FRIENDS ➳ jean kirstein

006. NUMB TO THE FEELING

Charlie - November 1, 2020
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When Charlie woke up in a bed that wasn't her own after an alcohol-ridden night out, it usually wasn't a good sign.

She rolled over, swathed in grey bedsheets that most certainly weren't her own, yawning loudly as her bleary eyes adjusted to her surroundings. It took her only a few dazed seconds to recognise Mikasa's band posters and corner desk stocked with her collection of different types of rocks and jewellery hangers.

Mikasa herself was rummaging through her wardrobe, evidently searching for a pair of trousers, considering she was wearing nothing but a sports bra and her underwear. When she heard the shuffling from her bed, she glanced over her shoulder, flashing Charlie a warm smile.

"There's water and paracetamol on the nightstand," she told her. "I'm just heading out for a run. Do you need anything?"

"You're a lifesaver," Charlie groaned her appreciation, not at all surprised to find that her voice was incredibly hoarse. What did surprise her, however, was the fact that the dull throbbing pain behind her eyes actually wasn't that bad. It was a shocker, considering she couldn't even remember going back to Mikasa's place last night, meaning that she must have been ridiculously drunk. The last memory she could pluck from the hazy blur of the night's events was her and Connie Springer pouring alcohol into each other's mouths, the liquid spilling down their fronts as they both cackled like maniacs.

Mikasa pulled on a pair of black sweatpants and sat down on the rug of matching colour to lace up her runners. Charlie took two painkillers and gulped down the glass of water before relaxing back in Mikasa's bed with a loud sigh, gently massaging her stomach, which was churning sickeningly. Unfortunately, she hadn't dodged the consequences of her excessive Halloween drinking entirely.

Once Mikasa had left, Charlie reached for her phone, turning down its brightness and going straight to her chat with Eren. She had an unread message from him at half past three in the morning, asking if she had made it home safely. She typed out a hasty response, telling him that she had gone to Mikasa's, then she forced herself to get out of the bed.

Shivering from the sudden spike of cold that struck her in the absence of the warm duvet, Charlie clutched her bare arms. Her so-called Eren costume—black jeans, hoodie and white tank top—were tossed over the back of Mikasa's desk chair. She must have helped Charlie change into one of her own shirts and pyjama pants before they went to sleep. She did feel a bit guilty, but Charlie also had a little giggle at the thought of Mikasa taking care of her in her insufferable drunken state. There was simply no way Mikasa had the patience to have handled it well.

Charlie dressed herself before heading for the bathroom, where she relieved herself and splashed cold water on her face, wincing but welcoming the further awakening of her senses. Since she had no access to a toothbrush, she swished some mouthwash around inside her mouth to expel the lingering tang of cigarette smoke and alcohol.

Peering through the curtained window in the upstairs hallway, Charlie saw that both of Mikasa's parents' cars were gone. They must have both had work that morning, which was unfortunate for them, seeing as it was the morning after Halloween. With a sudden pang of guilt, Charlie hoped she hadn't woken them at all hours with her drunken rambling.

Mikasa's kitchen, in contrast with her bedroom, was incredibly bland. With boring brown cabinets and stainless steel appliances, the most interesting thing about the room was the corkboard, which Charlie was touched to find had a picture of her, Eren and Mikasa pinned to it. Armin was there too, and it surprised Charlie that he hadn't been cut out or folded out of view.

There was a dirty bowl in the sink—the remnants of Mikasa's breakfast—and a plate littered with breadcrumbs left out on the countertop. Charlie cleaned up the minor mess before beginning her search for something that was both edible and appealing. She settled on making a grilled cheese, slipping into one of the dining chairs and resting her head on the table as she waited for the bread to brown and the cheese to melt. She hoped that Mikasa's parents wouldn't mind the missing food, and if they did, she'd be sure to compensate.