Broken and Together

Anniversary Special!

    At the time I wrote this, it had been an entire year since I first started writing Broken and Together, and I just had to do something to celebrate it. So I thought why not write a one-shot? It was also supposed to be a nice buffer between part one and two of the fic, but since now that's not happening, I think it serves as a sweet finale and celebration of this story's anniversary.

    I can't believe how far this fic has come, from a random little idea I got to a full fic that's gotten more attention on AO3 than I expected. You won't believe how much it's changed since I've planned and written; it's insane how far it's come. And, yes, I've hit rough patches. It's completely worth it, though. This story will always be quite special to me, after what it's gone through and the people I've met through it. Thank you for sticking it out with me. Now enjoy this one-shot in honor of one whole year of our favorite technician duo!

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~February: 1983~

~Three months until the party~

    "I'm still your friend, Charlie. I'll always be. I...well, I just...um...there's a lot going on. I'd rather not talk about it."

    "Okay...at least try to be nicer, okay? Not for me, for Evan."

    "I...well, I...sure. I'll try. Yeah..."

    "Good, because you don't know how lucky you are to have him, and...and I just hate seeing you act like this. I can't lose anybody else, I...I never want to, not after that...that horrid feeling when I lost Sammy. I hate it, I want him back, but he's gone. I don't want to lose anyone else. Never..."

    "Promise me I'll never lose you. You're my best friend, I...I never want to. Not just to death, but...but you've been acting so terrible recently. I feel like you're drifting away."

    "Sorry. You...you won't lose me."

    "Promise?"

    "I promise..."

    Charlie stared up at the ceiling from where she lay on her bed, ankles crossed and an untouched book on her stomach. The conversation from just a few days ago replayed itself in her head, practically taunting her. She hadn't seen Michael since then. True, perhaps it wasn't his choice. He could be grounded, after all. That happened a lot to the young, rebellious teen. Even so, she couldn't help but feel like the conversation had been for nothing. Again. Michael was still ignoring her, like always.

    A knock sounded at the door, drawing her from her thoughts. She sat up and faced it in anticipation. "Come in."

    The door opened, and Henry stepped inside, sending his daughter a faint smile. "I'm heading for bed now, Charlie. Make sure you don't stay up too late."

    "Don't worry," she said, forcing a smile back. "I won't."

    "Alright." He began to duck out but stopped short. "Is something wrong?"

    "Uh—" Charlie swiped back a strand of hair— "no, not really. Just thinking."

    "I see." He frowned, eyes shifting between her and the hall beyond her room. "Well, just remember, you can come to me if you every need advice or help. Alright?"

    "I know, Dad." She kept the smile in place. "It's nothing bad, I'm just a little worried." And hurt, she silently added.

    "Alright." He ducked out of the room. "Goodnight, Charlie."