Backburner, Charlie Bushnell

Late Nights

Five ✶ Late Nights

Charlie and Neomi laughed at their friends' replies to the story she posted. "I told you they were in on it together!" She tells him.

As they walked home, they stopped by Waffle House to buy food and then went straight to the girl's apartment after. She was glad to be walking around the city with a local as she knew she'd get lost around Los Angeles without him.

He held the paper bag for her while an arm was draped around her shoulder. She didn't mind him doing it anymore as she considered it was how Charlie would show affection to people he was close with.

"Today might've been the longest day we've filmed an episode together."

This makes her think about the times they've filmed together, and he was right. Most of the episodes she's had a long day of filming were with either Devyn or Sofia, but never with any of the boys.

It was nice to finally have more scenes with him after all their characters' relationship may progress once the show gets the green light for more seasons. "I just noticed that. I hope we have more close scenes like that in the future." She smiled as she told him and he smiled back.

They saved their conversations for the apartment so it was continuous. Once they reached her place, Neomi instantly lay on her bed.

"Oh how much I've missed you." She closed her eyes for a second while Charlie took off his shoes.

He chuckles at her and then places the paper bag on the table. "You should change into something else before laying in bed." He tells her and for a second, he sounds just like her mother. "Your clothes are dirty." Neomi laughs softly before sitting up.

"Alright, mom fine!" He rolled his eyes at her response but still had a smile on his face.

While the girl changed into clean clothes, Charlie brought out the waffles they bought as well as the utensils. He also goes to her kitchen to grab two cups and her pitcher of water. He thought he should be assisting her after all he was in her temporary home.

When Neomi got out, she was surprised to see the food already put out. She looks up at him and he smiles shyly.

"I just wanna eat already."

She chuckled. "Sorry if I took so long, my makeup was making me feel icky." He nods and then pulls the chair for her to sit in.

They ate in comfortable silence for a while until Neomi spoke. "Can I taste your blueberry waffles?" Her eyes were hopeful, waiting for her friend to reply. He looked up at her with a mouthful of waffles which made her laugh.

Charlie nods and cuts her a piece, placing it on the plastic bowl right after. She does the same for him without even asking her and she continues eating.

Once they finished, she attended to their mess quickly. Throwing away the utensils and paper bag, and refilling the pitcher with water. He helped with cleaning the crumbs off the table and washed the cups. "Char, you didn't have to do that." A small pout made its way to her face but he just shrugged. Neomi did not mean to stare as he did her chores for her but the moment he finished she looked away and went to lay on her bed.

"I should go now," He said as he dried his hands on the towel. "I'll see you tomo—"

"You can stay. I think I have some clothes that can fit you." She cuts him off. He opens his mouth to stop her but the girl already got up and looked through her closet. Neomi picks out the grey sweatpants that are too big for her and an oversized shirt.

She hands it to him and he quickly changes in her bathroom. Once he got out, she bit her lower lip to stop herself from smiling. His curly hair was a mess and the shirt fit him tightly. She had completely forgotten their size difference. She couldn't help it anymore so she let out a snort, covering her mouth with her palm as she laughed. He glares at her and rolls his eyes before jumping into her bed.

"Ow, what the fuck!" The dark-haired girl bellowed as he made the bed bounce. She nudges him gently in a playful way.

He lays in her bed for a while before sitting up the headboard.

"About the kiss," This caught his attention, now facing her as she avoided his gaze. "What did you mean by 'me not feeling the same way'?" She does the quotation marks with her fingers.

Charlie knew this was coming. From the corner of her eye, she could see him sigh and play with his fingers.

"That you didn't like me back, I guess." For a moment, he feels his breath hitch and the world stops. Neomi finally gathers up the courage to look at him and she examines his face just like she did the night they kissed.

She scoots closer to him, their bodies now a few centimeters away. Their arms were now the only things separating them two. He still feels her gaze on him which makes him nervous about what she's about to say.

"Well... I do. I know it's still early to tell but I always feel butterflies when I'm around you." Neomi placed a hand on top of his as she spoke, now looking up at her and meeting her eyes.

They both smile at each other, relieved that he didn't just completely ruin the friendship they had made. Charlie puts an arm around her and lays on top of her body — trying to hug her but ends up squishing her instead.