Hollow Grace

sᴇᴠᴇɴᴛᴇᴇɴ - ᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴍɪɴᴇ

October 21st - October 22nd

"Believe me, and your father. It's very serious here," Evan said. "You can't prove anything to anyone here."

Charlie, during a break between clients in the workshop, told Evan about how his father almost attacked some strangers in Oferton. The reasons for the hatred needed no explanation; the inadequate Mr. Wright posed a danger to civilized society. Evan knew that Charlie was aware of this and hadn't revealed anything new. He also knew that after spending time with his parents, among peers without the ability to express his feelings, Charlie wanted to talk about it somehow. To express his feelings at least in this way.

"Yeah, I... can't say anything comforting. I would like to, but I have no words."

"I'm not asking. I know myself, everything's shitty," Charlie snorted, finishing the latte he had brought from the coffee shop in one gulp. Of course, it was Evan who chose it, suppressing Wright's attempts to drink his usual bitter Americano. "It's just so infuriating."

"It's not forever, you need to wait. Have patience, even though it's not easy."

"It's not easy to silently look at you when I want to touch."

Only a couple of days had passed, but spending them at a distance was unbearable. At school, they pretended to be just friends-classmates who quickly found a common language. Although Raine and Nova allowed Charlie to stay overnight, he didn't risk arousing his father's suspicions, even the slightest. There was no question of Evan staying at his place.

Due to their busy schedules, Charlie was free when Evan was working, and vice versa. The only moments they could truly be themselves were squeezed between school and work, when they took turns doing each other's homework and ran to the coffee shop for drinks and snacks.

"I'd like to ask you out," Evan offered softly, twirling his latte. "Away from all this madness, out of town, to make up for the lack of touch."

"Why haven't you asked already?" Charlie asked with playful audacity. "I'm starting to think you want to dump me out of boredom."

"Oh, is that so? What a fickle little you are, handsome!"

"No, seriously. If you really know a place where no one will find us, then let's spend some time together," Charlie looked around, made sure no one was nearby, and took Evan's hand. "Say something silly, like let's go to Brokeback Mountain to herd sheep."

"Tempting. And when are we going?"

"Tomorrow!"

"Tomorrow is Saturday. I'm on shift at the coffee shop," Evan sighed sadly.

"I don't see the problem. You can take a day off," Charlie smiled. "Or ask Yena or another girl to cover for you."

"Asking Yena or Chantal to cover for a whole day is too cheeky, they probably have their own plans," Evan lightly pressed Charlie's nose, smirking, "And if I get fired, who will support us, huh?"

"If I talk to Yena, the problem will be solved? And about that... I'll support you," Charlie snorted. "Like a little, gentle princess, Holden."

He loved this confidence bordering on arrogance. Many hated Wright for it, but Evan found his own charm in everything about Charlie. Sometimes dark sides surfaced, but there were always more good ones for him. So far, they were doing pretty well. Even two weeks was a good result. At least they hadn't been beaten, killed, or even suspected of anything yet.

"It sounds wonderful and terrible coming from you at the same time!"

"So what, princess? Will you invite me on a date? And I like evil dragon promise to steal and save you from the consequences," Charlie raked his hair with his fingers in a dandyish manner.