Someone To You

Chapter 1

Carl wasn't always good with feelings. He was a very logical man and He had a hard time putting his emotions into words, Especially with the guys. It's not that he didn't trust the guys he knew they loved him in their own way and it's not like he thought they would judge him for how he felt because other than some light teasing they would be totally cool about it. But for some reason Carl didn't tell the guys how he felt.

Except for Lenny.

Carl told Lenny everything...

well everything except his romantic feelings towards his suspender clad best friend.

And it's not like he didn't try to show Lenny his feelings. Carl did everything he could without coming out and actually saying it. And as always Lenny was to oblivious to notice Carl's attempts at romantic gestures.

One of Carl's many attempts was a muffin basket filled with various morning pastries. He arrived to the plant early and left it on Lennys work station.

A little while later Lenny and Homer walked into the room lost in some debate about one of the Isotopes newest umpires. Lenny rolled his eyes at Homer "All i'm saying is that  he was biased Homer!" Lenny put his stuff down as Carl walked into the small workplace. "Lenny look a muffin basket!! Can I have one please?" Homer said excitedly. Carl looked down smiling into his coffee. The smile that he only used for Lenny.

Lenny grabbed the basket and handed Homer a chocolate muffin "Carl want one?" Lenny asked holding out a blueberry muffin "nah i'm not really hungry, big breakfast and all that." Carl smiled hoping that Lenny realized that he brought the basket. "So who do you think it's from Lenny?" Homer asked happily munching on his 3rd breakfast of the day. Lenny fiddled with the ribbon on the basket thinking of all the people who would give him a gift like this. His face lit up in realization "Y'know it was probably Flanders, I watched Rod and Todd over the weekend."

Carl's face fell for a quick second before he hardened it. Lenny looked at his friend concerned "hey you ok?" Lenny said lightly nudging him. Carl looked up at him "oh um yeah i'm fine. I should probably head to work." He said getting up leaving a very confused and concerned Lenny and a very hungry Homer.

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Another attempt from Carl was one late night walking home from Moe's. They were both too drunk to drive home and It had been a nice enough night that they both decided it would be better to walk anyways. Carl watched a very drunk Lenny stumble across the streets of downtown Springfield. He smiled that same smile only reserved for Lenny.

Lenny balled the sleeves of his sweater into fists in an attempt to warm up. " are you cold?" Carl asked shrugging off his Jacket and wrapping it around Lenny's shoulders. Lenny smiled a drunken hazed smile. "Thanks!" He slurred. Carl felt the liquid courage finally kick in. He slowly laced his fingers with Lenny's. Lenny gave Carl's hand a small squeeze and then started rambling about some tv show he was binge watching. Carl frowned at how oblivious Lenny was but continued listening to his drunken rants all the way back to his apartment.

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The third time Carl tried he had this elaborate sky writing plan. He had spent weeks setting it up and was so excited for Lenny to see it.  "Why are we in park Carl?" Lenny said perkily, in one hand he held his mint chocolate ice cream that they had just gotten before walking into the park and in the other he held a bottle of duff. "I have a surprise for you!" Carl looked him playing around with his jacket zipper anxiously "I'm sure whatever you have planned is great but you know you don't have to get me anythi- ahhh" Lenny yelped tripping on a fallen branch. Carl looked down at the sudden noise "Oh jeez Len you ok?" Carl said helping him up Lenny squinted one eye and groaned "I'm not supposed to get ice cream in my eye!!" Carl looked up at the sky where his declaration of love was supposed to fly by  any second and then looked back down at his injured crush. He sighed and wrapped an arm around Lenny's waist leading him to his car.

"I'm sorry Carl." Lenny said as the nurse helped him put on yet another eyepatch. Carl looked down "yeah me too" It's not that Carl was mad at his friend he knew that this wasn't his fault he just wished today had turned out differently.  Lenny laid down on the small bed as the nurse walked out of the room. "So can you describe the surprise to me..." Lenny asked cautiously Carl looked at him and debated whether or not he should. But he finally manned  up and confessed his feelings, he talked about the muffin basket and the drunken hand holding and every other failed gesture until he was interrupted by Lenny. "You did all of that for me?" Lenny asked a small blush creeping up his cheeks. Carl rubbed the back of his neck and smiled sheepishly at him "um yeah." He squeaked out. Lenny smiled "come here and kiss me you dork" Lenny said laughing Carl was shocked at first his brain not computing the fact that Lenny wanted to kiss but he soon walked over and kissed him. The kiss was sweet and  passionate and made up for lost years and missed queues. It was everything carl had ever wanted and it was definitely worth the wait.