Evan Peters Drabbles

Damaged Friendship (Part 2)

REQUESTED: Please PLEASE do a part 2 to the Charles drabble?

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"You're not going to tell me what you took pictures of, are you?" Charles asked you once more, although he already knew that just like every other time he asked, you wouldn't tell him what you photographed for the contest.

You grinned, "You'll see after the contest," you promised. He smiled faintly, his curiosity about your subject had been eating at him since you both decided to do the contest & you told him that you would be taking pictures "of something really special".

You set your portfolio down onto the stack & Charles did the same before you both walked out together. You both had become incredibly close for the duration of this project. You drove Charles to the lighthouses, too, so you both spent a lot of time together.

It was safe to say that you adored Charles, but you had no idea how much Charles liked you, too. He was just too scared to say anything, afraid that you were being nice to him because you felt sorry for him. You constantly told him that wasn't true, but he couldn't help it. He didn't trust a lot of people in this world, but you were one of the few he did.

"If you don't win first place, then that contest was so rigged," you teased, although you really meant it. He was a incredibly photographer with so much potential, definitely enough to win the contest.

"I think it would be rigged if I did win," he laughed.

You snorted, "If those judges are legit, then they'd know a good photographer when they see one."

"If that's true, then you'd win."

You rolled your eyes, "Oh, come on, Charles; you're the one who's a talented photographer. I'm mediocre at best."

"Well, if you would have showed me your pictures..." he smiled.

You laughed, "It's a surprise! You'll see them in due time," as you both walked down the familiar dirt road towards your homes, Charles stayed incredibly close to your side. He had started doing that a lot lately, & you secretly liked it. Even if he was only doing it to feel safe, it made you smile to feel his hand brush against yours every now & then as you walked. It made you feel alive, like you weren't just trapped in the gray area between existing & living. Charles knew how to strike chords with you that no one else could. He knew how to make you feel real, to make you feel human. No one else could do that; not like Charles could.

When you reached Charles' house, you both stopped & you turned to look at him, "After they announce the winners for the contest, I want to take you somewhere special to celebrate," you declared rather than inquired.

He smiled, "Really? But what if I don't---"

"You will win & I will take you out to celebrate. No ifs, ands, or butts."

He chuckled a bit & smiled, "Okay."

You returned his smile, "Good," you looked up at him, "Until then, keep smiling, okay? Your smile could light up the whole world."

He blushed softly, "Thanks; I'll try to remember that," you paused for a moment, debating on whether or not your next move was a good one. After a few moments of mental debating, you gave in & pulled Charles into a tight hug. He was surprised at first but eagerly returned your embrace. He was secretly incredibly affectionate, but he was always too shy to show it. He was afraid of being rejected & most of all, ridiculed, but when he was around you, he felt loved & valid, like he mattered & deserved to be here.

You reluctantly pulled away first, flashing him another smile, "I'll see you soon," you promised him before you slowly made your way home.

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