half of it“, he stared at his little brother.

„Then tell me“, Jeremiah dared him. „She gets panic attacks in cars. You’re lucky she even got in your car“, Conrad started to explain but then stopped. He was angry, he didn’t want to have to explain everything to Jeremiah. Eloping didn’t sound like a terrible idea right this second. He wanted to get away. Maybe they should just fly to Australia and start over there. But he needed to save the house. He just needed to get rid of them first. He turned to look at Belly, „Why do you want to help me? Why are you even here?“, he waited for her to answer but when she couldn’t, he started again „I thought you never wanted to see me again. You hate me, remember?“ His tone was sarcastic, belittling.

Charlie had never heard him sound like that. She was worried about him. „I don’t hate you“, Belly mumbled and then run outside the porch doors. They watched her run away but nobody followed. „You’re an asshole“, Jeremiah turned back to look at him . „Oh, I know“, Conrad said and stood up. The conversation was over for him. He took Charlies hand and pulled her upstairs with him. They walked in his room and he closed the door behind him. „I’m sorry you had to witness that“, he said to Charlie, his voice softened. „No“, she shook her head, „Don’t apologize. Don’t ever apologize for something like that to me ever again“, her voice was stern.

„I should’ve warned you but I thought your phone would still be turned off anyway. I love you and I’ll have your back no matter what. We are in this together. You and me. No questions asked, remember? One day you’ll end up witnessing a conversation with my aunt. They usually end up similar to what just happened. So don’t worry any please don’t ever apologize again, okay? I get you“, she finished and sat on his bed were he’d placed himself during her little speech. „Okay“, Conrad said but still had annoyance in the back of his voice. „I just can’t believe they’re here. They always have to get themselves involved in everything“, he huffed.

„Little siblings tend to do that. They got worried. They wanted to help you, like you used to help them growing up“, she tried to reason. „Mhhmmm come here my little therapist“, Conrad said and pulled her her on top of him. They dozed off for a little until a knock at the door woke them up again. „Con, can we talk?“, Jeremiah stuck his head through the door. „Sure“, Conrad said, his voice still indifferent to his brother. Jeremiah snuck in but hesitated as he looked at Charlie. She had rolled off of Conrad and they both were now sat up straight on his bed. „Go on“, Conrad mentioned him to speak, „She stays. She can hear everything you have to say“, „Look, I didn’t mean to go off at you like that. It’s just… a lot to take in today, okay?“, Jeremiah sighted. „Its okay“, Conrad replied, accepting the apology.

Chapter Text

After the brothers had talked about everything, they decided to migrate downstairs again. Conrad grabbed the remaining beers out of the fridge alongside a cooler and walked out the back deck where Jeremiah and Charlie had already sat down in lounge chairs. He sat down between Charlies legs and leaned into her chest. „You two are disgusting“, Jeremiah said in a mocking tone as he watched them carefully. He saw how much Conrad cared about her, how his gaze had softened in their argument whenever he had looked at her for reassurance. She was his haven. She calmed him down. He didn’t even care if somebody noticed. He wasn’t embarrassed.

„Funny, people keep saying that“, Charlie said, taking a sip of the beer Conrad had handed her. She had closed her knees around him and he used them as arm rests. „Shut it, you’re just jealous your girlfriend isn’t here right now“, Conrad said. He had his eyes closed, enjoying how Charlies fingertips were caressing his scalp. Jeremiah wanted to say something but that’s when they heard Belly enter the kitchen behind them. She let herself fall into a lounge chair next to them, hands full with bags full of food and candy. „Pass me a beer“, she said.

Jeremiah reached into the cooler next to him and threw it at her along with a wink, „Since when does our Bellybutton drink?“, he asked. „I’m almost 17. Don’t you think I’m too old for you to call me that?“, she answered, „I know how old you are“, Jere said. Conrad reached into one of the paper bags and pulled out a sandwich. He bit into it hungrily. Belly looked at him, „You’re welcome“. He grunted in response. Jeremiah’s phone started buzzing. „Not leaving this house. Tell him that“, Conrad said in-between bites. Jeremiah stood up and walked back into the house, phone in hand. He closed the sliding doors for more privacy.

When the night breeze got to cold, they decided to go in the living room to watch some tv. „Get your ass over here“, Conrad said as Charlie sat next to him on the couch. Jeremiah and Belly were in the kitchen, putting the empty bottles away and making some popcorn. „The couch is big enough to fit 4 people“, Charlie said and chuckled as he grabbed her by her waist and pulled her in his lap. „I know. I just like you better here“, he whispered and pecked her on the cheek. Charlie was still surprised that he was like this around his brother. They were known around their college peers to always be all over each other, it was normal but she had half expected him to act different when he didn’t want to introduce her to them in the first place. Be more distant.

She loved that he didn’t shy away from her and tried to ignore the voice in the back of her head that told her that he was only doing it to annoy Belly. She had been side-eyeing them the entire them they had been sitting outside and she could still feel her eyes on her now. She decided to just ignore it. He had told her about Belly’s feeling for him. About December and what had happened at the prom. She believed him when he said he had no feelings left for her. It still didn’t make it feel great. Charlie settled back into his chest and they zapped through the channels. Jeremiah and Belly then joined them. Nobody dared to talk the rest of the night until Belly broke the silence by yawning. „I’m so tired“, she said to no-one in particular, „I’m going to see“, she announced and stood up.

„Good night“, Jeremiah said, Charlie mumbled but Conrad didn’t say anything. „Want to get up early and surf tomorrow?“, Jeremiah asked after a while. „Sure“, Conrad said. Charlie didn’t feel herself invited. She didn’t say anything. They continued to watch and she was the first one to fall asleep. She had snuggled herself more into Conrads chest and he had his arms wrapped around her so she wouldn’t fall off. He felt himself doze off too but was still aware when Jeremiah decided to turn off the tv and head upstairs. Conrad shifted his legs up the couch before drifting off completely.

The next morning they were woken up by an eager Jeremiah. It was still dark out but he wanted to go in the water before the sun rose. „You want to come with“, Conrad asked her now, still half asleep. „No, I’ll stay here for another hour“, Charlie said, eager to fall asleep again. Conrad kissed her on the forehead before shuffling himself off the couch from beneath her. He went upstairs to change into his board shorts and they left to grab the surfboards. Charlie tried but couldn’t fall asleep anymore. She took a shower to wake her up fully and made a batch of coffee before pouring herself a mug and heading down the beach. She plopped down in the sand and watched the boys in the water while the sun was slowly rising behind them.

It was the first time she thought of them as brothers. There it the water they looked calm, peaceful, alike. Their differences and similarities were really visible on how they threw themselves into the waves. Jeremiah was more reckless, while Conrad was more careful. More strategic, he watched the waves more before deciding to go for it. Jeremiah just went for it. An hour passed when they decided to paddle back. Conrad sprinted to her as soon as he touched the sand, dropping the surfboard which got sand everywhere.

„Morning pretty“, he said and fell down next to her, trying to grab the mug from her. „Morning handsome“, she answered and held the mug away from him, „That’s been empty for a while“. He propped his lower lip forward in disappointment, „There’s more in the kitchen“, she said and stole a kiss before jumping to her feet and running for the house. Conrad struggled to get up with his surfboard and tried his best to charge after her. Jeremiah had already put his board back under the house but was nowhere to be found when they returned to the kitchen.

Conrad finally caught up to Charlie and lifted her up in the air. „Gotcha“, he whispered in her ear, smirking and spun her around. She grabbed into his arms and started laughing. He sat her back on the ground and grabbed the mug out of her hand, before pouring himself a mug of coffee. „How kind“, she said and snapped the mug back from him. Charlie stuck her tongue out a him and sat down at the kitchen table. He playfully rolled his eyes and got himself another mug out of the cupboard. He poured the coffee in and sat himself next to her.

Jeremiah walked in the kitchen soon after, balancing a bakery bag on his hand. „Got us some dirt bombs“, he said and got himself the last of the coffee before sitting down across from them. „What’s dirt bombs?“, Charlie asked confused. Conrad opened the bag and pulled one out „It’s basically just over dimensional cinnamon muffins“, „Awesome“, Charlie’s eyes lit up as she saw the sugar bomb in his hand. She got herself one out of the bag and bit into it. She had no sweet tooth and it was way to sugary but the cinnamon made up for it, especially since it was still warm on the inside.

She gulped down the sugary mass with a sip of coffee. Perfect. Belly just then walked into the kitchen, she was freshly showered. She sat down next to Jeremiah and eagerly stuffed her mouth with an entire half of the dirt bombs, getting powdered sugar all over her face while trying. „So what’s up?“, Jeremiah looked from Belly to Conrad. He leaned back in his chair, „You guys should head out soon, of you want to miss the 4th of July traffic“, he said. Jeremiah’s face immediately dropped, „We’re not leaving without you“, he protested.

Conrad exhales sharply, „Look Jere, I appreciate you coming here“, he didn’t, „but as you can see, I’m fine. We’re fine. I have everything is under control“, „Like hell you do. If you’re not back on Monday for your exams, you’re out. The only reason you’re even taking summer school is those incomplete’s from last semester. If you don’t go back, then what?“, Jeremiah raised his voice. „Don’t worry about it. I’ll figure things out“, Conrad was still calm, indifferent. „You keep saying that, but dude, you haven’t figured out shit. All you’ve done so far is run away“.

Conrad glared at him, Jeremiah hit a nerve. Belly took a breath and started to speak „So how are you going to become a doctor without a college degree?“, Conrad did a double take and then stared at Belly. She stared back at him. „I never said I was going to be a doctor“, he snapped, „You don’t know what you’re talking about“. „Then tell us“, Belly said, Conrad stood up. „There’s nothing to tell. I’m going to head back out there. Thanks for the dirt bombs“, he stared at Belly „You have sugar all over your face“, he slid he porch door open and slipped outside.

„Shit“, Jeremiah shouted, „I thought you were going to work on him?“, Belly sounded accusing. „You can’t push Conrad too hard. He just shuts down“, Jeremiah said, „Maybe you two should just cut the bullshit and go. You’re stressing him out. He was doing so much better before you two got here“, Charlie said now, standing up as well, her voice was calm but demanding. She glared at them before putting her and Conrads mug into the sink and following after him.

Chapter Text

Conrad and Charlie had just gotten back from the beach. Conrad had run back into the water to surf and Charlie followed him into the water this time. It was almost afternoon and they headed upstairs to change into dry clothes when they noticed a red Honda parked outside the house. Conrad walked to the front door and opened it in confusion. A blonde petite woman walked in. She looked like any other woman in the supermarket in Cousins. Put together, well-dressed. She clutched a big folder in her arms and a set of keys.

„Well, hello there“, she said surprised, almost as she was the one supposed to be there and they were the intruders. „Hello?“, Conrad replied“, Can I help you?“, Charlie had stepped beside him, her hand on his back. „You must be Conrad“, the woman said, „I’m Sandy Donati, your dad’s real estate agent“, Conrad stared at her, „You told me your dad changed his mind about the sale. I’m just here to check on the house, make sure everything’s coming along and getting packed up“, „Yeah. I send the movers away“, Conrad said casually, without a care.

„I really wish you hadn’t done that“, her lips were tight but he just shrugged his shoulders. „I was told the house would be empty“, she continued. „You were given wrong information then. We’ll be staying here for the rest of the summer“, he slung his arm around Charlies waist, „You know, me and my girlfriend, that is“. Sandy now finally looked at Charlie and scoffed. „And you and my dad met, how exactly?“, Conrad asked her in an almost mocking tone. Sandy flushed, „We met when he decided to put the house up for sale“, she snapped at him, „Well, the thing is, Sandy, it’s not his house to sell. It’s my mother’s house actually. Did my dad tell you that?“, „Yes“, „And I guess he also told you she’s dead“, Sandy didn’t answer, her face dropped, shifting back towards the door.

She felt uncomfortable with where the conversation had gone. „Yes, he did tell me that. I'm very sorry for your loss“, she finally spoke. „Thank you, Sandy. That means a lot coming from you“, Conrad said, the spite dripping every word.  Her eyes darted around the room one last time, „Well, I'm going to talk things over with your dad, and then I'll be back". „You do that. Make sure you let him know the house is off the market“, she opened her moth to speak but decided against it. Conrad opened the door for her again and she hurried outside.

Charlie let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding, Conrad looked at her, „I didn’t know you could be this feisty“, she said and wanted to add something when a cracking sound came from up the stairs. Both their eyes shot to the top of the stairs where Belly was standing. She had unsuccessfully tried to silently walk back into her room. „Don’t tell Jeremiah about the house“, said Conrad with a stern voice, „Why not?“, she asked. „I’ll tell him about it, myself. I just don’t want him to know it yet… about our dad“, he explained but Belly didn’t get it right away „What do you mean?“, „You know what I mean“, Conrad’s voice was full with force, there was no arguing against it but then his tone shifted again, back to mocking, „So can you do that for me, Belly? Can you keep a secret from your BFF Jere? I know you two don’t keep secrets from each other but can you handle it? Just this once“, Belly glared at him and was about to open her mouth to protest but then he cut her off with a much softer „Please“, almost pleading.

She sighted. „Fine. For now“, he mouthed a thank you her way, then she hurried into her room. Charlie kept her mouth shut. She had a fleeing that if she would say something now, she would get a response it the same mocking tone and she didn’t want to risk it as she also couldn’t think about something to ease the tension. They hadn’t fought yet and she didn’t want this to be the start of it. She reached her hand out for him slowly. He let her touch her but was still tense. 

Almost, like it was the only thing keeping Conrad sane that day, they went surfing again later. Jeremiah had suggested it again and Conrad couldn’t disagree. While Jeremiah had probably hoped to talk to his brother alone about all the things going on, Conrad insisted for Charlie to come with. He knew that Jeremiah wouldn’t talk then as he didn’t need another confrontation that day. Belly was left alone on the porch, watching them as they silently caught wave after wave. It took him a while but Conrad eased up a little again.

They were joking around and he tried to push Charlie off her board in between waves. Almost like a game of chicken they both tried to push each other off balance. To no avail. Conrad let go of her hands and looked at her, a mischievous smirk forming on his lips. Charlie held her hands still, reading his expression. The next moment the same smirk crossed her face. They both looked at Jeremiah who had watched them amused. When he saw their glances, he started screaming and paddling away from them. They had teamed up against him to now try to push him off his board.

It didn’t take long for them to succeed and after Jeremiah resurfaced from the water, they collectively decided to head back to the shore. The mood was still light-hearted when they walked back to the house but that suddenly shifted when they saw another figure sitting on the porch alongside Belly. Conrad, who had his arms draped around Charlie, tensed up again. Jeremiah muttered „Shit“ under his breath. „Hey Dad“, he then said in full volume. Conrad pulled Charlie right past them, into the kitchen. He went to the fridge and got out two bottles of beer, handing Charlie one and ignoring his father who had followed them inside. 

„What the hell are you kids playing at here?“, Mr. Fisher said loudly as Jeremiah and Belly also entered the kitchen. His gaze wandered between the four, mostly hanging onto Charlie, who had leaned into Conrads touch, our grip better yet. He had his fist balled into the fabric of her shirt. „Dad“, started Jeremiah but got interrupted by him, „Sandy Donati called me this morning and told me what happened. You were supposed to get Conrad back to school, not stay and party and interfere with the sale“, he argued, his voice echoing through the house.

Jeremiah blinked and looked in between his brother and his father. „Who’s Sandy Donati?“, he asked, „Our real estate agent“, Conrad answered him without any emotion present, taking a sip from his beer. „I didn’t know we had a real estate agent. You never told me you were selling the house“, Jeremiah sounded hurt, all the anger he had held towards Conrad was suddenly flushed away. „I told you it was a possibility“, their father explained. „But then never decided to tell me you’re actually do it“, „It doesn’t matter. He’s not selling the house“, Conrad spoke up, taking another sip from his beer, „It’s not his to sell“.

„Yes, it is“, Adam started breathing heavily, „I’m not doing this for me. The money will be for you boys“, Conrad shook his head, locking eyes with his father. „You think I care about the money. To bad, I’m not like you. I could give a shit about the money. All I care about is the house, mom’s house. You have no right to be here. You should leave“, the tone in his voice resembled the one, he had talked to Sandy Donati in, earlier. Cold, distant, like he was talking to a stranger. „No, I won’t leave“, Adam swallowed hard. „Tell Sandy not to bother coming back“, Conrad said, spatting her name out like it was an insult.

„I’m your father“, he now tried to reason, „and your mother left it to me to decide. This it what she would have wanted“. When Conrad answered, his was shaky, his grip on Charlies shirt had tightened yet even more, „Don’t talk about what she would have wanted!“, „She was my wife. God damn it. I lost her too“, Mr.  Fisher sounded hurt, the volume of his voice gone. Conrad yanked his fist away from Charlie so suddenly, she gasped and was even more shocked when he punched the wall beside them with full force. „You didn’t lose her. You left her. You don’t know the first thing about what she would have wanted.

You were never there you were a shitty dad and an even shittier husband. So don’t bother trying to do the right thing. You just fuck it all up“, once he started speaking he couldn’t stop until everything was out in the open. Everything he had bottled up for years. „Con, shut up“, Jeremiah screamed at him now, „Just fuck up“ but Conrad swung around to look at him, accusing „You’re still defending him. That’s exactly why we didn’t tell you!“, Jeremiah looked from his brother to Charlie, thinking he’d only meant her as we. „You’re not the only one hurting, Conrad.

You don’t get talk to me that way“, Mr. Fisher now argued, „Oh, I think I do“, Conrad let out in a tone that was finit. The room was deathly silent, they stared at each other and Adam was now the one who looked like he wanted to push the next best thing. Preferably Conrad. He was the first to look away again, „The movers are coming back, Conrad. This is happening. You throwing that tantrum can’t stop it“, he said and left soon after, declaring that he would be back in the morning and was staying at the Inn in town. Mr. Fisher couldn’t wait to get out of there „You could’ve at least told me about your girlfriend“, was the last thing he said before he finally hurried outside the house. 

Chapter Text

They were left standing in the kitchen after Mr. Fisher had left. Nobody was saying a word. Charlie and Conrad were quietly drinking their beers and they slowly all began to sit down on the kitchen table. „Well that’s one way to meet the parents“, Charlie let out a breath, trying to lighten to mood but it had the opposite effect. Conrad squeezed her tight, almost as if to say „Welcome in my life“ but Jeremiah took it upon himself to further dampen the mood „I can’t believe he’s really selling the house“, he said almost only to himself.

„Believe it“, Conrad said harshly, „Why didn’t you tell me about?“, Jeremiah now demanded to know. „I didn’t think you needed to know“, „What the hell, Conrad? It’s my house too“, „Jere, I only just found out myself“, Conrad sighted and started to explain everything to him. Charlie had placed her hand on his thigh now, not sure on what else she was supposed to do. She felt out of place. She wasn’t part of this fight. This house.  When he was finished, realization dawned on Jeremiah and Belly’s face. They finally understood it, why they were here.

„So that’s it then“; Jeremiah said after a while. Yeah, I guess it is“, Conrad sounded defeated. „Well, great job taking care of all of this, Con“, „I’ve been handling this on my own. It’s not like I had any help from you“, and he didn’t mean just the house, he meant everything they had been going through growing up. The room was filled with both their egos colliding. „Maybe if you’d told me about it“, Conrad cut him off, „You’d done what?“, „I would’ve talked to dad“, Jeremiah tried „Yeah exactly“, Conrad spat out and let out a laugh, „What the hell does that mean?“, „It means you’re so busy being up his ass. You can’t see him for who he is“, Conrad was in fight mode. He was ready to destroy anything coming his way. „

He’s our father“, Jeremiah held his voice at bay, he wasn’t willing to go down the same route as Conrad today. A fight wouldn’t solve their issue. They needed to stand together now. Conrad shook his head in disgust, „He’s a dirtbag“, „Don’t call him that“, „What kind of guy cheats on his wife and then leaves her when she has cancer? What kind of man does that? I can’t even stand to look at him, he makes me sick, playing the martyr now, the grieving widower. Where was he, when mom needed him, huh?“, the anger slowly left his voice, „I don’t know, Con - where were you?“, Jeremiah argued but sucked in his breath as soon as he finished his sentence. Conrad flinched.

Charlie searched for his hand under the table, squeezing it. „That’s a low blow“, Conrad said conversationally, „I’m sorry“, Jeremiah apologized. Conrad shrugged. „Why can’t you just let it go? „Why do you have to hold onto all the shitty stuff that’s ever happened to you?“, Jeremiah looked at him, almost with pity in his eyes. „Because I live in reality, unlike you. You’d rather live in a fantasy world and than see people for who they really are“, Conrad let his gaze wander between his brother and Belly.

„You’re just jealous“, „Jealous?“, „You’re jealous that Dad and I have an actual relationship now. It’s not just all about you anymore and that kills you“, Conrad laughed at that, „That’s BS“, Jeremiah stood up and looked at his brother „You’re an asshole, Conrad. You just want everyone to be as miserable as you are“ and with that he walked out the front door and slammed it shut behind him. Belly looked unsure. She had been silent like Charlie the entire time. They had shared a few glances in between. „Am I an asshole, Belly?“, Conrad looked at her, his hand was shaking in Charlies and Belly nodded, standing up as well, „Yeah, you really are“, she said and left the room, following after Jeremiah.

Conrads facade dropped when they heard the car engine start and drive away. A flash of worry crossed his face, he looked at Charlie and sank down on his chair, the tension staring to fade away. „I’ll gladly be as miserable as you“, Charlie said, patting his shoulder with her free hand. Conrad let out a huff, then sunk his head on the table and laughed frantically, the stress leaving his body.

„God, I have to marry you, there’s no other way. No matter what I would do, it’d still not be enough to repay you for all the bullshit you’re putting up with me right now“, he mumbled into the table after his laughter finally died down. Charlies heart fluttered as he said it, her cheeks were matching her hair and she was glad that his head was still resting on the table, eyes closed so he couldn’t see her right now. She needed a few seconds to compose herself, find the right words. „We’ll see about that. Let’s first survive this week“, she then said in, the smile in her voice apparent. She laid herself on top of his resting body, slinging her arms around his torso in an attempt to hug him. 

After a while they had sat themselves outside the front porch. The worry had taken over in Conrad, as he could never shake of being the oldest brother, despite how much he loathed it, it was in his blood. He was eagerly awaiting their return. „As comfy as these chairs are, this front porch misses some serious rocking chairs“, Charlie commented after a while. They had been talking about nothing in particular, mostly watching the street and people that passed on the sidewalk. „That’ll just make us look even more like and old married couple than we probably already look right now“, Conrad said, „As if you wouldn’t love to be exactly just that. Sitting here in 50+ years together in our rocking chairs and yelling at the neighbors kids to get off the lawn“, Charlie started smiling at her own words. Oh, she absolutely would love that.

„And throwing my cane after them“, Conrad joked and smiled as well, his mind drifting off, imagining it further. His train of thought was interrupted and he jumped in his seat, when Jeremiah honked his horn. They had finally returned. „Come help us with this stuff“, he yelled at them, his head hanging out the drivers window as he pulled into the driveway.  They walked down to the car and Conrad opened the trunk, „Ron?“, he asked as they were met with the entire trunk being filled with beer and hard liquor. „Yep“, Jeremiah said, rounding his car, „We’re having a party“.

Conrad started grinning. He was okay with that. Belly took the pizzas inside while they all carried the alcohol inside. „We already ate“, she explained as she placed the boxes onto the coffee table in front of the tv. Conrad almost lunged at them. With all the surfing he had done the emotions being all over the place, he was in desperate need of something to eat. He flopped down on the couch and was already one slice down when Charlie dropped herself down next to him, also taking a slice. 

Chapter Text

„We ran into some people in town. They’ll come by later and bring a keg“, Jeremiah told them and went into the kitchen, but Conrad and Charlie were too focused on the pizza in their hands that they didn’t fully listen or even take time to answer. Belly had sat herself next to them on the couch, „You two are pigs“, she said as she watched them dig in like pigs. Charlie grunted for full effect. Jeremiah then returned, balancing four cups in his hands, each handing on. „What is that?“, Belly asked as she sniffed it, „Smells strong“, she said, „That’s because it’s tequila“, Jeremiah said and lifted his cup in the air, „To the last night“, „To the last night“, the rest echoed his word and downed their cups in one quick gulp while Belly watched them, carefully taking a sip from hers.

„This is pretty good. Not strong at all“, she said, Jeremiah burst out laughing, „That’s because yours is 95% water“, Conrad started laughing at that, too. Belly glared at them, „That’s not fair. I want to drink what you guys are drinking“, she protested. Jeremiah slung an arm around her shoulder, „Sorry, but we don’t serve minors here“, she punched him on the shoulder. „You’re a minor too, dummy“, „Yeah but you’re really a minor“, he said, „My mom would kill me“, but then stopped, his face fell. He didn’t mean to mention his mother like that, afraid that Conrad would lose it again but his brothers face was blank.

„The legal drinking age in Australia is 18, so with me being here that cancels out the American laws“, Charlie decided then and there, „Still making her a minor“, Jeremiah argued, „Yeah but like, same as people here start drinking sooner, people in Australia also start sooner. You can bet your ass off I was an full on alcoholic at age 15“, she joked. „So that’s why you fell for Conrad“, Jeremiah said jokingly, earning a pillow to the head by Conrad. Belly had suddenly jumped up and was rummaging through the TV console, „What are you doing?“, Jeremiah asked her.

„Just wait“, she said as she was looking through their collection of old DVDs and home videos. She put a VHS in and turned the TV on. On the screen now, was a 12 year old Conrad with braces and bad skin. He was lying on a beach blanket scowling at his father. Belly and Jeremiah bursted out laughing as Mr Fisher tried to get Conrad so say something about the 4th of July. Charlie started gushing at the sight, squeezing his arm, „God how I would’ve fallen for you even then“, she started but as much as he liked her saying that, Conrad only glared at Belly and Jeremiah, making a move for the remote. Jeremiah got it first, holding it above his head, still laughing. Trying to get Conrad off him, as he started wrestling him for the remote but they suddenly stopped when their mother appeared on screen.

Susannah was wearing her big beach hat and a long white shirt. „Suse honey, how do you feel today on our nation’s birthday?“, She rolled her eyes, „Give it a rest, Adam. Go videotape the kids“, she then looked up from under her hat, a slow deep down smile on her face. A smile of a woman who truly and deeply loved the person holding the video camera. Charlie recognized that smile. She had seen it on Conrad. Whenever he smiled at her, only her. He had stopped fighting for the remote and watched for a moment before he said „Turn it off“, „Come on, man. Let’s just watch“, Jeremiah protested against it. Conrad didn’t say anything but also couldn’t get his eyes off the screen. The camera turned to a young Belly, screaming her lungs out and being chased by Steven and Jeremiah.

The brothers started laughing simultaneously. „That summer here was really great“, Belly said, giggling at her past self. „All of our summers were“, Jeremiah said. Conrad silently got up and went into the kitchen, returning with the bottle of tequila. He poured in each of the cups, not watering down Belly’s. They all took the shot together and Belly started tearing up as soon as the tequila hit her tongue. Charlie, Conrad and Jeremiah started laughing at the sight. „Suck on the lime“, Conrad told her and so she did, feeling warm afterwards. Charlie poured another round of shots and they clung their cups again.

„Who’s even coming to this party?“, Conrad then asked and Jeremiah started listing off names. „Meeting family and friends in one day? You’re really putting me through a lot“, Charlie said jokingly and leaned back into Conrad who placed a kiss on her forehead. „You were the one who decided to hit on me“, Conrad just replied and chuckled to himself. The first guests started arriving around 11pm. Conrad and Charlie hadn’t really moved much from their position on the couch, they usually stayed on couches during parties at college, why should they bother doing something else during this one now?

They shared the bottle of tequila between them, while Belly got around the house, greeting everybody and Jeremiah was nowhere in sight but they could still here him, screaming and having fun somewhere with the guests. As the bottle got empty, Conrad sighted and pulled himself off the couch. Charlie wanted to protest but pulled to her feet by him. Apparently now the time had come he actively wanted to present her as his girlfriend to his old summer break friends and acquaintances while they made their way into the kitchen to restock on alcohol.

But Conrad stopped when he was Nicole standing in the kitchen alongside Jeremiah. It was not like Charlie hadn’t met some of his hook ups at college but they’d all been casual about it. Nicole however… he had really fucked it up with her in the past. Jeremiah motioned them to come over and Conrad slung Charlie tighter to his side now as they made their way towards them. „Hey Nicole“, Conrad greeted her, „Oh hey Conrad“, she said and got on her tiptoes to hug him. „Nicole, that’s my girlfriend Charlie“, he mentioned beside him. Nicole smiled at Charlie but still had one eyebrow raised in disbelief.

„Well nice to meet the girl who finally got to tie him down“, she joked and they gave each other a hug. „Oh that? He was basically throwing himself at me“, Charlie joked in return. Nicole didn’t believe her, „Oh gurl, tell me your magic“, she exclaimed excitedly. Jeremiah watched their exchange „You definitely have a type“, he then said to Conrad and started to laugh. The two girls couldn’t be more different. One being a black haired, dark skinned beauty and the other one with porcelain skin, freckles all over her body and hair as red as dawn.

Conrad swatted him in embarrassment of the statement but Jeremiah laughed it off and walked away as soon as he heard Belly turn the music up loud. He grabbed her and pulled her in the middle of the living room. The two of them started dancing and Nicole excused herself to join the dance floor after she and Charlie had talked a little further. „Can we swim in the pool, one last time?“, Belly asked after a while and hurried outside with Jeremiah on her heels. Some people were already swimming in it when she decided to jump in, clothes and all.

Conrad had followed them outside, watching Belly carefully. Despite their shared bottle of tequila, he was still sober. Throughout time he and Charlie had build up quite the tolerance together. Jeremiah and jumped in the pool as well and they had started splashing each other. „Okay, there’s gotta be something going on between these two“, Charlie spoke out, looking an Conrad who was watching them still. He grumbled in agreement, not liking that she was right. When the party cleared out, Charlie took it upon herself to help a, still soaking wet, Belly upstairs to bed.

He didn’t want to and tried to escape but Charlie had a firm grip on her, pulling her inside her bedroom while the two brothers stayed downstairs. Conrad wanted to have a word with Jeremiah and Charlie all but hoped that it wouldn’t escalate again. She helped Belly out of her wet clothes and into her pajamas. „You know, I tried really hard to hate you and I truly did but I think I can’t anymore“, Belly slurred as she laid down on her bed, head first into the pillow. „Atta girl, lay on the side for me“, Charlie ignored her comment and tried to push her on her side. „That’s exactly why. You take care of me… and take good care of him“, Belly said and flopped onto her side. „Goodnight Belly“, Charlie said, putting the garbage bin beside Belly’s bed just in case and leaving the room.

Chapter Text

They had slept until 10am, which was still a short night, considering they had stayed up past 4am and despite having a high tolerance the tequila still left his effects but when Conrad and Charlie went downstairs to make themselves a coffee, the hungover seemed gone as soon as they saw the mess the house was in. The must’ve been really tired as they couldn’t remember it looking like that the night before. While Charlie freed the coffee machine and filed it up with fresh beans, Conrad got a trash bag and started throwing things away.

They were drinking coffee and tidying up around them in silence, when the front door flew open. They hurried to the entrance, scared that the movers had returned when they saw a distressed Laurel take two steps at a time upstairs towards Belly’s room. They looked at each other and decided to return to the cleaning when the screaming occurred upstairs. Laurel and Belly were having a fight. A fight unlike the ones the house had heard the days prior. This fight was full of emotion, angst and tears. Then the trembling of of footsteps down the stairs and a crying Belly rushed past them through the sliding doors outside the patio and down the beach.

It didn’t take long for Jeremiah to walk past them as well, following Belly outside. At last Laurel joined them in the kitchen, looking tired and regretful. „Sorry for that terrible first impression“, she said looking at Charlie, who waved her off. „Trust me, I had worse the last few days“, she said and gave her a hug as a warm welcome before handing her a mug with the fresh coffee, „You look like you need one“, she said. „Oh, I definitely do. Thank you“, Laurel smiled at Charlie. She sat down on a chair at the kitchen counter and watched the couple clean up, almost moving in synch while they moved around each other, each having their respective thing to pick up or wipe down.

It warmed Laurels heart the way the coffee warmed her tired body. She smiled into her mug as she took another sip of the coffee, not letting her eyes leave the two. Conrad and her phone calls had fallen short in the last few month since he had first introduced Charlie to her and he had also stopped speaking to Steven as frequent so she hadn’t really known what had been going on in the live of the oldest. But seeing him here now, alongside her, she knew he was doing just fine. „If you’ll excuse me now, I need to make a phone call“, Laurel said after she had finished her coffee.

„You do you, Laurel“, Conrad answered her while tying up a trash bag. She went outside to call their father. When she came back inside, Belly and Jeremiah had already returned from the Beach, Belly was now under the shower and Jeremiah helped clean up the mess. „You’re father is coming over for breakfast“, Laurel announced upon reentering the kitchen. „Will you go to the store and get some of the things he likes? Eggs and bacon, muffing mix and those big grapefruits?“, she asked, looking at Jeremiah who looked at her in confusion, knowing full well that she hated to cook.

„Why are you cooking for him?“, he ask, „Because he’s a child and children are cranky when they haven’t been fed“, Laurel answered dryly. Charlie stopped in her actions and looked up at the mother. She smiled, knowing full well why Conrad looked up to her. Laurel hurried the youngest out of the house and started cleaning alongside them. „Thank you for being here, Laurel“, Conrad said and smiled at her. Belly finally got down when Jeremiah already was back with the groceries. The house was clean again and Laurel got the muffins out of the oven with her bare hands, yelping in pain and letting the tin fall down on the ground.

Charlie was unsure whether it was because Laurel didn’t know what she was doing or still sleep deprived. „Our little secret“, Laurel said, winking after she had cooled her hand down under the running water and picked the tin back up, brushing the crumbs that had fallen onto the floor in her hand and throwing it away. She ushered Belly to try a muffing and the ordered her to take the trash bags outside with Conrads help. The short minute they were alone, Laurel looked at Charlie and stepped to the radio, turning it on full volume. Charlie started liking her more and more. Message in a bottle by police came on and the stereo was on full blast, Laurel started sining along and Charlie joined her.

„Can we turn down that music?“, Belly asked, rubbing her temple as they returned to the kitchen. „Nope“, Laurel said and tossed a grapefruit to Conrad. „Squeeze“, she said, pointing at the juicer. She was in full mom mode now. „For him?“, Conrad snorted, „I’m not squeezing this grapefruit“, „Yes, you will“, she said in a sing sang voice and then explained to her daughter what the others already knew. Belly squealed, hugging her mother in excitement. „It’s just breakfast. Don’t go getting your hopes up“, she warned but the kids knew they had one right then and there. „Jere, you set the table and Belly you do the eggs“, she ordered them, watching as Conrad started cutting the grapefruit before she herself started frying some bacon before Belly could use the same pan for the eggs.

Laurel watched in amusement when her daughter was almost vomiting from the grease smell alone. Teasing her on how she was feeling and if she ever planned on drinking again. Belly shook her head, carefully, not to do it to quickly and anger her hangover. Mr. Fisher arrived about half an hour later and looked at the decked table in amazement. „Wow, this looks great, Laurel. Thank you“, he gave her a meaningful look. Laurel smiled at him with thin lips. She sat down next to him and the kids followed around the table. „Dig in“, Laurel said and Mr. Fisher piled eggs on his plate alongside bacon. Laurel poured him a glass of the grapefruit juice, pricing how Conrad had squeezed it form him. He took it with suspicion after their last encounter but quickly dismissed and drank some of it.

„So, Conrad tell me“, he started, turning to look at his eldest, „This new girlfriend of yours“, he quickly glazed at Charlie and gestured between them, „How long have you been dating?“, he sounded genuinely curious. Conrad stared at his father, he knew what he was doing. He tried to already win the upper hand with this conversation before addressing the actual issue at hand. Charlie linked her fingers with Conrads on the table, „Uh.. about four month-ish now?“, he let out, looking at her, „Must’ve been end march“, Charlie added. „Four month and you didn’t feel the need to tell your old dad?“, he tried to joke to lighten the mood, looking at Laurel he continued, „Four month, can you believe it, Laurel?“, the mother just nodded her head, „Oh, I already knew“, she answered him, a smug look on her face.

She already saw her chance to win the other conversation before they even touched ground. Adam, Jeremiah and Belly all looked at her confused before she elaborated, „Four month is by no means late to introduce them to family“, she started, patting Conrads other hand, „But I kinda walked in when Steven was on the phone with them a few month back“, „Steven knew?“, Belly and Jeremiah explained simultaneously, unsure whether to glare at them or Laurel first, „He called me when I was getting ready for our date. I couldn’t hide it from him“, Conrad explained in defense.

Mr. Fisher cleared his throat, he felt as if that topic had been talked about enough and wanted to come to the actual reason why he was here, „Listen, thanks again for coming to help, Laurel. I really appreciate it. These guys weren’t to keen on listening to what I had to say“, he started speaking, smiling sly at the kids around the table, „I’m glad to have a little back up“. Laurel smiled back at him, „Oh, I’m not here to back you up, Adam. I’m here to back up Beck’s boys“, his smile faded. He put down his fork, „Laurel“. „You can’t sell this house, Adam. You know that. It means too much to the kids. It would be a mistake“, Laurel was calm.

Adam looked at Conrad and Jeremiah, then back at her. „I’ve already made up my mind, Laurel. Don’t make me out to be the bad guy here“, „I’m not making you out to be anything. I’m just trying to help you“, the room was silent, all awaiting his answer. He was struggling to stay calm but his face was turning red from anger, „I appreciate that but I’ve made up my mind. The house is for sale and frankly, Laurel, you don’t get a vote in this. I’m sorry. I know Suse always made you feel like this house was past yours. But its not“, he said.

„Oh, I know that“, Laurel answered, „This house is pure Beck. It's always been Beck. This was her favorite place. That's why the boys should have it“, Mr. Fischer stood up, „I’m not going to argue about this with you, Laurel“,“Adam, sit down“, she said and looked at him sternly. „No, I don't think I will“, „I said, Sit down, Adam“, he gaped at her but did as he was told. „Kids, get out“, Laurel said next. Conrad tried to argue but thought better of it. They all hustled out of the kitchen and sat down at the top of the stairs. „What the hell, Laurel?“, Mr Fisher said, „Did you really think you could railroad me into changing my mind?“, „Excuse me but fuck you“, Laurel explained, they all let out at breath on top of the stairs. Conrads eyes were shining.

„I love Laurel“, Charlie said to no-one in particular, „Laurel is amazing“, Conrad agreed with her, „Yeah she is“, Belly said after a pause. From the conversation downstair it seemed as if Adam had given in. Laurel had won and Conrad didn’t want to hear more from them. He stood up and looked at Charlie. „You coming?“, she nodded and stood up as well and together they went into his bedroom.

Chapter Text

„I’ll make you a deal“, Mr. Fisher to Conrad when he reentered the kitchen, Charlie close by. Jeremiah had knocked on Conrad bedroom door a minute prior to get him downstairs as Laurel had wished. Laurel and Adam had been talking in the kitchen, drinking coffee. It must’ve been Laurels fourth coffee by now. „What do you? My trust fun?“, Conrad looked at his father with caution but also numbness. Mr. Fishers jaw tightened, „No. I want you back at school tomorrow. I want you to finish your exams. If you do that, the house is yours. Yours and Jeremiah’s“, the later whooped loudly, „Yes!“ And engulfed his father in a hug. Adam clapped him on the back.

„What’s the catch?“, Conrad asked. „No catch. But you have to make a least Cs, no Ds or Fs. Do we have a deal?“, Conrad hesitated. He didn’t want to owe his dad anything. He would hate himself for it. „I haven’t studied“, Conrad said instead, „I might not pass“, he was testing. Charlie knew it was a lie. She knew he would pass if he had to write the exams right then and there. He was always studying and reading up in their free time. „Then no deal“, Mr Fisher said simply, „Those are the terms“, „Con, you just say yes, man. We’ll help you study, won’t we, Belly?“, Jeremiah urged, Belly looked at her mother, „Can I, Mom?“, Laurel nodded, „You can stay but you have to be home tomorrow“, „Take the deal“, Belly urged Conrad now too.

„Alright“, he said at last. „Shake on it like a man“, Mr Fisher said, holding out his hand to shake. Reluctantly, Conrad extended his arm and they shook. Laurel repeated the sentence under her breath and acted like he was about to puke. „Thanks, Dad. Really? Thanks“, Jeremiah said, hugged his dad again. „I need to get back to the city but just before I do that I want to properly introduce myself to my sons girlfriend“, Mr Fisher said and almost belted to the door. He couldn’t get out of the house fast enough. After a few minutes of silent celebration, they all helped to clean up the kitchen table and rinse the dishes. When everything was done, it was Laurels turn to leave.

They all walked her to her car, „You will get her home tomorrow?“, she asked, throwing her belongings on the passenger seat. „Definitely“, Jeremiah promised. „Laurel“, Conrad said, then hesitated, „You’re coming back, aren’t you?“, Laurel turned to him in surprise, a undefined look on her face. She was touched, „You want an old lady like me around?“, she asked, „Sure“, „I’ll be back whenever you’ll have me“, „When?“, Conrad asked and he was suddenly five years old again. Looking so young and vulnerable. Laurel reached out to touch his cheek, „Before the summer’s over and I’ll come back to close the house up too“, then she got in the car and waved at the four as she backed down the driveway, „See you soon“, she called out and with that she was gone. They watched her car leave, waving, until they couldn’t see it anymore.

When they returned inside the house, Conrad fell on the couch, face first and Jeremiah sprawled out on the floor next to him, „I’m so tired“, he moaned and Conrad agreed groaning. „Get up“, Belly was having none of it. Neither of the moved. She threw a pillow at Conrads had and jabbed her foot into Jeremiah’s stomach. „We have to start studying, you lazy bombs. Now get up!“, he almost yelled at them in a demanding tone. „I’m too tired to study. I need to take a power nap first“, Conrad said and turned his head to look at the two girls left standing. He held out his hand to wave Charlie towards him. „Me too“, Jeremiah agreed.

„Cuddle me“, Conrad mumbled as Charlie had finally made her way to the couch. „If you come upstairs to bed with me“, she tried to reason. The power nap at least should take place in a comfortable position and not squished up on the couch. With that Conrad sat up and looked at Belly who had crossed her arms. „I’m tired too, you know, but look at the clock. It’s already one. We’re going to have to work all night and leave really early tomorrow morning“, Conrad shrugged, „I work best under pressure but seriously, Belly, I can’t work like this. Just let me sleep for an hour“, he said while Jeremiah was already falling asleep on the floor. Conrad was too tired to argue that they didn’t need to help him, he would bring it up after his nap. „Fine. One hour. But that’s it“, in that moment she reminded them all of Laurel.

She walked into the kitchen while Conrad and Charlie woke Jeremiah and then slowly made their way up the stairs into their respective bedrooms. It felt like they had just closed their eyes when Belly woke them up again. Brutally. With a spray bottle filled with cold water and she aimed straight for the eyes. The little devil. „Rise and shine“, she sang, spraying it a second time. With that she left the room to wakeup Jeremiah. „I feel worse than before“, Conrad muttered, wiping his eyes dry with the hem of his shirt. Charlie groaned in agreement and turned her face to wipe it try on his shirt, as she had fallen asleep on his chest.

„Hey“, Conrad nudged her playfully, „Keep your fluids to yourself“, Charlie laughed, „Well that’s a first. Usually you don’t care about my fluids on you“, she had a flirtatious smile on her lips as she looked up at him. „Hmm you’re right. Gimme that kiss“, he said and pulled her up so they were face to face. Charlie pressed an extra wet kiss on his lips. Conrad hummed as he let go, „I would love to deepen that but Belly is going to kill is if we don’t go downstairs now“, he sat up and Charlie got off him. They went downstairs where Jeremiah and Belly were already waiting at the kitchen table.

„Why?“, Conrad asked in shock, looking around on everything that sat on the table. All of his books, his laptop, paper and pens were all neatly laid out. There was a batch of coffee brewing and a next to the study utensils was a big grease stained bag from McDonalds. All Cheeseburgers inside. Conrad went straight for the the coffee and poured himself a mug while Jeremiah tried to get one of the Cheeseburgers out of the bag. Belly smacked his hand away, „Not yet. There is a reward system in place here. Conrad studies and then he gets food“, she explained her plan. Jeremiah frowned, „What about me?“, „Same for you. Conrad studies and you get food“, Conrad raised an eyebrow while he drank his coffee. „A reward system, really? I’m going to pass“, he said, Jeremiah looked at him but he just shrugged, „I s

tudy better on my own. I’ve got it covered. You guys can go“, Jeremiah shook his head in disgust. „Just like always. You can’t handle asking for help. Well, sucks to be you because we’re staying“, „What do you guys know about freshman psych?“, Conrad said, crossing his arms. „We’ll figure it out“, he winked at Belly, then asked her, „Bells, can we eat first? I need grease“, „One each, that’s it“, she answered him and got them out of the bag. „I’ll just stick to coffee first“, Charlie said, declining as Belly offered her one. Conrad was searching for Tabasco sauce and Jeremiah and Belly high-fived. They all sat down now and ate. After the burgers were slung down Belly asked, „How do you want to do this, Conrad?“, „Seeing as how I don’t want to do this at all, I’ll let you decide“, he offered her nonchalantly.

„Okay then - You’ll read. I’ll work on notecards for psych. Jeremiah will highlight“, „Jere doesn’t know how to highlight“, Conrad scoffed. „Hey“, Jeremiah protested but then agreed, „He’s right. I suck at highlighting. I just end up highlighting the whole page. I’ll do notecards and you highlight, Bells“, he said and Belly accepted. „I’ll just be moral support, as always“, Charlie said, she had her feet propped up on the chair Conrad was sitting on and patted him on the shoulder to show her support. „Oh you’re my number one cheerleader, mentally and physically“, Conrad said, looking at her with a smug smile. He was still in a flirtatious mood like she had been upstairs just a few minutes prior. „Gosh, do you guys ever hang out with other people?“, Jeremiah moaned at their sappiness.

„We have other friends“, Charlie was quick to answer, „Yeah, like Trevor“, Conrad laughed, „Eric“, Charlie continued listing his roommate „Ellen“, he listed hers, „I’m pretty sure you have never even met Ellen“, Charlie suddenly realized, laughing. Ellen had spent most of her time at the frat house with her boyfriend, which is why Conrad was able to sleep in Charlies room every night, in the first place. „Now that you mention it, I think you’re right. I don’t think I have“, Conrad agreed in a shocked voice. „Hey, should we move in together?“, he then suddenly asked her, „I’d happily not share a room with Eric for another year. Did I ever tell you how I caught him masturbation to one of your pictures?“, he shuddered as he remembered the incident. Charlie gasped, „Conrad Fisher! How could you forget to pass me such vital information! I always knew there was something utterly wrong with that guy“, a shutter went down her spine and she shook her head.

„But yeah, let’s move in together“, she smiled, „But now get to studying“, Charlie yanked at his hair to push his head towards the book that was in front of him, as she stood up to pour herself another coffee. Conrads lips escaped a moan when she pulled at his hair. A mortified look came across his face, he didn’t dare look at Jeremiah and Belly. Instead he held his psych textbook in front of his face to cover the redness that shot in his cheeks and ears and sunk lower down his chair. Charlie still had a smirk on her lips as she sat back down. Jeremiah and Belly acted like they didn’t hear it and got onto doing their respective tasks.

Chapter Text

It was early morning when they were on their way back to Brown. The sun wasn’t about to rise for yet another hour. Charlie was in the drivers seat, Conrad sat next to her, his books in his lap and his eyes scanning through the notebook he had written his own notes in after he had woken up that day. Charlie had Jeremiah and Belly convinced to leave last night. Conrad had put in his headphones and was working on his English paper, when she had heard them whisper to one another. Jeremiah had tried to tell Belly to leave that night on her own with his car and he would get it from her when the exams would be over. But Belly didn’t want to leave alone as they were both death set on coming to Brown with them.

Charlie had let out a long sigh, „Guys, I really appreciate your efforts and how invested you are in this, and he does too“, she mentioned to Conrad who was lost in his book, „But there’s no need in you coming back toBrown with us. Conrad will be writing his exams all day and you would just wait around and be bored. I’ll drive, he can still study the entire drive there. We got it covered. It’s all good“, „But“, Jeremiah tried to interject. Charlie shook her head, „You’ve done enough, really. Leave tonight or stay till tomorrow but then go do your own thing. Laurel will be happy if Belly returns home earlier and you can still spent the day together or even beyond that“, she suggested.

She knew they just wanted to spent as much time with Conrad as they could but she also knew that Conrad would be happy to be alone again and she knew that she could get Jeremiah to agree with that last sentence as she saw how he always looked at Belly. It also made no sense, environmentally wise, all those silly hours of driving around. „Okay“, Jeremiah agreed after a while, „You’re right“, then he turned to Belly, „Can I drive you home tomorrow morning then?“, she nodded her head slowly. Charlie actually had hoped to get them out of the house that night still but she didn’t complain, her alone time with Conrad would just have to wait until after his exams were over. By the way his fingers wandered up and down her thigh under the table, while he was writing his paper, he was also thinking about wanting to do other stuff at the moment but he didn’t let it show for the sake of his sibling.

Charlie had went to bed around 3am, defeated. She knew she had to get a few hours of sleep in to not freak out during driving. Conrad had stayed up past that and was the first to rise again. Belly’s shouting down the hallway had woken her up again. Conrad wasn’t beside her but she had woken up up when he had crawled in next to her, so she knew he had at least slept a few hours. Their bags stood next to the door, already packed. She got dressed, throwing the clothes she’d slept in in her bag and then took them both downstairs, next to the entrance of the house. Conrad was already sitting at the table in the kitchen again, making notes. Belly standing next to him, drank some juice and announce that they would should be leaving in 20 minutes.

„Coffee’s in the making“, Conrad said to Charlie who yawned upon entering. She walked towards him, placing a kiss to his cheek and then went straight for the coffee. „Be ready“, Belly said and walked out the kitchen, probably to go check up on Jeremiah. „Already am“, Conrad answered and they all knew he was. He wrote the last sentence in his notebook and was packing up the last of his belongings when Jeremiah finally joined them downstairs. „Should we?“, Conrad asked his brother, who had Belly trailing after him. „Should we what?“, she asked, scared. „Yeah, for old times sake“, Jeremiah agreed. „Oh, no way. No freaking way“, Belly shouted but Jeremiah had already grabbed her and was going for her legs when Conrad took her arms.

Charlie watched the scene in amusement, not having a clue what was happening. She just enjoyed the sight. Boys will be boys. They help her up and walked outside to the pool, swinging her back and forth. „Belly flop!“, Jeremiah screamed and they flung her through the air and with a loud thud she landed in the pool. When she resurfaced she yelled „Jerks!“, whining her face free from the water. Conrad and Jeremiah were laughing like maniacs and walked back inside, leaving her to get out on her own. She got out of the pool and walked back upstairs, changing into dry clothes. Charlie and Conrad had waited for her to come back down to say their goodbyes. They all embraced before going getting into their separate cars. „Thank you guys, really“, Conrad said to Jeremiah and Belly, meaning it.

„See you at home“, was the last thing Jeremiah said, „Yeah see you“, Conrad said and then they got in their cars and drove off. The car ride was pleasantly silent. They held hands while Conrad was browsing through his notes. When they arrived at Brown, they still had a few minutes to spare so they went and got some sandwiches for breakfast and some more for Conrad during the exam. „You’re gonna kill it“, Charlie said as they were standing in front of the hall to his first one. She smiled and kissed him one last time before he went inside. He wasn’t nervous. He knew he would.

Charlie got back into her room and after taking a nap she absentmindedly started packing her stuff and taking down her photos and posters from the walls. Conrad had been serious about the moving in part and she saw no point in leaving it for another time. Also it made the time go by faster. There was no need to stay in their rooms after tonight and they would figure something out. They always did. When there was nothing left to pack away and everything was cleaned, she laid down on her bed again, scrolling through her phone. Conrad soon after barged through the door, food in one hand, the other held up in victory. „I killed it“, he said and put the food down on her now empty desk before jumping on the bed and straddling her in a massive hug. „I knew you would“, she beamed up at him, matching his energy in an instant.

Conrad crashed his lips to hers and they finally could relish everything they had wanted to since the day before. After they were done, Conrads head was resting on her chest, panting, enjoying how her legs were still shaking underneath him. That’s when his eyes caught the food on the desk again. He chuckled „Got us some Chinese to celebrate but it’s probably cold by now“, „Just like our first date. It was cold then too, remember?“, Charlie said, „Yeah but back then that was the delivery mans faul“, „Well, in some way this time too“, she winked at him. Conrad kissed her again before sitting up.

He took the bag and handed her one of the takeaway boxes. „What’s with the empty walls?“, Conrad asked her as she sat up and took it out of his hand. „I just though ‚why waste anymore time‘ with the whole moving in together“, she explained as she took her first bite. Conrad smiled, „About that… I talked to my professors after the exam. If I actually did how I think I did, what do you think about taking that entire moving thing to another state?“, he looked at her with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. „What state?“, „California. We could transfer to Stanford. They have this really amazing medical lab on campus where I could work beside the courses and you as you already wanted to change up your major, you could start fresh there“, he explained, excited like a little kid. „Then California it is“, Charlie yelled, raising her fork. „We just have to wait for my results and then my professor could also write me a letter of recommendation and the whole thing can be started“, „We could still be looking for apartments there“, Charlie suggested. And that’s exactly what they did for the reminder of the evening.

Chapter Text

When the results from Conrads exams came in, they were back at the summer house. They had packed up everything in Conrads room that night of the exams as well and put everything in the trunk of his car. Two lives merging together. The last night was spent similar to their first one in her room, eating chinese and watching a movie on her laptop until both fell asleep. The next morning they had returned their dorm keys and had left Brown with the intend of never coming back. When they arrived in Cousins they spent the rest of the day out in the water, surfing, no care in the world.

This time there was no time limit on how long they could stay there - well, until the end of August at least since then the next semester would start up. It’s been two weeks since the exams and the results were finally revealed. As not as much students had to take summer classes they were able to get them back sooner. „Charlie get here, now!“, Conrad screamed anxiously through the house when he saw the notification pop up on his phone. He was in the living room while Charlie had taken a shower upstairs and she belted down with his laptop in hand.

He sat down on the couch and she handed him his laptop, sitting next to him. He opened the link Brown had just send him and held his breath as the results started loading. He passed with excellence in every single one of them. His lowest by far being a 84%. Charlie squealed, almost knocking the laptop out of his hands as she embraced him, planting kisses on every part of his body her mouth could reach. He laughed, letting it happen to him and slung his arms around her in excitement. „I’ll get wine. This calls for celebration“, Charlie said, jumping up and hurrying downstairs into the wine cellar.

Conrad watched her leave and then took a screenshot of the page. He attached the screenshot to a new mail, typing in his fathers work mail and send it away. No words, no RE, no nothing. He just wanted him to know straight away that he’d done it. He had won. They got to keep the house and that was the least personal way he could think of. Charlie came back with a Chardonnay in one hand and two glasses in the other. „The occasion screamed glasses to me“, she explained as he gave her an questioning look. „I sent the results to my dad“, he said as he put his laptop on the couch table and took the bottle from her hand, opening it.

He then slung his arms around her and pulled her on his lap. They toasted to his success and drank their first glass before Conrad decided to call his professor to set everything in motion. While he was on the phone, Charlie took his laptop from the couch table and started mailing her professors for her own transfer. After she was done she started looking up one bedroom apartments near Stanford. Conrad was peeking over her shoulder and gave her either a thumbs up or thumbs down when she showed him some of the apartments, while he was still talking to his professor.

„All done, they’ll send everything via mail and in the post here“, Conrad said as he put his phone away, as if Charlie hadn’t been listening the whole time. He snuggled into Charlie to get a better view of what she was looking at. She had the ones he had previously given a thumbs up to, opened in multiple tabs and was scrolling through the website. „That one“, Conrad interrupted her and pointed on the screen. „Really? That’s smaller than our dorm rooms“, Charlie said but clicked on it anyway, „But it still looks nice and we don’t need much space at first. We hardly have any stuff anyway“, he said and poured them another round of wine.

After about two hours they had written to about 20 different apartments, some of which they liked more than others but they knew they needed options and probably wouldn’t hear back from all of them in the first place. „Anybody here?“, Laurel screamed a few days later upon entering the house. „Pool“, Conrad screamed back and earned a splash of water from Charlie. They had been playing volleyball in the pool with the net spanned in the middle. Laurel and Cleveland came into few in the kitchen, putting their bags on the kitchen table along with a few groceries they bought.

„There were letters in the mailbox“, Laurel said and stepped outside with two big letters in her hand, „We have never gotten any mail delivered here in the past 20 years. What are you two plotting?“, she asked, a stern look on her face but still smiling. Conrad quickly looked at Charlie and then got out of the pool. „You might want to sit down for that one“, he said to Laurel and dried himself with one of the towels they had thrown on the lounge chairs. He walked in the kitchen with her and they all sat down at the kitchen table. Charlie had hoisted herself out of the pool by now as well and followed them inside, offering coffee to the two new arrivals.

„I’m Charlie“, she introduced herself then to Cleveland and hugged him quickly, „Cleveland. Nice to meet you“, he said and then looked back at Conrad. Charlie sat down next to him, while he began to speak, „Well, this isn’t how we intended to tell you but Laurel, you do remember how I dreamed of going to Stanford when I was younger?“, he asked her rather rhetorically. „Of course I remember, you wouldn’t shut up about it one summer and were obsessed after you visited campus“, she said, remembering it with a soft smile, „Yeah, I even got in back then but never went because of everything going on with mom. I wanted to stay close. I needed to stay close“, Conrad said and breathed in deeply before continuing, „I think now the time has come for me to go“.

„Oh Connie“, Laurel breathed and reached across the table to grab his hand, „Are sure?“, „Absolutely“, he nodded his head firmly. „Charlie would come with me. I wouldn’t be all alone“, he said. „I wanted to change my major anyway and it would be the perfect way for a new beginning. The letters are recommendations“, Charlie now spoke and nodded to the letters lying on the table. Laurel looked at both of them for a while without saying anything, studying their faces. Trying to find anything deeper rooted. „Oh Connie“, she said again, „Do whatever you think needs to be done“, to heal. If that is what they needed to do to grow she wasn’t going to stop them. Neither of them. She wasn’t their mother after all. „It’s still uncertain if we would get in anyway“, Conrad quickly back dragged but everybody in the room knew that was a lie.

They had accepted Conrad before, why wouldn’t they do it a second time. After the conversation was over and Laurel and Cleveland both had assured them enough times that it was okay they went upstairs to unpack. Conrad and Charlie took the time to write their applications. Sending them out online and as a physical copy, just in case. They just needed to get into the city to print them out and send them away.

Chapter Text

„Do you even remember how to do it?“, Conrad asked Cleveland as they all sat in his boat. Their conversation had drifted off to sailing earlier this week and when the weekend came around they finally decided to go out on the water again. „Maybe“, Cleveland said and untied the knot, he then looked at the loose robe and around the boat. Conrad laughed and told him to sit down, taking matters into his own hands, „You forgot everything after you published that book, didn’t you?“, he teased him, making everybody laughed. „Maybe“, Cleveland said again, „But to be fair we haven’t done it since“, trying to defend himself.

„All is forgiven“, Conrad said and sat down, guiding the boat on the open water. Charlie watched him closely. She knew he was good at sailing with all of the prices in his room at the summer house but she always got amazed when he saw him being good at something. Looking so effortless doing stuff, it was unfair how natural everything came to him. „Earth to Charlie, anybody home?“, asked Laurel and caused her to snap out of her thoughts, „Sorry what did you say?“, she asked, turning her gaze and attention away from Conrad who winked at her.

„Nothing“, Laurel smirked, „Just wanted to know what you were daydreaming about“, Charlie blushed and look away, out to the open scenery around them. She waddled her way over to him and sat down next to him, putting her arm around his back. „Actually“, Lauren then started, „Just wanted to ask you why exactly you want to change your major? As far as I’m concerned you’re really good at what you do and you’re grades in the exams were also excellent?“. „I just want to aim higher, I guess. Photography is fun and I love it but, especially if we go to California now I can’t see myself getting a successful career from it. Becoming a therapist will be easier in the long run“, Charlie said.

„We’ve got a real power couple over here“, Cleveland beamed, „Doctor and therapist. That open ups every opportunity for the both of you. You could live and work anywhere“, he said. „Maybe we’ll come back to live here one day“, Conrad thought out loud, squeezing Charlies hand and smiling at her. „Becks would’ve loved that“, Laurel explained, beaming as well. „Just don’t do anything stupid when you’re California“, she returned to her mom mode. „Laurel, as if you ever had to worry about me doing anything stupid“, „Do I have to remind you of two summers ago?“, she asked him, he looked away defeated, „But I pulled myself out of that one. I might fuck things up but I’ll manage“, „That you do“, Laurel said, „That you do“, „Speaking of… didn’t Belly come join you guys?“, Conrad then asked.

„She wasn’t home, she’ll come by in a few days, I suppose“, Laurel said but was unsure of her words. „Did you know she’s been hanging out with Jeremiah a lot lately? I haven’t caught them yet but my mom sense is tingling, I’m sure there’s something going on between the two of them!“, Conrad looked a little unwell as she said it but she wasn’t sure whether it was because of his older brother protectiveness or the month he and her daughter had something going on. „I haven’t talked to any of them since we were last here“, he said“, „So no, I didn’t know that“. „But I already thought there was something happening between the two when they stayed here“, Charlie said.

„I always suspected those two to end up together“, Laurel trailed off. „Do you really think that’s gonna end well?“, Conrad asked her curiously, „They’re both way to impulsive“, „I thought of them ending up together, I didn’t say it would be an easy pair“, Laurel defended herself, „It not everyday that there’s two people like you to find each other“. Conrad and Charlie blushed, „See, you even get embarrassed the same way!“, Laurel swooned. „Oh hush“, pressed Charlie under her breath. „Steven and Shayla should be here soon as well“, Laurel then remembered.

„What?“, Charlie yelled, „I’m finally going to meet Steven?“, she was excited to hear. She really liked Steven and has missed his phone calls with Conrad a lot. When it was time for dinner, they decided to head back to the shore. Conrad had convinced Cleveland to try it again and was guiding him through the steps. It took longer this way but nobody minded it. They enjoyed the evening breeze as long as they could. Before returning back to the summer house they went into a restaurant to enjoy themselves a lobster dinner, as Laurel and Cleveland had graved it but both weren’t good at cooking.

A few days later Steven and Shayla were the first to arrive, they would be staying at Shaylas parents summer house but that didn’t stop Steven from trying to spend as much time as he could with the others. He charged through the summer house in search of everybody. Laurel, Cleveland, Conrad and Charlie were seated around the pool on lounge chairs, enjoying the sun while drinking some wine. „Let’s empty it as much as we can“, Laurel said chuckling as she had gotten yet another wine bottle from Adams wine cellar. Sometimes she was ruthless.

„Connie“, Steven screamed as he saw him, Conrad stood up and turned around to face Steven who nearly jumped on him, engulfing him in a big bro hug. They started jabbing each other and one upping each other how much they missed each other. Charlie just sat there laughing. Shayla had finally joined them outside as well and gave a warm „Hello“ and a wave to everybody seated. When Stevens eyes fell on Charlie, he stopped punching Conrad and leaped towards her. „Charlie, finally!“, he yelled excitedly and hugged her, picking her up from the lounge chair in the process.

„Let her breathe, Steve“, Conrad said laughing. Steven put her back down and released her from his arms. „I thought you were taller“, he then said and rested his elbow on her shoulder. Charlie boxed him in his side, „I thought you were nicer“, she retorted. „Feisty“, he ruffled her hair and went back over to Shayla. Conrad and Charlie both sat back down, this time sharing one lounge chair so the other two could sit down as well. „I love your hair“, Shayla complimented Charlie as she sat down on the now empty lounge chair. Steven had went inside to get two more wine glasses.

He came back outside and Laurel poured him the wine. „I love your style in general“, Charlie complimented her back. They knew right then and there that they would get along. After all, Charlie thought, she must be awesome if she was able to handle a relationship with Steven. „Excited for college?“, Conrad asked Steven who sat down next to Shayla. „Oh absolutely. I can’t wait to finally get there“, he replied and they clinked their classes. „Just sucks that we’ll be even further away from each other“, he then said and grabbed Shaylas hand. „You’ll manage“, Charlie encouraged them.

Chapter Text

„Conrad!“, Charlie screamed at the top of her lungs. She stood in the kitchen, the mailman had just brought their letters as she was grabbing something out of Conrads car. He came belting down the stairs, almost tripping on the way to her. „What is it?“, he asked, panicked and was confused as she saw her somewhat calm. „Fuck, I thought you saw a spider or something“, he chuckled as he saw the letters in her hand, „Did you forget that I’m Australian? As if I would ever get scared by an American spider“, Charlie teased him and waved his letter in front of him. They were both big ones.

„One three?“, he asked, grabbing it from her. „One three“, she agreed and they started counting down together. Then they ripped the letters open tore the packaging off, mindlessly throwing it to the ground. „I got in“, Conrad breathed out, not believing it what his eyes just read. „Me too“, Charlie said. They looked at each other, „We got in!“, they screamed in unison and started jumping up and down, hugging each other, repeating „We got in“, over and over again. The letters dropped down on the floor but they didn’t care. „I can’t believe we’re able to start our life together like this“, Conrad had stopped jumping and looked down on her now, with loving eyes. „Me neither“, Charlie said, holding his gaze.

They didn’t even notice the others joining  them in the kitchen until Laurel let out a „Congratulations you guys“. They turned their heads to look at her. „Get in here“, Conrad waved his arm for her, Cleveland and Steven to join them. The occasion just screamed for a group hug. They all engulfed in one massive hug, squishing Conrad and Charlie in the middle. Steven not yet having a glue what exactly was going on. He still was supportive and always up for a hug. „What the hell is going on here?“, they heard Jeremiah’s voice. He and Belly had just arrived and now stood in the kitchen with them.

„Join in“, Steven yelled at them and so they did. „Okay enough“, Laurel said but grabbed a wine bottle when she freed herself from the hug. Everybody stepped away and Charlie picked up the letters from the ground. „So what’s the big news?“, Jeremiah asked again, looking at Conrad. „We just got into Stanford“, he said anxiously, knowing exactly how his brother would react. „Are you shitting me?“, Steven yelled and Jeremiah said „You can’t be serious“, at the same time, „So, you’re leaving for good now, huh?“. „Jere“, Conrad started and sighed, „Everyone knows that it was my first choice.  It was just a matter of time for me to transfer“.

„Sure, just leave and live your California life and let us all behind to deal with everything on our own“, Laurel interjected „Stop it, Jere. We talked about it already. It’s the best choice for Connie, for his future career“. Jeremiah looked defeated but he knew better than to argue with Laurel on this one. Laurel and Conrad had always been a closed force. Just this one jab, „Does dad know?“, he asked, „Eventually“, Conrad said in a monotone voice. „Well, congratulations“, Jeremiah said and while it sounded sincere and deep down he was happy for his brother, he was still pissed.

Laurel poured everyone a glass and even handed Jeremiah and Belly one to ease their nerves. „Just this one though“, she told them and they all toasted. „Are you staying in campus dorms?“, Steven asked after everyone had put their glasses down again. „No we’re trying to find an apartment first. We already wrote to a bunch and then maybe will make our way down there at the end of August“, Charlie explained, „Yeah, the drive will take some time and we want to see everything in advance, since I was there before but Charlie hasn’t“, Conrad added.

„You’re really planning on driving there. Doesn’t that take like forever“, „Sure but we need the car there and flying would be too much of a hassle with all our stuff“, Conrad shrugged. „Can we get one last game in, then?“, Jeremiah chimed in, „Jere, it’s not like we’re leaving tomorrow“, Charlie said, „We still have plenty of time“ but the guys were all in. They hurried upstairs to change into their swim trunks. Belly went after them. „Aren’t you going to join?“, Conrad asked Charlie as they came back down. „I’ll leave it to you siblings“, she said, shaking her head. He kissed her on the cheek and then ran after Steven who already jumped in the pool.

Charlie joined Cleveland and Laurel on the lounge chairs, pouring herself another glass of wine with them while they watched the game of volleyball. Jeremiah and Belly against Conrad and Steven. The game went on for what felt like hours and they stopped counting after a while since there was no point anymore. The game only stopped because Steven suddenly got out of the water, „Oh shit, I’m meeting up with Shayla in half an hour. Sorry guys“, he yelled and ran into the house to go change into something dry. Jeremiah, Belly and Conrad looked at each other, then at Charlie, „Coming in?“, Conrad asked her. „Sure, why not“, she said and got out of her shirt and shorts as she had been wearing her bikini underneath. 

End of August came by fast. They had spend their last few weeks together, creating a summer similar to the ones they always had. Afraid that it would be their last summer all together. They played in the pool, went surfing, sailing with Cleveland and Laurel and down to the movies a few times. Cleveland and Laurel were the first to leave, then Jeremiah and Belly. Steven and Shayla were the ones sending Conrad and Charlie off when it was finally time for them to leave. They had packed water, coffee and a bunch of sandwiches to get them through the first day.

The drive alone would take 48 hours in total and in the end they had spend 4 days on the road alone. It was ruthless but Conrad and Charlie didn’t care, they felt free. More free than they would probably ever be again. They switched a couple times a day, only ever driving around 4 hours in one go but they never sped. They took their sweet time on the road and only ever stopped to tank gas again or get burgers and coffee from McDonalds. They would never stop anywhere else. The calories on the road didn’t count, Charlie had declared and so they had picked McDonalds as their only nutrition income for the next few days.

Little did they know, they wouldn’t touch any of if for the years to come since they overate it during that trip. When it was time to sleep they stopped at motels at the side of the road, trying to stay there as little as they could and when one of them felt like driving again they would leave again while the other kept on sleeping in the passengers seat. They talked about their new life together, about what they expected and hoped to happen, about how their classes would look like, which apartment they would get but also about random stuff, nonsense that made them laugh hours on end. When they finally arrived at their AirBnB near Stanford, Charlie shoot a text to Laurel, letting her know that they were still alive and well and had arrived but not to bother calling as they were probably going to sleep through the next two days straight. 

Chapter Text

They embraced their new life at Stanford and started feeling comfortable within the first week, even though they still had spent that week in the AirBnB. It showed them both how the rest of their life would end up being and they enjoyed every second of it. All of the stress and unease Conrad had felt in the past few weeks with his family around, had worn off of him and while he was still grieving the loss of his mother at times, he was back to the Conrad he was when Charlie first met him. By their second week, they were still looking at apartments. From the twenty they had written to, only twelve had even bothered to reply and set up a date.

Now seeing those twelve in real life, eight were actually terrible and ranged from Frat neighborhood, to not even being livable. The remaining four were okay. None of them were perfect but neither of them though the wold find anything good this close to the semester start. They were about to give up and even call the last one off, when the landlord arrived and let them in. It was by far the smallest one, too small to fit two people in the long run but when they stepped in, they couldn’t smell anything. „Smelling nothing. That makes it better than half of the ones we visited“, Conrad whispered to Charlie, not wanting the landlord to hear anything. With the last one that they had just left, the moistness in the walls could be smelled even before entering. Another one had raccoons living in the backyard and they could be smelled as well.

Looking around, there was nothing much to see. It was a small studio apartment, maybe as big as their previous dorm rooms. At least they were used to the size. The kitchen was a small nook in the left corner of the room, with two top plates, a build in microwave and a small fridge. The apartment was the last one in the complex, so it had windows on three walls and only one neighbor to their right. „Yeah, I guess it’s the best one so far“, Charlie whispered back. The bathroom had a tub, to their surprise, that doubled as a shower but otherwise the bathroom was hard to fit two people in at the same time.

The landlord was still standing outside the door when he spoke, „As we discussed the rent beforehand, there’s nothing more to add expect if you want to rent a parking lot as well, they’re being the complex“, he said and walked to the window opposite the door. He pointed outside, Conrad and Charlie stepped next to him and looked to where he pointed. „How much would that be monthly?“, Conrad asked him. „60 dollars“, „Yeah then we would rent that as well“, he looked at Charlie and she nodded in agreement. „Noted. I have another couple coming in, in five. If you want it, get back at me by tonight and we can set up the contract right away if I decide on you“, the landlord said and ushered them out of the apartment.

The drive back to their stay was only 10 minutes, overall getting anywhere in Stanford didn’t take much time. They had checked out their campus earlier this week to know where they had to go when the semester started and Conrad could even skate everywhere while Charlie thought about getting a bike. Conrad had offered to teach her skating but Charlie was sure she would never be able to stand on a skateboard for longer than five minutes. The gym they had already gotten their memberships was in walking distance from their AirBnB but wouldn’t be far off from campus or the last apartment.

When they got back, they sat on the couch with a glass of wine. „So I guess that’s a no brainer“, Charlie started, „Oh yeah, the raccoon one was by far the best and we would get pets for free“, Conrad joked. Charlie laughed but hit him in the shoulder playfully, „I love raccoons but I meant the last one“, „I know. I know“, he held his hands up in defense, „And we can get pets in that last apartment“, Charlie said. „If it wouldn’t be for the frat house next door my vote would’ve definitely gone to that one though“, he said. „Yeah but what is the point of going to frat parties if there is no Trevor around?“, Charlie said smirking, „I’m pretty sure we would find a Trevor if we would just walk past that house. With a good chance of even being called Trevor“, Conrad laughed at the thought and Charlie joined in.

They had both agreed that they wanted to lay off partying at Stanford, trying to connect with other people that were more focused on success and studying rather than getting wasted and being high all the time. For Conrad it had been a coping mechanism at Brown and he didn’t want to continue doing it just because. With Charlie in his life they had been sidelining parties and enjoying each others company rather than getting blackout drunk and being in the middle anyway and while they would end up occasionally going to parties during their time at Stanford, it would end up only being for special occasions. Their weed consume also coming down to when they felt anxiety rising whether it was before exams or trauma responses.

They wrote the landlord right away, got the apartment and were able to move in within the next week. While the move didn’t take long as they hadn’t had any actual furniture just yet, it got difficult to manage buying new furniture and getting it to the apartment when their first week of classes started. As there was no bed frame available right away and they would’ve needed to wait six weeks for delivery, they had decided on a couch that could be transformed into a bed at night. In the end it turned out to be the better idea anyway as the apartment wouldn’t have fitted both a bed and a couch. Alongside the couch they went for a small coffee table, a tv that could be screwed to the wall and two desk set ups that would double as their kitchen table.

They put up some posters and pictures, Conrad even agreeing to put some up of his family. But when all furniture was finally in the apartment and they settled into a routine with their college classes, it was almost like time flew by. Before they knew it, two years have passed and they hadn’t left California once. Spending their weekends with friends, going hiking with Pancake, the Corgi they had gotten within their first year after Conrad had came up with the idea to get a dog and Charlie convinced him on the breed since all she ever wanted was a pet Wombat and a Corgi was the closest she would ever get to one.

Conrad sometimes had to work on the weekends in the medical lab but he tried to keep it to a bare minimum, not wanting to sacrifice his time with Charlie for his career. Everyday they made sure to have breakfast and dinner together since their classes were hardly at the same time, resulting in them having different daily routines. Charlie had started working in an therapist office as assistant, scheduling sessions with patients and overall organizing the office while getting first hand experience on the work life. They got along with a few of their classmates, Charlie finding a best friend in Agnes, a med student she met through Conrad as she was working in the lab as well.

She was even smaller than Charlie, had short wavy blond hair and they had hit it off almost immediately. Conrad had found a good friend in Nathan, another med student and they often went skating together or he joined the couple on their weekly surfing trips to the beach. And then there were Ashley and Brent, a couple they had met in their first week at the gym. They were both in their mid thirties and made a living with their gym activities, having an influencer lifestyle, so they were almost always there when Conrad and Charlie worked out. The friendship deepened after Charlie had offered them to babysit their four year old daughter, so they could go out for the night and celebrate their anniversary. The babysitting became regular after that and they would even take the daughter along on daily group hangouts.

Chapter Text

Conrad and Charlie ran into an issue when Laurels fiftieth came up. As they haven’t visited in two years, they really wanted to fly to see her over the weekend. Conrad and Laurel had talked frequently on the phone during their first month but thad slowly transitioned to maybe every three to four month and of course on birthdays and holidays. Now, as it was a big birthday they wanted to surprise Laurel as they know how much it would mean to her but then Conrad had a great work opportunity come up in the medical lab and he couldn’t not accept it. He had to work the weekend through and while he usually tried to avoid work weekends, and acceptation had to be made this time.

At first Charlie didn’t want to leave without him, seeing as it was his family and as much as she adored Laurel she would feel weird being surrounded by them without him being there. They also hadn’t spend this much time apart since his mothers funeral but the morning of the birthday party, she booked a flight in the heat of the moment after having a little panic attack. She needed somebody now, somebody that wasn’t Conrad or their friends. She could’ve probably gone to Ashley with the issue but she needed somebody like a mother figure.

And Laurel was the closest thing she had resembling one. She was in the bathroom when the panic attack started, Conrad preparing his food for lunch after they had just eaten breakfast. Charlie had tried to hide her panic from Conrad but he still noticed the something had been off with her. Since she’s been acting off for a few days he was hoping she was just coming down with a cold. When she opened the bathroom door, Conrad already left for work. She messaged him her decision.

  I’m leaving for Laurel’s now. Got a last minute flight. Will be back hopefully by tonight. 

- Charlie

You sure, maybe you shouldn’t fly in your condition.

- Conrad

Charlie laughed about the accuracy. A bitter, horrified laugh.

I’m fine. Just really need to see Laurel right now.

- Charlie

Okay, get her red zinnias, they’re her favorite. Love you

- Conrad

The flight took six hours and when she arrived Cleveland was waiting for her, „Conrad texted me to pick you up“, he explained after they quickly hugged, „Good boy“, Charlie giggled, „Laurel wasn’t happy to see me leave, especially since I couldn’t think of a good reason. I wanted to keep picking you up a secret. She was devastated when Conrad said he couldn’t come but I think you being a birthday surprise will make up for it“, he said. „Partially, she will still be sad that he isn’t here“, Charlie said, a small smile still on her lips, „Can we stop at a flower shop on the way back?“, she then asked. Cleveland nodded. She got out while he waited in the car.

Charlie got a huge bouquet of red zinnias and wasn’t able to see anything for the rest of the ride as they were sitting on her lap. When they arrived at the house, Charlie felt odd. Out of place. This house was a part of Laurel she didn’t knew. She only knew the summer house Laurel and she didn’t know what to expect but she really needed to talk to her, hoping she was still the laid back version she had gotten to know. „I’m back!“, yelled Cleveland inside the house upon entering and walked in front of her. She followed him in, what she expected to be the living room.

„Charlie“, Laurel exclaimed, beaming from ear to ear when she spotted the redhead behind the red flowers. She hurried over and hugged her tightly, „Conrad couldn’t make it, he had something come up in the lab but he sends his best wishes and these are also from him“, Charlie said and gave her the flowers after the parted from the hug. „My favorite“, she said and blinked a tear away, still beaming the ordered Belly to get a vase with water and then put them inside as her daughter returned. „Come, lets get you some wine“, Laurel said, grabbed her arm and pulled her into the kitchen. Charlie could only do so much as wave to the others in the room. „Actually…“, Charlie started as they were in the kitchen alone, „…no wine for me today… or anytime soon“, that was definitely not the way she wanted to tell her but she also couldn’t think of a better time than them being alone in the kitchen. 

Laurels smile fell, she was a little confused, „You’re not…?, she asked confused. „Sure am. The smiley doesn’t smile any bigger than it already does“, Charlie said with a nervous laugh and unease, „Charlie, what the hell…?“, Laurel started with a stern voice but fell silent as soon as she saw Charlie’s eyes swelling up with tears, „I’m freaking out right now Laurel. I booked the first flight I could get after I found out this morning. The flight was hell and I couldn’t tell him just yet… I don’t know what to do about it“, „You haven’t told anybody?“, Laurel asked, still anger in her voice but she was… touched.

She didn’t know about Charlies family situation, she maybe thought that Australia was too far away and the time difference didn’t allow her to call anyone there just yet. „Nope, you’re the first. I just - I just needed a mother right now“, her voice broke and so did the tears in her eyes. „Oh Charlie“, Laurel whispered, her voice softened. She embraced her in a motherly hug, patting her on the back. „I’m honored you came to me with this but I can’t say I’m disappointed in you two“, the tears started streaming down Charlies face one by one, „Oh believe me, I’m disappointed too. Sure we had talked about having kids one day but one day being like 10 years away, when we were both settled in with our jobs“, she sighed, „I always thought Conrad was responsible and would be safe“, Laurel said, the anger returning in her voice,

„We always were, believe me. We always double protected. I’m on the pill… I just… it must have been the food poisoning we both got a few weeks back from that shitty Indian place. Who would’ve guessed that something like this will get your hormones all fucked up“, „You really need to talk to Conrad about this“, Laurel said after a while, „It’s the decision of you two whether to keep it or not. I can just support either decision from afar. It’s not like I have a say in this“, „You do have a say in this, Laurel. You’re basically a grandma now with Conrad seeing you as his second mom“, „Don’t make me go soft on you two!“, Laurel raised her voice a little but was in a joking manner now,

„Making me a grandma on my fiftieth. One thing I never saw coming“, she shook her head in disbelief but a smile still played on her lips at the thought of actually being one. „Oh come on, you could still pass as at least mid thirty“, Charlie said, trying to lighten the mood even further. Laurels smile grew bigger at that. „Of course I will be a hot grand“, she said in a way that wouldn’t let any arguments pass, „Seriously, please talk to Conrad as soon as you’ll get back. The love that boy has for you will probably just grow more when he finds out. It’s not going to be easy raising a child with the crazy schedule you two have but it’s you. You two will figure it out“, Laurel said and Charlie knew she was right.

Conrad loved it when Ashley and Brent brought their daughter over, he really loved babysitting and playing with her. He was good with kids and so far they had always found compromises, they would find a way to also handle this. They always did. They were good at discussion and seeing through every possible way of the matter before deciding. „We should probably head back to your birthday party“, Charlie then said, „Oh yeah right, my birthday party“, said Laurel and clapped into her hands once, to focus back into the moment. She had actually forgotten about it. Laurel downed the glass of wine she had poured herself earlier and immediately filled it back up again. She also got Charlie a wine glass but filled it with sparkling soda that at least resembled wine by it’s color. 

Chapter Text

Back in the living room Charlie sat down next to Steven and opposite from Jeremiah and Belly. „So, where have you left the sulking one?“, Steven asked her immediately and slung his arm around her shoulder in an attempt to give her a welcoming hug. „Don’t call him that!“, Charlie fake gasped with a smile, „Although he is sulking about not being able to make it but the opportunity at the lab was too good to pass this weekend. Only a handful of students even got considered for this project…“, „As if he didn’t jump on the first thing that would get him out of visiting“, Jeremiah muttered under his breath. Charlie shot him a look and by the way he flinched Steven must have kicked him under the table. „Jere“, Laurel warned him, „Can the birthday girl request for no fighting this weekend“. „Sorry Laurel“, Jeremiah looked a little ashamed. „Plane tickets are expensive, it’s not like we haven’t tried tried to visit before“, Charlie said but actually th

ey haven’t tried. For the past two years they have been living in their own little bubble and neither of them wanted to break out anytime soon. „Charlie, you want some cake?“, Cleveland offered her, getting himself a piece first. She shook her head no, „No, thank you, maybe later. I think I’m still a little nauseas from the flight“, she admitted. While she didn’t have the same anxiety on planes that she felt in cars, flying still wasn’t a thing she liked doing. It made her feel like being on a rollercoaster, a thing she also had avoided since early childhood. Laurel shot her a worried look but she tried to wave her off without the others noticing. Charlie however couldn’t overlook the glare Belly shot her after her answer. Belly somehow still hasn’t accepted her as Conrads girlfriend after all this time. Charlie never got why as she clearly seemed happy with being in a relationship with Jeremiah but she tried to not think about it too much.

Luckily the conversations got stirred in a better direction for the rest of the day, filled with cheerful banter and laughter. It included stories about Steven and Shaylas latest relationship shenanigans, Jeremiahs and Belly’s new college experiences and the new book ideas of Laurel and Cleveland. Charlie also told them a little bit about their live in California, how they were doing in college and how Conrad blossomed in his job at the lab.

When Cleveland drove Charlie back to the airport it was already dark, she wouldn’t be back at Stanford before 1am but Conrad, although tired from his day at work, insisted on picking her up at the gate. „Oh, I missed you“, Charlie said, slinging her arms tightly around his waist and pressing her head in his chest. „Missed you too“, Conrad replied and slung his arms around her as well, placing a kiss on the top of her head.„Feeling any better?“, he asked to wish she nodded into his chest, „Just needed a mother today“, she mumbled. Conrad closed his eyes at that and tightened the grip around her even more. „How was your day?“, Charlie asked when she freed herself from beneath his arms. „It was exhausting but absolutely worth it. That will totally help with my upcoming residency“, he said, „That’s awesome Connie“, Charlie said, genuinely happy for him.

He chuckled, „You were around Laurel for too long“, „Talking about Laurel, se says thanks for the flowers and for you to call her by tomorrow night or else she’ll terrorize you with calls until you finally pick up“, Charlie chuckled as well. They then got into his car and drove to their apartment, Conrad told her some more about his work day while she told him more about the birthday party, leaving out when Jeremiah tried to start drama. Back in the apartment, Charlie got nervous. She picked up Pancake who was waddling it’s tail at heir arrival, being home alone almost all day.

Brent had gotten by to feet him while Conrad was still in the lab and he was used to being left in the apartment for most of the day but since Conrad had worked over time they wanted to make sure Pancake would still get fed on his regular hours. She sat down on the couch with Pancake in her lap and looked at Conrad who went to grab beers from the fridge. „None for me“, she said and he looked at her with confusion, „Did Laurel fill you up with wine?“, he asked but put one of the bottles back in the fridge before closing it. Charlie shook her head, „No, there’s actually something else I really need to tell you“, she started and sighed.

She looked away from him, fiddling with the fur of her dog. „What is it?“, Conrad now was worried, he hurried to the couch and sat down next to her. It took a while to slip through her lips, „I’m pregnant“, she breathed out and finally looked at him again. „You’re what?“, Conrad needed time to process the words, his face mixed with different emotions overlapping. „Pregnant. I Just found out this morning“, he put a hand on her thigh“, Why didn’t you tell me straight away?“, his voice was now soft. „I- I freaked out, okay. I didn’t know how you’d react. We’re only 21 goddamnit“, she said and got a little embarrassed, „I told Laurel. That’s why I basically did a hit and run this morning“. „Oh Charlie“, he pulled her in his arms, hugging her tightly, causing Pancake to jump from down from her lap and place himself next to them on the couch.

„It’s not like we haven’t had pregnancy scares before. You could’ve told me this morning“, he said in a low voice. It indeed had happened before but back then her period usually had been one or two days late and they had both sat in the bathroom waiting for the pregnancy test to reveal itself negative. They usually celebrated with alcohol immediately after but this time it had felt different for Charlie. It was almost as she had a feeling that it would turn out positive straight away. She looked up from her position in his arms, searching his face, „You’re not mad?“, he shook his head. „No, why would I be?“, he kissed her on the forehead since it was the only part he could reach at the moment, his voice was filled with sincerity, „I could never be mad at you“, he whispered. They sat like this for a while.

Charlie calmed her nerves a little but she was still freaking out on the inside. By the heartbeat she could hear pumping through his chest, she could tell that he was too. But then he suddenly jumped away from her, letting her plop down on the couch. „You’re actually telling me that there’s a baby inside there?“, he placed a hand on her stomach lightly, his voice was excited, almost childlike, „A mini us?“, his eyes were glistening. Charlie nodded, „Yeah“, she couldn’t help but smile at his reaction, „But isn’t it scary?“. The worry returned in her voice, „Oh I’m scared shitless right now“, Conrad confessed, „But we’ll make it work. We haven’t killed Sadie yet when we babysat her“, he thought loudly trying to lighten the mood. They both loved Ashley and Brents daughter.

„Yeah but we only ever had her for a day at most. Taking care of one daily while also making it through classes…“, „Is gonna be hard. Yeah“, Conrad looked around their apartment, „I guess we’ll need a bigger one in the long run“, „We have plenty of time to look at other apartments now“, Charlie said and pulled him back on the couch with her. „I love you“, she said, nuzzling her head in his chest. „I love you too and that little thing in there“, he said, lovingly nudging her in the side. They fell asleep soon after. Conrad called Laurel as soon as they had woken up the next day. „Did she tell you already?“, Laurel answered the phone without a hello, already on edge. „Good morning to you too, Laurel. Do you realize how weird that would’ve sounded if she didn’t?“, Conrad said with a chuckle.

He couldn’t help it, he was in a really good mood since yesterday, „She told me as soon as we were back in the apartment“, „Good“, Laurel nodded to herself, „Did she also tell you that I’m disappointed?“, „So she did“, Conrad said. „Connie, I really would’ve thought better of the two of you“, Laurel began and let a sigh leave her lips. „Laurel, did you really think I would’ve ever planned on becoming a father before I was in my thirties? Let alone before finishing college?“, he asked her. „No, I know, you were always my responsible one. I’m just shocked. I always thought Steven would be the one to make me a grandma first“, „Sorry“, Conrad said, trying to hide a chuckle, „It was an accident but we are both more than willing to raise that accident“, he tried to assure her.

„Don’t call the kid an accident“, Laurel now was the one to chuckle, „It’s just hard to comprehend for me right now“, she confessed back to her stern voice, „And I Can’t freak out on you like I would on Steven or Belly since you’re just my bonus children and I never had to deal with talking to you about that stuff and now you’re 21. You’re adults and live on the other side of the country. You’re dealing with it on yourself one way or another“, „You can still freak out on me if that makes you fell better. It’s your bonus grandkid after all“, Conrad said, using her words, „And don’t act like I never came to you with girl advice. You know you were always my number one. Trust me, Laurel, I’m freaking myself out enough for the three of us. I have no idea how we’re able to do it with our already busy schedules. They’ll be filled to the brim by the next semester anyway and to add an incapable human being to the mix…“, he trailed off.

„Your mother would’ve loved the news“, Laurel suddenly said and they both fell silent for a little while. Both trying not to tear up from what she had just said, „She would’ve supported you. We both know that. That’s the only reason why I can’t completely freak out right now“, Laurel admitted in a soft voice, she then cleared her throat, „Promise to call me whenever you have questions about anything surrounding the pregnancy or babies“. „I promise, thank you Laurel“, Conrad said. „We’re also happy to always visit and come help“, she offered, meaning herself and Cleveland. As they were both authors they could book a flight whenever they would be needed. „I know, Laurel. Again, thank you“.

Chapter Text

It was mid June when Conrad and Charlie returned to Cousins. The battered woman shelter, Susannah had volunteered at and ha da lot of fundraisers for, had planted a garden in her honor and there was a little ceremony to open it for the public. They hadn’t planned on being late but Conrad had been working the entire summer in the lab so they only planned on staying for a weekend anyway. The flight had been delayed through the usual holiday hustle and the landing seemed to take forever. They also ran into an issue with the guy behind the counter at the rental car service and knew they would be late after they finally had gotten their keys. Even if Conrad sped the whole way, the ceremony would’ve already started.

To not look too disheveled, they only put on their suit and dress on the last pitstop before Cousins. His suit was light gray and made from light weighted cotton, the kind of suit people wore casually in California. He wore a black tee underneath which she matched with a black flow-y dress. Her stomach was already showing but she didn’t want to make today about them. Today should be all about Susannah. When they arrived at the shelter, Jeremiah was about to start his speech. At least hey made it in time for that. The others all sat up front and had even left two empty seats for the both of them but Conrad and Charlie decided to just stay in the back. To not cause any interruptions. Conrad saw Laurel shift in her seat, scanning the room, before turning back around. She didn’t see them.

Then a woman walked to the front and thanked everyone for coming. She talked about how great Susannah was, how dedicated she was to the shelter. How much money she’d raised for it and how much awareness in the community. She said that Susannah was a gift. Charlie could feel Conrad sense up beside her. He locket ashamed, his ears were slightly pink and he looked a little uncomfortable. She reached for his hand and squeezed it, giving him a small smile as he looked down at her. Then Jeremiah walked to the podium, „Thanks Mona“, he started, „It means so much to my family and I know it would’ve man even more to my mom. The women’s shelter was really important to her, even when we weren’t here in Cousins, she was still thinking about you guys and she loved flowers. She used to say she needed them to breathe. She would be so honored by this garden“, it was a good speech. Susannah would’ve been proud to see him up there. To See Conrad up there with him. She would’ve really liked that and the roses too. Conrad sighed. Charlie squeezed his hand again.

They watched him sit down next to Belly, taking her hand. So they were still going strong. When the speeches were over, everyone hurried outside, milling around the garden: Even hough they were the last to arrive, Conrad and Charlie took their sweet time to go outside again, letting the mass of people pass them. Conrad first needed time to prepare himself for the encounter with the others. He knew beforehand it would be a hard and emotional day, he just didn’t think it would hit him this hard after all this time. When they finally made their way outside, Belly spotted them right away.

Conrad lifted his hand for a wave, Belly lifted her hand up as well but didn’t do anything until Mr. Fisher pushed past her, striding over to the two. He hugged Conrad in a awkward fatherly way and then moved to Charlie while Laurel swept Conrad into her arms. They hadn’t actually talked to his father since he had offered them the deal for the summer house. It felt weird. Laurel then hugged Charlie, carefully, „You’re glowing“, she whispered in her ear and Charlie started to smile. She had stayed in contact with Laurel giving her bi-weekly updates on her well-being and today she honestly felt like shit. Only partially because of the flight. She watched how Steven engulfed Conrad in a hug from the back before he moved on to her, Shayla was right behind him. Cleveland was there as well and at last Jeremiah and Belly stepped to them.

Conrad and Jeremiah hugged quickly before he spread his arms out and looked at Belly in an amused and daring way. She stepped into his arms and he crushed he ring a big bear hug, lifting her off the ground. Belly squealed and held onto her skirt, making everyone laugh, except for Jeremiah. Conrad sat her down again and she hurried over to him, he immediately put his arm around her. It felt like he was trying to be as touchy as he always Conrad and Charlie be, it just didn’t come as natural to the two. „I’m hungry“, Jeremiah then declared, looking at his watch. „Let’s get some pictures by the garden before we go“, Laurel suggested and Mr. Fisher clapped his ands and rubbed them together. Charlie couldn’t help it but that genuinely gave her the ick. She was happy Conrad hadn’t picked up that habit. Mr. Fisher put his arms around his two sons, „I want a picture with the fishermen“, he said and gained a laugh from everybody. They stood beside Susannah’s rose garden and Charlie was the one taking the pictures of the three of them.

She didn’t even know which phone had gotten saved into her hands. She just took phot after photo, only handing the phone to the next person when it was her turn to pose in front. All sorts of combinations were done. The kids all alone together, then with their partners. All boys, all girls then the kids with their families. When it was Conrads and Charlies turn alone, he almost placed his hands on her stomach but quickly let them wander around her waist, making it look like a hug. He had gotten into a habit to touch her growing belly whenever he was near her. As a sort of comfort. Laurel took the picture of them and then Jeremiah yelled, „Now us“, as he an dBelly were the last without a single couple photo. Right before Laurel snapped theirs, Jeremiah kissed Belly on the cheek. „That’s a nice one“, Laurel said and then they were all of to the restaurant she had reserved a table at.

Conrad, still in his speeding habit from earlier, and Charlie were the first to arrive. Soon followed by Laurel and Cleveland, they sat down beside them on the table and Laurel took the chance to ask them how they were holding up. „You’re not even showing yet“, she whisper-smiled. „Oh trust me, I am. It’s the dress“, Charlie said and Conrad added, „We’re doing fine. It’s still hard at times but I guess we settled with the idea now“, Laurel wanted to add something but then Mr. Fisher arrived on his own and sat opposite from them. Next were Steven and Shayla. Jeremiah and Belly were the last to arrive, they strolled into the restaurant, holding hands. As soon as Belly had sat down, she grabbed herself the Bread Basket, took a roll and smeared it with butter before stuffing most of it in her mouth.

Charlie couldn’t blame her, she had already done the same. Steven shook his head at his sister and mouthed „Pig“ at her, „I didn’t eat breakfast“, she tried to defend herself. „I ordered a bunch of appetizers“, Mr. Fisher told her, „Thanks, Mr. Fisher“, she said with her mouth still partly full. He smiled, „Belly, we’re all adults here. I think you should call me Adam now. No more Mr. Fisher“, she gulped and was clearly weirded out when she said, „I’ll try,… Adam“.

Chapter Text

Steven turned to Conrad, „So why don’t you ever leave California?“, „We’re here, aren’t we?“, Conrad answered. „Yeah for like the first time since you left practically“, Charlies hand found Conrads thigh, „It’s just been busy, you know. It doesn’t feel like two years have passed and we work throughout the breaks, it’s not like we can just leave whenever“, she said in their defense, basically repeating what she already told them at Laurels birthday. „At least call more often, „Steven said, looking at Conrad specifically when the Champagne arrived. „None for me, I took an aspirin on the way here“, Charlie quickly lied to the waiter as he was about to pour her a glass. She just took to water this time around.

When the waiter left, Mr. Fisher tapped his knife to his glass, „I’d like to make a toast“, he said and Laurel and Conrad caught each others eyes, rolling them simultaneously. „I want to thank everyone for coming together today to celebrate Susannah. It’s a special day and I’m glad we can share it together“, he lifts his glass“, „To Suze“, „To Beck“, Laurel said nodding. They all clinked glasses and drank. After everyone sat their glasses back down, Jeremiah was the next to speak up, „I have something to say“, he announced. Belly next to him shifted in her seat and looked nervous. „I just have to warn you, it’s really good news“, Jeremiah flashed his smile, he was beaming. „I asked Belly to marry me and she said yes. She said yes! We’re getting married this august“, everyone fell silent and looked at the youngest Fisher boy.

Conrad dug his fingers in Charlies tight. She flinched at the sudden motion. He was pissed but he didn’t let it show on his ace. His face showed no emotion, it was blank. She let her hand wander from his thigh on top of his hand and squeezed it. She didn’t expect the day to turn out like that. All color had been socked out from Laurels face, she looked pale, ashy even. Charlie had already burned the look she had given her upon her pregnancy reveal in her mind forever but she was sure she would never forgot that one either. Steven nearly choked on the water he’d been drinking. Coughing he let out a „What the f-„. That’s when the waiter returned to their table with the appetizers. Calamari and cocktail shrimp in a tower of oysters. „Are you guys ready to order your entrees“, he asked, rearranging the table.

„I think we need a few more minutes“, Mr. Fisher said, his voice tight. So the waiter left again. Charlie snuck a few of the appetizers on her table, not being able to hold back. The baby was hungry. Laurel was repeatedly opening and closing her mouth, trying to find the right words. Then she looked Belly straight in the eye, „Are you pregnant?“, she asked her. Belly turned bright red and Jeremiah choked on his own spit. Laurels voice shook when she continued to speak, „I don’t believe this. How many times have we discussed contraception, Isabel?“, the Face of Mr. Fisher was beet red by now. „Mom, I’m not pregnant“, Belly exclaimed, „Laurel, I swear to you, it’s nothing like that“, Jeremiah started but Laurel ignored him, she was only focused on Belly. „Then what is happening here? Where is this coming from?“, „We want to get married, Mom“, Belly said.

„You’re too young“, Laurel simply said in a flat voice, „You’re both far too young“. Jeremiah coughed, „Laurel, we love each other and we want to be together“, "You are together“, she then turned to Adam, her eyes narrow, „Did you know about this?“, „They’re joking. You’re joking right?“, Adam asked and turned to his son. Jeremiah and Belly shared a look before he started to speak, „No, we’re not joking“. Laurel gulped the glass of Champagne down, „You two are not getting married. You’re both stilling school for gods sake. Its ridiculous“, Mr. Fisher cleared his throat and added, „Maybe after you kids both graduate, we can discuss this again“, „A few years after you graduate“, Laurel put in, „Right“. That’s when Belly started freaking out, „So you just glance over Charlie being pregnant and accept it but I would get hell for and we can’t even get married which isn’t even as drastic as them birthing a whole child?“, she snapped at her mother, pointing fingers at Charlie and Conrad. Charlie flinched, she definitely didn’t want to get involved in this exchange.

„I overheard you talking about it on your birthday“, Belly explained how she knew. All eyes turned to the two, „You’re what?!“, Steven asked in a shrill voice. He felt like he was missing important plots of the movie he was watching. „Is this true?“, Mr Fished asked Conrad, his face now almost purple from all the anger. Conrad nodded, his hand was already starting to cramp from digging into Charlies skin so much. „Did you ever plan on telling me this?“, he asked further, having to come to terms with the fact that he was in fact becoming a grandparent right then and there.

Now Conrad shook his head in response, „A lot has been going on lately. I had told Laurel because I Needed an opinion whether to keep it or not“, Charlie began to speak, trying to ease the air. „And I was freaking out at them, as well. Don’t act like I would favor anyone, Belly“, Laurel said, looking at her daughter, „It’s a completely different situation. While it definitely isn’t ideal, Connie and Charlie are both off age. Legal adults now. They share a flat and earn their own money, which you two don’t“, „And they also made it a point to not be a part of this family anymore“, Mr Fisher said but flinched at his own words as soon as they left his mouth.

Conrad looked at his father. That one hurt. But he didn’t say anything. He let his eyes speak for him. Had he lost all respect towards his father in the past, this was now the moment he longer saw him as his father. As part of his life. He was now dead to him. Charlie was sure she would have flesh wounds when Conrad was finished digging through her skin. Mr. Fisher was the first to break eye contact and look away, when Jeremiah let out a pleading „Dad“ but got interrupted by the waiter’s return. He asked if they had any questions about the menu or if they were just doing appetizers today? „We’ll just take the check“, Laurel said tight-lipped.

Belly must’ve put her engagement ring on right then, because everybody was saying at it when she reached for her glass of water and there was suddenly something sparkling silver in everyone’s periphery. Mr. Fisher payed the bill and Steven filled his napkin dirty as many shrimps as he could. „Smart“, Charlie mouthed at him and copied his actions. Then everyone stoop up. They were leaving. „Holy shit, man. This is crazy. Did you know about this?“, Steven asked Conrad in a whisper-shouty way, as they walked out. „No“, Conrad answered, still tense, only easing up at Steven next words, „But congratulations to you two“, he nudged Conrad in the side, earning a smile.

They hugged their goodbyes and Conrad sped away, not wanting to stay there any second longer. They left for the beach house was their flight back wasn’t until tomorrow. The drive was silent. Conrads jaw was clenched, his knuckles white from grabbing the steering wheel to hard. Only in the summer house did he speak up again, he opened his mouth o let out an angry, pained scream and pulled at his hair while he walked into the downstairs bathroom. When he returned he held a first aid kit in his hands. „They can’t be serious“, he spat when he fell down on the couch and looked at Charlie in a way that said she should join him.

She waddled her way over to him and placed herself next to him, slinging her arms around him. „Of course Belly knew. Now they’re trying to one up us. There can’t be another reason“, he let out while he started cleaning, „Why should they want to one up us?“, she asked and inhaled sharply as Conrad started putting disinfectant on the places his fingernails had left wounds. „I’m sorry“, he apologized. For both. For hurting her back in the restaurant and for hurting her now even more. He didn’t want to stress her or her body. He hadn’t even noticed what he had been doing in the restaurant. „Because Jere was always stupid like that“, he then answered her question, „He always tired to be better at everything I did. He just always failed. Even now I’m the bigger disappointment to my family. According to my dad“, he sighed and put cream and a band aids on her thigh. „Hey ssssh, stop it. He didn’t mean it like that“, she tried, „Oh no, he whole heartedly did“.

Chapter Text

Their flight left early in the morning. While Conrad was able to calm down again, he was still in a bad mood for the reminder of the week, ignoring all incoming phone calls. When he came back from the gym one afternoon, Steven called again right as he walked through the door of their apartment. Charlie sat on the couch, spoon in one hand and a glass of Vegemite in the other, watching him sigh at his phone. „Just take it, we both know Steven isn’t going to stop“ she said to him. Conrad walked over to her and flopped down on the couch, putting his head on her lap. „You’re right“, he said and accepted the phone call, putting it on speaker mode and laying it on his chest. „FINALLY!“, Steven yelled on the other side.

„Hello to you too, Steven“, Charlie answered him in a mocking tone, she had put her pregnancy snack aside and her fingers found their way into Conrads hair. „Oh hi, Charlie, I was hoping for Conrad to pick up, sorry“, „No, no it’s totally fine if you don’t want to talk to me. My pregnancy hormones aren’t hurt one pit“, she said in a sarcastic tone, Conrad let out a chuckle. He had closed his eyes, enjoying how Charlie caressed his head, he added an „I’m here too“ to Steven, „So what is it that you so desperately wanted to tell me all week?“, he then asked. „Well, first I just wanted to check in if you were alright since you left so quickly after what happened at the restaurant. Then some more stuff happened around here and I thought maybe you wanted an update on stuff“,

„Thank you for the sentiment, Steven but no, I don’t really want to know. We got the first flight back because I didn’t want to deal with any more of this bullshit. I thought maybe after spending some time away, things would turn around but everything at home is still the same mess and I can’t deal with that but we’re fine now“, his voice cracked while he spoke. He didn’t want to come off as rude but he really didn’t want to deal with everything their siblings had going on at the moment. „Oh okay. I’m glad you’re doing fine. I was… I just got a little excited about something Belly told me and wanted to tell you…“, „Did they blow of the wedding?“, Conrad asked, this being the only good news he could think off.

„No,.. Jere wants you and me to be his best men and I was hoping we could plan his bachelor party together…“, Steven sounded less pumped than when they first started the call. Conrad moved his head to look at Charlie in disbelief, he was speechless and could feel anger built up inside of him again. „Thank you for telling us, Steven. I think we’re gonna call back once the information settled in“, Charlie now said and ended the call before Steven was able to speak up again. She looked down on Conrad with the same expression as him.

„I can’t believe he’s trying to lure us into agreeing to the wedding with this“, Conrad finally spoke after a while. „Do you really think that’s the only reason?“, Charlie asked him. He nodded and sat up, still looking at her. „He could’ve just asked one of his friends to do it. Why else would he want the both of us do be it. Steven is more easily manipulated by this and he is trying to get Steven to get me to agree. As we just witnessed“, Conrad pieced together. „Or he just really wants his brother by his side for once“, Charlie tried to reason but she knew nothing she said would really matter right now. Conrad was set on his opinion and there was nothing changing his mind. „I would love to just ignore everything this summer and focus on the three of us“, Conrad sighed and put his head against hers, while his hand slowly caressed her growing stomach.

A few hours later Conrad was woken up from his phone buzzing. They had fallen asleep watching Netflix earlier and were still cuddled up on the couch. The buzzing didn’t stop, so Conrad sat up to grab his phone, that had fallen on the floor. He was shocked to see the caller ID being a name that hadn’t tried to call him all week. It was his father. Conrad stood up from the couch and went outside their apartment to accept the call. He didn’t want to interrupt Charlies sleep, as she already had a hard time falling asleep with the bigger belly, and he didn’t know if the call would end in yelling, like they usually did. He didn’t even know why he accepted to call so quickly. Maybe he was hoping for good news. Why else would he call?

„Hey Dad“, he said as he put the phone to his ear. „Conrad“, his father acknowledged and by this word only, he could hear how broken his father was. The older man cleared his throat and cut straight to the point, „What do you think I should do about this thing with Jeremiah? I mean, is he really set on it?“, Conrad thought back to his phone call with Steven, „Yeah I think he is“ „Laurel’s really torn up about it. She’s tried everything but the kids aren’t listening. Belly ran off and now they aren’t even talking to each other“, now that was news. Conrad doubted that this was also something Steven wanted to tell him, by the way Steven sounded this must’ve happened after their phone call. „Do you think there’s anything I an do to put an end to it for once?“, Adam asked. It felt weird that he agreed with him for once when he had spend the last years desperately trying to disagree with everything his father said or did. But no matter the situation he had going on with Jeremiah and Belly, it was still weird wanting to get married at nineteen. He knew he was going to spend the rest of his life with Charlie but he didn’t want to marry her right now.

„You could cut Jere off“, Conrad suggested, he felt like dick but maybe it was the right way to get them off their high horse, „Even if you did, he still has the money mom left him“, „Most of it is in a trust“ „He’s determined. He’ll do it either way. Besides, if you pulled something like that, he’d never forgive you“, Adam sighed on the other end. Conrad could hear him walk, a bottle was opened, then poured, „I don’t want to lose him the way I lost you“, Conrad stopped his breath when he heard his father speak those words. It was silent between them but not uncomfortable. „You haven’t lost me“, Conrad finally whispered. Adam sighed again, „Goodnight son“, „Goodnight dad“. Conrad put his phone down and sighed. He heard their apartment door open behind him, little steps and then Charlie slung her arms around his waist, „Come back to bed. Cuddle!“, she was still sleepy. Conrad turned around in her embrace and rested his head on top of hers, sinking into her touch. „I’m so glad I found you“, Conrad whispered in her hair.

Chapter Text

„I can’t deal with this anymore“, moaned Conrad as he flopped down face first onto the couch where Charlie was already seated. He buried his head in her lap and her fingers immediately found their way into his hair, „What happened now?“. They were currently over at Agnes’ apartment for coffee and games along with Nathan and Hannah, the daughter of Ashley and Brent, while those two were out and about. Conrad lifted his head again, to look at Charlie „My father is apparently paying for the wedding now, his assistant is planning it. Laurel is furious, understandably, but at least she’s finally talking to Belly again. That took long enough. Maybe she can be their voice of reason now, I’m tired of being the only sane one in all of this“, he explained the phone call he just had with Laurel.

She called half an hour ago while they were in the middle of playing Charades. It has been two weeks since his father had called him and the next day, Conrad had called Laurel immediately to get her to talk to Belly again. It had taken him multiple calls before she finally gave in but now whenever his father, brother or Belly did something remotely inconvenient, he got a call from Laurel or Steven to rant and keep him updated. It took all his nerves to stay out of their business. The urge to step in and fix it was buried deep inside of him but their decision to immediately fly back and stay as far away as possible along with the time difference definitely helped him. They also couldn’t afford yet another flight, especially during the summer holiday season, so that was another plus.They both knew that argument wouldn’t count when the wedding rolled around but they tried not to think about that just yet.

„You do realize that the moment you went on that date with me you revealed yourself to not be the sane one“, Charlie now said, trying to cheer him up while she watched Hannah walked around the corner towards them. „Oh, I know but at least I’m more sane than my family supporting a barely off age wedding“, Conrad replied to her teasing but couldn’t let go of the topic just yet, he picked up Hannah who started poking his side, „How old is your brother again? 19? A lot of people get married that age. It isn’t that far off“, Nathan asked him. Conrad picked up Hannah and sat her on his stomach, trying to stop her from poking him. „Just because other people do it, doesn’t mean he should do it. It’s not from the right mindset anyway“, he answered Nathan. 

„Why don’t you go to the gym? I know Brent isn’t back yet but you haven’t been in a while but it will clear your head“, Charlie then suggested, trying to get his mind away from the whole family drama. „Really? In the middle of the day?“, Charlie nodded, „I’ll join you“, Nathan suggested and stood up, implying they could go right away, making Charlie regret her suggestion. She hoped they were to focused on their workout for Nathan to keep questioning him further and destroying the intent behind the whole idea. Conrad looked at his friend, „You’ve never joined me before. Are you sure?“, „Absolutely. Having to hold down that patients twitching leg for an hour during the surgery on Wednesday really showed me how weak I really am“, he said and picked up Hannah from Conrad so he was able to stand up. Hannah protested but quickly climbed back onto the couch after Nathan sat her down, squishing herself between Conrad and Charlie’s side. The pressure from her little feet against his rips made Conrad squirm and stand up.

Charlie made a protesting sound as she felt his weight lift from her lap. Conrad leaned down to her, „Shushing me to the gym but then not wanting me to go“, he teased her and pressed a kiss to her lips. Charlie put her hands over Hannahs ears and then said „But I know how you get after the gym and I can’t wait to tab that“, she smirked, releasing her hands from Hannahs ear and pulling Conrad closer by his collar. „You two are seriously disgusting sometimes“, Agnes fake-gagged. „We know“, they said in unison and Conrad placed another kiss to her temple before rushing out the door with Nathan. 

After the boys were gone, Agnes sat herself down next to Charlie and looked at her clapping her hands together once, „Okay! Girl talk. How do deal with all this… family drama. You’re five month pregnant. We’re meds. We all suspected you to be more…“, „…moody?“, Charlie finished her question. „Oh I still expect that to happen one day. Like I’m going to wake up and a switch got flipped and I’m screaming and crying all over the place“, she furthered her answer. „But I just try to stay out of his family drama. It’s his, he has to deal with it. I’m just supporting his decisions as best as I can even if I don’t always agree on it. It’s not healthy how they’re always calling him, expecting him to have the right answer. I also don’t care if his siblings marry at the end of summer or not. I barely know them and she hates me anyway… at least that’s how it felt like the last time we were in the same room. She always looks at me in this weird ways. I know Conrad and her dated before we met but I don’t think she knows I know“,

„Even you explaining makes it more confusing than the snippets we get from him“, Agnes sighed. „It does, doesn’t it? Even being more involved, it doesn’t get better. I try to stay out of it as much as I can and try to help him clear his head when he seems to implode again. Sometimes the things he gets annoyed about seem so silly but I don’t know how big those problems were for him growing up. That’s probably how he feels once he gets confronted with the issues of my aunt and me. You know what’s the most difficult part is though?“, Charlie shifted her position so she was facing Agnes more. „I mean we have the same psychology classes but it really is difficult sometimes to not apply everything I’ve learned so far on his problems. The professors warn us to not hyper analyze our lives but, God“, she paused and squeezed her hands in the air, „Sometimes I wish I could analyze his entire family and sent them into some serious therapy“, „Oh, I bet“. 

Chapter Text

It was Wednesday, just a few days before the wedding when Conrad and Charlie found themselves in a rental car to Cousins again. As they previously assumed their excuse about the plane tickets being to pricey didn’t work this time around. The bachelor and bachelorette parties would be held tonight and with Laurel and Steven as a joined force trying everything to make them agree to attend, they had no other chance to book a flight last minute. With Charlie nearing six month pregnant and her stomach growing day by day they ran into an issue while boarding as the people working at the gate wouldn’t let her board at first. With a lot of convincing that she wasn’t yet in her sixth month and that Conrad was medically equipped if anything would go wrong, they finally let them board the plane. With that issue out of the way, they still were late when the plane wasn’t allowed to land right away.

When they finally had their rental car, Conrad also wasn’t keen on speeding as he wouldn’t want to stress Charlie’s body more even though she said she was fine. Steven had texted them the name of the restaurant after they started driving. When they arrived at the restaurant, they were greeted with mixed emotions. „We didn’t expect you to show up“, Jeremiah said when Conrad and Charlie joined the table, noticing that everyone was either finished or on their last bites of dessert. „Sorry that we couldn’t make he plane go faster“, Charlie replied to him and searched for any left over food on the table, „And hello to you too“, she added, disappointed when she couldn’t spot anything. „Yes, hello everybody“, Conrad greeted the entire table to not make a fuzz about greeting everyone individually. Seated around the table were his father, Laurel, her ex husband John, Cleveland, Jeremiah, Steven and to Conrads surprise, Josh Redbird. Next to Belly sat Taylor, Annika and Shayla. As Conrad met Belly’s eyes, he quickly looked away, automatically searching to grab Charlies hand.

„We were actually about to head out to the bachelor party“, Jeremiah said, „Jere, just let them arrive and sit for a few minutes. I’m sure Connie is going to join you“, Laurel spoke up and gestured for the both of them to sit. „I can at least drive you guys“, Conrad suggested as he pushed two extra chairs from the next table onto theirs. „You don’t want to party with us?“, Jere sounded disappointed, „I haven’t had any alcohol in month. There’s no fun in drinking alone without Charlie and her slurred australian-ness“, „I tried very hard to force him to drink for the two of us at first but that was a terrible idea as we soon realized“, Charlie added with a chuckle as she sat herself down on one of the chairs. „Oh, don’t get me started“, Conrad joined into her chuckling, „I was miserably hungover for days after“, „As if you didn’t like me babying you“, Charlie teased him. Conrad smiled, „Well yeah, that definitely was a plus but the hangover was still terrible. I’m not touching alcohol anytime soon“, „Better be. Can we get something to eat or are you in a hurry to party?“, Charlie asked, looking at everyone around the table, letting her gaze stop at Jeremiah.

He wanted to speak up but Laurel cut him off by saying „We haven’t paid yet so go ahead, another thirty minutes surely won’t hurt“. She then turned around and waved their waiter over, „Can we get the menu again?“, „And do you have Cranberry juice by any chance?“, Charlie asked, that being her newest pregnancy cravings. „How is college treating you, Conrad?“, Adam now spoke. „It’s going well, going into my last year of college I am quite excited. I also decided to go into Preventive Medicine for my residency afterwards, so I can still work directly with the patients. It’ll take another three years which is enough time for the baby to arrive and Charlie to finish her masters. So we will finish the same year if all goes well“, Conrad explained their current situation to his father. „Are you sure? Once the baby arrives it won’t be as easy anymore“, Adam said.

„We know it won’t be easy. The professors at Stanford are cooperative on me finishing my bachelors next year alongside the others. I’m working a little ahead at the moment. I would pause for a year and then continue my masters, that should be plenty of time to figure everything out. We also have friends who are all willing to help us with the child so we can still attend our lectures“, Charlie further explained. „Sounds like you have it all figured out“, Laurel commented in a tone that put an end to the discussion. After Conrad and Charlie had finished their plates, Jeremiah was eager to finally head to the club. As he, Steven and Josh already got to the restaurant in one car, Conrad gave the keys of their rental car to Charlie and left with them. As they headed out the door Steven put his arms around Conrads shoulders and eagerly shook him.

Belly, Taylor, Annika and Shayla held their bachelorette party at the summer house by the pool, while Charlie was invited to come with, she declined the offer as she didn’t want to be around four hyperactive loud and drunk girls in her pregnant state. She rather joined Laurel and Cleveland who were heading to the docks to go out sailing. Well… Cleveland trying to sail a boat again. John and Adam left Cousins after the dinner only wanting to return back in time for the wedding. The sailing was a disaster as Cleveland had forgotten everything again and even though Charlie texted Conrad to ask for directions to give Cleveland they soon decided to give up and head back. Conrad on the other hand texted Charlie a couple of times how bored he was and how annoying they were the more drunk they got.

As the summer house was occupied by the girls, they decided to head to the beach and into a bar Laurel wanted to show them. She told Cleveland and Charlie how she frequented that bar with Susannah when they were younger an both Laurel and Cleveland got a cocktail they then snuck out to the beach. Their walk on the beach was slow, as Charlie wasn’t the fastest anymore but the other two didn’t complain as they called it the perfect drinking pace. When all three weren’t able to properly walk anymore, they decided to just plop down into the sand and watch the waves. An hour or two must have gone by when Charlie received another text from Conrad.

Where are you?

At the beach, I think Laurel and Cleveland are drunk.

I’m coming.

Charlie didn’t suspect anything from his texts. She thought that maybe he was eager to see a drunk Laurel but didn’t question it any further. The way she got to know Jeremiah and Steven they could already be blackout drunk and Conrad was just ready to take them back to the summer house and call it a night. „I think we had enough“, said a giggling Laurel and pulled Charlie back from her train of thoughts. „We definitely did“, Cleveland agreed and tried to stand up. „I think we should head back“, he continued and helped Laurel stand up once he stood on both feet. „I’ll stay. Conrad said he’s coming“, Charlie told them. „We’ll send him your way“, Laurel said and the two stumbled back through the sand.

Chapter Text

Charlie wasn’t alone for long. It didn’t take much time for Conrad to find her. His steps were heavy in the sand and a loud thud was heard when he sat down next to her. „Did Laurel and Cleveland steal glasses?“, he asked her in a bemused and puzzled tone, while anger was still heard in the back of his voice. „Yes, they did“, Charlie answered with a slight chuckle, „What happened?“, she turned her head to look at Conrad. He leaned his entire body against her, placing his head against her shoulder. „He cheated on her. Jere cheated on Belly“, Conrad spat out in a disgusted tone, „I overheard that asshat Josh talk about it. I knew they were getting married for the wrong reasons! He was just trying to make amends with that proposal. Like my father who kept crawling back to my mother after he cheated on her and kept trying everything. Jere learned from the best. I can’t believe he would do something like that. I always knew he was more like our father but I never thought he would pursue after him in that aspect as well“, while he raged, he buried his feet more and more into the sand.

„It would never even cross my mind to be with anyone besides you. How could he even come into a situation like that. Why would he do that? Belly doesn’t deserve to be with an asshole like that. She needs to know!“, „Don’t forget to breath“, Charlie reminded him and squeezed his thigh. Conrad stopped and inhaled deeply. „I wanted to hit something. I wanted to hit Josh and then I wanted to beat the shit out of Jere“, „I’m glad you came here instead“, Charlie said and caressed her hand up and down his thigh in an attempt to calm him down, „Even though I would have cheered you on if I would’ve seen you punch him“, she continued. „You can still do that later. Wouldn’t be fair to do it while he was drunk. He wouldn’t get the message“, „How did you even come here?“, Charlie then remembered her thoughts from earlier. „I took his car of course. I left them there. I’m sorry for Steven but he’ll forgive me once he finds out the reason why“, „Yeah, he’ll probably help you beat Jere’s ass“, Charlie agreed. They sat like this for a while, Conrad talking his anger off and Charlie just letting him ramble on and listening while occasionally encouraging him in his words. She felt herself getting riled up by the situation but tried her best to stay calm as she didn’t want to put stress on the baby.

It must have been at least half an hour after Conrad had finally stopped talking, when they heard footsteps approaching. None of them bothered to turn around. „I love it here at night“, it was Belly who had walked towards them and stopped beside Conrad before she decided to speak, Her voice was cherry, she didn’t sound drunk. Neither Conrad nor Charlie answered her. Belly sat herself down next to Conrad, who didn’t look away from the ocean when he started speaking again in a mildly scared voice, „Belly, I have to tell you something“, she looked at him, scared as his voice sounded. „Jere cheated on you when he was in Cabo during Spring Break“, Conrad let out, swallowing down the anger he felt rising again. „Tonight at the club, Josh said something about it…“, he finally looked at her, „I’m sorry you had to hear it from me. I thought you had a right to know“, Belly just stared at him for a while, he had turned his gaze back to the ocean when she finally spoke, „I already knew about it“, his head jerked back.

„You knew?“, „Yeah“, „And you still marry him?“, „He made a mistake“, she said softly, „He hates himself for what he did. I forgave him. Everything’s fine“, Conrads mouth curled in disgust, „Are you kidding me? He spent the night in a hotel room with some girl and you’re defending him!“, „Who are you to judge us? It’s none of your business!“, „None of my business? That Shithead is my brother and you are… I never thought you’d be the kind of girl who would put up with that from a guy“, „I put up with a lot worse from you“, Belly’s eyes flashed to Charlie. „Leave Charlie out of this“, Conrad spat. „Oh, so you didn’t lead me on while already fucking her?“, Belly asked him. „I never lead you on“, his voice got softer, „I was stuck in the imaginary world of my mother, wanting to make her happy. Trying to make her happy by trying to make you happy and finally giving you want you wanted all those years. You were always the only one who saw the same world Susannah saw. I was trying to convince myself that it was what I wanted too…“,

„So you did lead me on!“, „No, I thought it was right at the time. I’m sorry. I convinced myself I could learn to like you like that but then I met Charlie and found out what love truly was. I fell in love with her on the same night we met. I couldn’t handle it any longer. I didn’t want to hurt your feelings and just didn’t know how to tell you so I tried to remove myself from your life to give you peace but you wouldn’t let me“, Conrad explained. „It just hurt to see you moving on so fast“, Belly mumbled, tears in her eyes. „It hurt me too, you know? Seeing you with Jere didn’t sit right for me for a while but at the end I honestly couldn’t care less. With Charlie everything was so easy. There was never a second guessing or misinterpreted words. It just fell right into place. Like it has always been between you and him. You two were always better friend than you and me“, „That’s not true“, Belly tried to protest, „It certainly is. You were always fun around each other. I just can’t understand how you can forgive him for something like that“,

„I don’t know… I just can?“, Belly tried to explain yourself, „Maybe that’s what you mean with the easy part. It’s easy for me to forgive him, I don’t question it. I know he isn’t going to do it again and I still want to marry him on Saturday“, „Then I have no right to convince you otherwise“, Conrad said, „I am still going to punch him. Brotherly obligations and so on…“, a small smirk played on his lips. „Then I have no right to convince you otherwise“, Belly mimicked his sentence and stood up, dusting the sand from her body. „I’m going back. You joining in?“, Conrad looked at Charlie who had been silent during their entire conversation. She took her eyes off the waves and looked back at him. „No, go ahead. We’re staying a little longer“, Conrad then said. „Okay. Good talk“, Belly said, back in her cheery tone and held her hand to Conrad to high five. He did and she walked away, leaving him and Charlie alone again.

When they were sure she was out of reach, Conrad sunk deeper onto Charlie who out her arms around him. „I think we haven’t had a conversation this normal in over ten years“, he let out. „I’m proud of you for handling it the way you did but… really? The fell in love with me the night we met?“, „Oh absolutely“, „When you were dripping on my shoulder because you fell asleep the entire time?“, Charlie had a grin on her face, „No, definitely before that“, „Good because I did too“.

Chapter Text

Chapter 31 „Morning handsome“, Charlie said as she finally saw Conrad wake up, after she has been watching him for a while as an empty stomach woke her up earlier. He looked at her with sleepy eyes and smiled. „Morning“ he muttered and snuggled up to her even closer, placing a soft kiss to her lips. „You know what?… I’m really really graving something right now“, she whispered seductively after they parted, her fingers trailing along his jawline. Conrads eyes lit up, his lips forming into a smirk. „Oh, is that so?“, Charlie nodded, a sly smirk playing on her own lips, „I want“, she gave dramatic pause, „Muffins!“, Conrad rolled onto his back, laughing, „Oh I see, I’m only handsome because I give you food“.

„No! You’re always handsome AND you give me food“, Charlie said and poked him in the chest, letting her hand still rest there afterwards. He put his hand on top of hers. „Now that sounds more like it“, he said and intertwined their fingers, „But you still got me riled up now, Mrs Handsome, care to take care of it first?“. Conrad turned his head to look at her with pleading eyes. „You’re really making me work for these muffins, huh?“, Charlie asked with a smirk still playing on her lips. „Bet your ass I do“, he said mirroring her smirk, „But also don’t want to leave the bed just yet. Going downstairs will be a hit back into reality“. Charlie squeezed his hand, „I think I can suppress my hunger for another hour“, she suggested to which he nodded approvingly, „Oh you’re too kind“. „Just wait till I’m finished with you, I’ll show you how kind I am“, she said to which he sat up immediately.

„Alright, now get your ass over here!“, Conrad demanded and leaned over her, placing kisses everywhere his mouth could reach. With one hand next to her head to support his weight, he let his other hand wander down her body. Carefully caressing her breast and pregnant belly before sliding it down to her hips and slipping it under her ass. Charlie pulled her knees up to give him better access. Conrad took the hint and squeezed it, silencing her moan with a demanding kiss. Charlie put her hands on his chest, pushing him down beside her and sat on his lap. Conrad slung his arms around her and started kissing her again, grinding his crotch upwards. Charlie began moving her hips back and forth, as best as she could with the limited range of motion she now had. It was enough to drive him crazy.

The next hour was well spent and when they both sank down back into the pillows, facing each other, Conrad snuggled up as close as he could. They just started in each others eyes, smiling. But their little moment was soon interrupted by loud banging against the door, followed by a screeching sound from Steven, „Yooo you done in there?“. Conrad pulled the sheets back over them before he said „Come on in“ in the same tone, mocking him. Steven opened the door and peaked his head in with one hand over his eyes, „Is it safe?“, he asked and got a pillow thrown against his head by Charlie in response. „Nice throw“, Conrad complimented her and held his hand out, „Thank you“, she shook his hand and caught the pillow that Steven threw back at her, asking „You two must be powered out. Care for a muffin run?“. „See? He gets me!“, Charlie said, ignoring the fact that he heard them doing the deed. She looked at Conrad, „Now go get me that muffin, I earned it“, she pushed him to the edge of the bed. Conrad leaned back, „You definitely did“, he said and placed a kiss on her lips.

Steven made a fake gagging sound, „Don’t make me throw up“. „As if you didn’t already do after the amount of tequila you downed yesterday“, Conrad said and stood up from the bed. Steven looked away while he walked to his drawer to get a fresh pair of boxers, „Sure did but you two were the ones who woke me so it’s partially still your fault that I threw up“. „Come on, we weren’t that loud“, Charlie protested, „Did you forget that my room is on the other side of the hallway?“, Steven asked her to which she looked dumbfounded at him „I did in fact not know where your room was at all“, she said. Conrad, who finished putting on pants and a T-Shirt, walked towards the door and looked at Steven, „Ready to go“, „Ready to go“, Steven agreed and they walked out of the room with Charlie yelling „Cinnamon please!“ after them.

As soon as they were out the door, Steven excitedly slapped Conrads side, „Dude!“, „What?“, Conrad called out in the same tone, trying to hide that he got a little embarrassed but Steven did not want to let it go just yet, „You gotta teach me your ways, like seriously“, „I’m not giving you sex advice!“, Conrad said, „Aren’t you hungover? Why are you so chipper“, but Steven wasn’t having any of it, „Nope, not having that. We’re talking about you now! I’m just curious. You two just… after all this time it feels like you two still wear your rose colored glassed“, „I can’t explain it… I didn’t think it was physically possible but it’s like I am falling in love with her more every single day and with her growing that little human inside of her… I know it sounds weird but she is getting more and more attractive in my eyes…“, „Alright, alright that’s enough, I’m done with my questions“, Steven said as they entered his car and drove to of Cousins to get the good muffins from the bakery.

When they got back, everyone was already awake. Charlie sat on the couch and was reading while Jeremiah stood by the pool. Belly and her friends were down by the beach and Laurel and Cleveland went into town. When Conrad spotted Jere by the pool, his anger rose up again. He gave Charlie her cinnamon muffin, dropped the others on the kitchen counter and stormed right outside to the pool, punching his brother and pushing him into the water. Steven ran after him, „Dude, what the hell?“. Conrad turned to Steven and yelled, „He cheated on Belly! During spring break! That’s the only reason why they are getting married!“.

Steven looked from Conrad who pointed to Jeremiah to hi,, who had since resurfaced in the water. Steven felt anger rise up in him too, „Is this for real?“, he asked Jere who looked angry at Conrad. He didn’t answer. „Did you cheat on my sister?“, Steven asked again, louder this time. Jeremiah looked away, „We were on a break. I was drunk. It meant nothing“, „Break or not, you don’t go around treating my sister like that!“, „You better break off the wedding!“, Conrad interjected, back to normal volume. „We are getting married, still. She forgave me. She wants to do it. We want to do it. It’s the right thing to do!“, Jeremiah tried to defend himself, still standing in the pool. He didn’t want to get out in case they would punch him again. „Then we are leaving tonight. I don’t want no part of this stupid wedding. Belly deserves better than you“,

„You’re just jealous I got her in the end“ „What the hell? No! The only woman I want is Charlie. Since I met her I only want her around. Doesn’t mean I can’t still care about Belly’s wellbeing“, „Yeah man. You fucked up big time. Doesn’t matter if Belly thinks she is doing the right thing forgiving you. You can’t go through with that wedding with that reasoning behind hit!“, Steven stepped up again, „Laurel would kill you, if she knew. Susannah would have killed you“, he added in the end.

Chapter Text

Conrad and Charlie did indeed leave on the same evening. The fight between the brothers and Steven had escalated in a way that made the girls came running back from the beach. Belly had tried to defend herself and Jeremiah with the same arguments she already said to Conrad the previous night on the beach, but it didn’t help. They all just started getting more and more angry with each other. After about an hour of shouting, Conrad had enough, he felt his anger rise to a level of no control and before he completely lost it, he just looked at the others, turned on the spot and started walking away. He ignored the calling of his name, that followed his sudden departure and grabbed his surfboard from underneath the porch, continuing down the beach right after. Steven, now left alone in his opinion, followed him shortly after.

Charlie hadn’t moved from her position on the couch and tried to stay out of the drama by continuing to read her book. Which was difficult with all the surrounding noise but she didn’t want to say anything or move, afraid that they would include her if they noticed her presence. When Laurel and Cleveland returned to the beach house, the crime scene was abandoned and everybody kept their moth shut, not wanting to make the situation even worse than it already was. The two of them just shrugged the teens moody behavior off as everybody still being hungover, as they themselves still fought their headaches and started making a hangover-cure cocktail in the kitchen for everybody who needed it. When Conrad and Steven finally returned, Conrad immediately got into the shower and returned soon after with both their luggages fully packed. He places it right next to the door before walking into the living room, where Laurel was already eyeing him. She had convinced Charlie and Cleveland to play a game of UNO with her, while she hoped her hangover-cure started working soon.

Charlie, who knew the drill, slowly started standing up as Conrad walked in, but excused herself to the bathroom, to try and not make it seem like they were in a hurry to get away as fast as possible. „I just got a call from the medical lab and they need me there as soon as possible“, Conrad said to Laurel in the meantime. It was the best he could come up with and hoped they wouldn’t want more information on the why, as he was sure he wouldn’t be convincing on the spot. He felt more calm after hitting the waves and washing the salt off his skin in the shower but he was still rilled up.

Laurel of course didn’t like his reasoning, „Does that mean you both have to go? Wouldn’t it be better if Charlie stayed here? She shouldn’t fly in her current state, let alone twice in a short period of time“, she tried to argue and of course she was right, it was risky for Charlie to fly again but they had to risk it to get away as Conrad wasn’t planning on leaving her here, as he didn’t plan on returning anytime soon. „I honestly have no idea how long it’ll take. They just told me they need me there, they didn’t specify how long for and I think Charlie is better off being surrounded by medical students in her current state, rather than the old Dr. Jenkins, if he’s even still in office“, Conrad said, revering to the family doctor in Cousins who already seemed way overdue for retirement when they were still in preschool. „Well then, I guess we have to accept that“, Laurel sighted in defeat.

She stood up to hug Conrad goodbye and the last bit of tension that was left in his body finally left with her touch. He sunk a little into the embrace but let go not soon after as he was afraid he would bail if it lasted longer. He already bid farewell to Steven on the beach, who had promised him to try his best to crash the wedding and when he called them a few days later, they were surprised to hear, that the wedding did in fact got called of. Not because Steven convinced Jeremiah but a letter from Susannah did. She apparently had written them all letters before her passing but switched them up. So Jeremiah’s envelope had the letter meant for Conrad inside. After reading the letter, Jeremiah had stormed off and wasn’t found for a few hours. When he had finally returned, he singlehandedly called off the wedding. But as fas as they gathered he and Belly were still a couple after all.

While Conrad was relieved to hear it, it didn’t even out the situation that had happened between the siblings. And since they hadn’t really said their goodbyes to any of the other guests in the beach house, contact was cut short when they returned to their Californian home. The flight luckily had no complications this time around and Charlie also handled it quite well but was quite tired when they finally stepped back into their apartment. She left Conrad with their luggage in the driveway and hurried herself to the couch, completely sprawling across it. „I’m not leaving this thing in the next couple of weeks!“, she declared when Conrad finally stepped foot through the apartment door.

„As much as I support that idea, it would get quite lonely in bed without you“, he said and put the luggage in the bathroom to later sort through. „You can always just join me here“, Charlie suggested, when he walked back into the living room, and patted on the small area next to her that still had some free space left. He squished himself next to her, intertwining their legs, „You know I don’t mind that but the bed is still more comfortable for the both of us. Why didn’t you just lay in there?“, „Because I’m hungry and I don’t want to end up eating in bed later“, Charlie reasoned and started fishing for her phone that was lost somewhere between them and the couch cushions.

Conrad felt it laying beneath his rips and grabbed it for her, „I was half ready to start cooking something now… thank you for not making me do this“, „Oh come one, do we even have something edible in the cabinets at the moment? I grave something more than your lame ass special spaghetti“, Conrad gasped in a fake-offended way, „Don’t talk down on the only thing I can cook!“, he joked and poked Charlie’s cheek. She enclosed his finger into her hand and started patting it, „Drenching spaghetti in butter isn’t cooking, my love“, she „Yet you still loved it during your first trimester“, „And then that child of yours developed a sense of taste and decided to make me hate it for the rest of my life“, „We can’t raise them on take away, now can we?“, Conrad sighted in defeat and let his free hand wander down to her stomach. „We can, as long as we can hide it from Ashley and Brent“, „You’re right, Brent would kill me“, he said as he started drawing circles on her skin, „I can’t wait to meet them“, „Me too“, Charlie said and poked him with her phone, „But now order or I’m going to starve“, she shoved her phone in his hand and he obliged. 

Chapter Text

„Wuddup Steveee?“, said Charlie chipper, trying to sit up from her position on the couch. As Conrad was still under the shower, she decided to answer his phone, „Charlie, are you okay?“, Steven asked with real concern, as he only saw a blurry image of the ceiling while she held the phone in her hand. „Yes, yes! I am fine!“, she reasoned after she finally got herself in an upright position and rested the phone on her stomach, finally able to see Steven on the screen. „Didn’t sound like it for a minute“, „Oh shut it, try sitting up with a medicine ball strapped to your stomach, will you?“, Charlie huffed in annoyance. „Okay, Okay you don’t have to crash out on me“, Steven nodded jokingly, earning an annoyed glance from Charlie. The hormones had finally caught up on her and nowadays she got irritated very easily. „Where’s the loverboy at?“, Steven asked and Charlie started pouting, „Of course you only want him“, „Come on Charlie, you know I love you too!“, Steven tried to save himself.

„I am not always sure about that“, She grinned, „The Loverboy is still taking his everything shower and then off to work so I doubt he will have enough time talking to you“, „Then I will just continue talking to you“, „Oh, so I am only good enough to talk to when he’s unavailable“, Charlie teased and continued speaking before Steven was able to defend himself, „Actually it’s good that you are calling, we’ve been meaning to talk to you. We finally decided on who we want to be the godparents“, Stevens face lit up in excitement, „Oh really? Who?“, he asked, his voice a bit higher than usual. Charlie started grinning, „Well, we’ve made Ashley the godmother since she obviously knows what she’s doing and then we kept thinking about who to make the godfather“, she teased, stretching the anticipation. „Oh come on, don’t leave me hanging!“, Steven complained, just as Conrad walked out of the bathroom, dressed in his work scrubs and his hair still wet. It was Saturday and since a few month the med students were able to work alongside their studies to prepare themselves for their bachelors exams.

„Who is calling this early?“, he asked and came up behind the couch. Charlie looked up at him, feeling a few drops of water drizzle down on her. „Steven’s yearning for you“, Charlie said and held up his phone to him. Conrad took to from her and placed a kiss on top of her head, before addressing his childhood friend, „Steven, what’s up?“. „Don’t what’s up me! Your misses has just teased me about your decision on the godparents and now you both leave me hanging“, Steven complained, „Oh no, we don’t leave you hanging, Steven. You’re the godfather“, Conrad blurted out with a straight face and saw Stevens entire face light up in excitement, followed by a „WHAT?“, „Calm down, Conrad said laughing. He looked at he clock above their kitchen counter and blew a kiss towards Charlie, „Gotta go, love you“, he said and hurried towards the door, „Not you Steven!“, she heard him say before the door shut behind him. 

When he was gone, Charlie decided to stand up from the couch, as she was already halfway up anyway and make herself some second breakfast, as the unborn child was demanding for it. She had reached the fridge, when a sudden pain struck through her lower abdomen. She clung to the fridge door with one hand, holding her stomach with the other and was trying not to scream out from the pain. „Why now“, she muttered through gritted teeth as the pain slowly went away. She stood back up, closed the fridge door and grabbed a banana instead, walking back to the couch where she left her phone. She took her phone and dialed Ashleys number as she could only imagine that this pain meant labor was about to set in. „Hey girl, is everything okay?“, Ashley asked as soon as she picked up the phone.

„Can you please come over and bring that bag of yours, I think the baby wants to be born“, Charlie explained and lifted the phone from her ear as Ashley let out a squeal on the other end. „Give me 20 minutes, get changed and throw some more clothes in a bag!“, Ashley ordered and hung up without waiting for another word. Charlie looked down and sighted. Yeah, she definitely did not want to ruin these clothes, she waddled to the bedroom, pulled out one of Conrads t-shirts and changed into it, not wanting to bother with bottoms as she guessed that they were the first ones to go again, anyway. By the time she finished packing clothes and some toiletries, Ashley walked to the front door, fully loaded with a bag full of things she had packed for when her daughter was born for herself and the baby. She walked over to Charlie and hugged her carefully, „I can’t believe it's happening!“, she squealed again, „Me neither“, Charlie said with a lot less enthusiasm than her friend.

„Did you have another set of contractions? Did you call Conrad back?“, Charlie shook her head no to both of the questions, „They haven’t returned and Conrad left a couple of minutes before the first ones. Haven’t tried to call him just yet“, „Oh well, he’ll hear about it as soon as we’re at the hospital anyway“, Ashley waved her hand, „Now come, let’s get you there“. She took the bag from Charlie and walked through the door that was still open from when she got in. Charlie took after her as fast as she could and got in the passenger seat of Ashleys car, who already set the seat back to a more comfortable setting. „I don’t know what I would do without you“, Charlie said to her friend and leaned back into the seat, closing her eyes from exhaustion from the walk down the stairs to the parking lot.

„Trust me, you’ll freak out today regardless, I am just trying to make it as pleasant as possible for you“, Ashley said and started driving off. Just before they reached the hospital, Charlie had another contraction. Ashley took her hand and tried to guide her through it, driving to the hospital entrance as close as possible. She parked the car and waited for Charlie to get through the pain. When Charlies breathing returned to normal, she got out and opened the passenger door for Charlie, „Okay girl, I need you to get out and submit yourself in while I go find an actual parking spot. Can I leave you to yourself for a couple of minutes?“, Charlie nodded and heaved herself out of the car as Ashley offered her a hand. „Oh and call Conrad“, she added before getting back into the drivers seat and driving off. Charlie fished for her phone in her bag and dialed Conrads number while making her way into the hospital. She wasn’t able to reach him just yet but ran into Agnes, who was just making her way into the entrance area from the other side of the corridor.

„Charlie!“, Agnes said in surprise and walked towards her, „You okay? Is it time?“, she asked and Charlie nodded, „Yeah, already had contractions twice“, „Okay! Sit down, I’ll get it sorted“, Agnes said and took the bag from Charlie, placing it next to one of the chairs, she then hurried to the front desk and pages Conrad in the process. It didn’t take long and when Ashley came in, they already had a wheelchair prepared for Charlie and were able to wheel her to a room. Lying in her bed, she was going through another contraction when Conrad popped his head into the hospital room. When he saw the pained look on Charlies face, he hurried inside and took her hand, seating himself on the chair, next to the bed that Ashley previously sat on.

„Sorry for not answering your calls“, Conrad apologized and placed a kiss on her hand, „I didn’t expect it to happen today“. „None of us did“, Ashley answered as Charlie was still groaning from pain, and placed another chair on the opposite side of the bed. And thus began a long day of labor for the couple. Ashley stayed until late that evening, leaving only when Brent called her as their daughter didn’t want to go to bed without seeing her mother. Agnes had dropped by a couple of times, whenever her shift allowed her, reassuring Conrad overtime that it was okay and they were all fine covering his work for him. Even Nathan was able to come in between assisting operations.

It was nearly 3am when everything was over. Conrad now was sitting next to Charlie on the bed, holding her in his arms. They were both exhausted but joyful and awaiting the return of their daughter as the nurse have taken her out to do the standard procedures. When the nurse returned, Conrad stood up, „Congratulations you two. She’s perfectly healthy“, she said and handed their newborn over to Conrad who carefully took her into his ams and left the room after doing a quick check in Charlie, who barely noticed her as she only had eyes on Conrad. „Hello little one. I am Conrad, your father. Nice to finally meet you, you beautiful little thing“, Conrad whispered to the newborn with a a look on his face as if he was looking at his entire world and tears started to build up in his eyes. „Now I finally see it“, Charlie said as she watched their interaction, pulling Conrad out of his trance, „What?“ He asked, looking up and wiping away the tear that was rolling down his cheek with his forearm.

„The way you look at her“, Charlie explained, „People always said there’s this way you look at me. I never got to see it, you know. I’m glad in finally do“, Conrad sat back down beside her on the bed, „O now only have another human to look at like that. You’ll forever be m number one“, he said and kissed her on the cheek, „ I love you. You did so good, I’, so proud of you“. Charlie smiled and snuggled into his side, to tired to reply properly, she mumbled an I love you back, her eyes focused on their daughter in his arms. When Charlie finally fell asleep, he placed their daughter in the grip next to her bed, the nurse had rolled in earlier and took out his phone.

Earlier, when Agnes came by, after her shift ended, she had snapped a photo of all three of them together in bed and Conrad thought it was now the right time to send it out. He selected both the Fishermen group chat and the ones he had with the Conklin’s and wrote a small sentence with the photo attached, before turning his phone off and snuggling up to Charlie, allowing himself to fall asleep as well. Meet Danielle Mary Perkins It was Conrad who approached Charlie with the idea one day. As they weren’t married yet and hadn’t decided if she would even take on his name, he wanted their child to carry on her late families last name.

Chapter Text

„That’s certainly a new way to cool your head“, Agnes commented and grabbed a comb from the top shelf of the fridge, showing it to Charlie who had a confused look on her face. „Oh, there I put it. I’ve been looking for it all morning!“, she then exclaimed, grabbed the hair brush from Agnes and immediately started running it through her hair, that hasn’t been brushed all day. „It does cool the head rather nicely“, she commented and walked into the bathroom to properly put the comb away. „Baby brain has really caught up to you two, I don’t want to know what else you’ve already misplaced“, Agnes chuckled and grabbed a soda bottle from the fridge before closing it again.

It’s been three weeks since they left the hospital and they have been slowly adjusting to their new life. Conrad being able to reduce his weekend shifts in the hospital and them both reworking most of the courses they aren’t yet able to attend again. „Oh really? Haven’t noticed!“, a tired Conrad called out from the couch, rocking a sleeping Danielle in his arms. Agnes pushed his legs off the couch and sat beside him. „In the end it’s a good training for our residency. Remember how all our professors always emphasize how its a sleepless job“, „Don’t make me think that far ahead“, Agnes complained, „Let’s just get through our Bachelor’s first and then we can maybe worry about our MDs. The residency’s seem so far out. Besides… are you even planning on having your residency here?“, Agnes then asked,

„Now, who wants to talk about the future?“, Conrad teased, „No, we haven’t really thought about it“, he looked over at Charlie who was walking out of the bathroom and stood up to make room for her on the couch, sitting down on one of their kitchen table chairs. „I mean it makes sense, when we get into our residency’s she will already be like - what? 5 years old… and probably made her first friends by then. I wouldn’t want to take her away from that. Obviously I have considered moving back to the east coast before but a lot would need to align for that to happen“, „Yeah, let’s not think about that now. The next step is our bachelors and then finding a bigger apartment“, Charlie added and looked around their tiny space. Since Ashley and Brent had kept almost all of their baby stuff, they luckily hadn’t had to buy anything of their own but their usually tidy apartment looked crammed with all the baby things squished in.

„I would absolutely miss you guys if you ever left California“, Agnes said, a sad undertone swinging in her voice. „Shush, you know you won’t be getting rid of us that fast“, Charlie playfully hit her an got pulled into a hug. „Yeah, yeah“, she patted Agnes arm, „Love you too but apparently she doesn’t“, Charlie laughed a little as Danielle has woken up in Conrads arms ands started screaming. „She senses the affection“, Conrad joked and stood up again to hand her to Charlie. Charlie freed herself from Agnes hug and took Danielle in her arms, lifting up her shirt to breastfeed their daughter. „If you would’ve made me her godmother maybe it would be different now“, Agnes jokingly complained.

„Figure yourself out with Nathan and maybe then we’ll think about making you the godmother to another kid“, Conrad told her, earning an offended look. „I don’t have to be in a relationship to take care of a child“, she defended herself but Conrad just shook his head, „I didn’t say that“, „Oh whatever“, Agnes stood up, „I actually gotta meet up with Nathan now anyway“, she winked at Conrad and stood up. „Bye Mom and Dad!“, she called out, making her way through the door and closing it behind her. „Can’t lie, there was a shudder running down my spine just now“, Conrad said as he made his way to the couch and sat down beside Charlie who was still feeding Danielle. She shifted her position on the couch and leaned her back against Conrads chest who immediately put his arms around her, shifting his body so we was able to fit more comfortable against him,

„Me too. It still feels weird, I mean we are full on parents now. It feels like we were only kids ourselves yesterday“, Charlie said, a reminiscing tone in her voice, „We will be growing up with her“. „I know right? And now we are responsible for another human life. It’s crazy but I love it at the same time but it will take time getting used to the whole mom and dad ordeal“, Conrad said and Charlie started chuckling before telling her sudden thought, „Actually, we could become those woke parents that their kids refer to with their first names“, „Kids?“, Conrad interrupted Charlie before she was able to speak further, she looked at him confused, „You said kids“, he repeated. „Sure, why not. I wouldn’t want her to be an only child. I had a sister and you basically had 3 siblings growing up“, Charlie said and smiled at the thought of it.

„Maybe not that many but another one would be nice, actually“, Conrad said, mirroring her smile, „And speaking of it, I have always referred to Laurel and John with their names“, he furthered his thoughts and added - „Steven and Belly's dad“, when he earned another confused look from Charlie, who never has met Laurels ex husband. „They were basically like a second set of parents growing up and I never really questioned it“, „Sure but its like calling your aunts by their first name, that doesn’t really count or how else would you have addressed them? Mommy and Daddy or Mom2 and Dad2 or something“, Charlie joked and earned a laugh from Conrad, „No but I am definitely addressing Laurel like that the next time she calls“, he laughed, „Let’s just enjoy our time and think about the name stuff later. We have like what? At least one and a half more years before she should be able to talk?“,

„Yeah you’re right. Let’s think about it once she starts babbling. Knowing out friends they will ruin it in some way, anyway“, „Should we make bets on who teaches her the first swear word?“, Charlie suggested but Conrad shook his head, „No, that’s to easy. Hannah is that age now where she picks it up from school“, „You’re right“, Charlie sighted, „God, remember how sweet Hannah was when we moved here? I can’t wait for Danielle to be that age“, she couldn’t help herself but imagine how their daughter would look like once she was older but wasn’t able to imagine her any different than the young pictures of Conrad, that she’s seen in the past. „Hannah really was the sweetest but I don’t doubt that Danielle will steal her show. She’s our mixture, remember“, Conrad placed a kiss on top of Charlies head and looked down at their daughter, „Right“, Charlie barely whispered and looked down on her as well. Since her arrival the two of them have definitely grown even closer together, if that was even possible, their love growing stronger every day.