Ghost

Morning Routine

AN: Should I have to do the same thing every time? Just read the previous ANs. Anyway, so this chapter establishes the start of several habits for Madison and Charlie. They walk Ghost every morning before going to set. They get the same coffee that they share from the same Timmies. They'll also hold hands while walking Ghost and sometimes without him. Besides that, Charlie is oblivious when it comes to other females. The battle between Ghost and Owen continues in this as well. Have fun!

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Madison was the first to force her eyes open when she heard the alarm from Charlie's phone. In the few seconds she had to herself she saw the scruffy dog in sleeping bliss and Charlie opposite her. His hair was a mess against the pillow. She could lay there and stroke Ghost's whiskers or count every individual eyelash on Charlie. This...she felt at home here.

Charlie broke from sleep about a minute after she did. His hazel eyes immediately caught her deep brown. They were still laced with sleep in the most endearing way. She had a small smile on her face. In the dim light of the room, her skin had an even deeper richness to it than usual. Ghost was tucked securely between them like the pup he was. He let the image before him sink in. He didn't want to forget it.

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Thanks to pure determination, Madison and Charlie were able to get up and take Ghost out. They were walking rather leisurely with Ghost trotting along in front of them. All three seemed to want to take it easy after the stress of the night before. "Last night was difficult but at least we can decompress before work," Charlie said as he held the leash.

"True. It is a bit chilly but it feels nice." Charlie grabbed her hand and started rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand to warm them up. "Won't be able to get the numbness out while we're walking."

Charlie bit his lip. "How about a coffee? You can hold onto the cup." Madison would argue but she knew they were bound to be outside for over half an hour.

"Okay. Nothing basic." Charlie clutched his chest with the hand that wasn't holding Ghost's leash.

"Me? Basic? What blasphemy!" Madison just stared him down. "So I like the flavors of the month. Sue me? I see a Timmies across the street. I'll go get it. You take Ghost?" He held the leash towards her.

"Sure. I'll make sure he actually craps. Make it a medium." Charlie saluted to her.

"Yes m'am. I'll be right back." Madison shook her head as she saw the goof run across the street.

Charlie stood in line, making sure to keep six feet apart from the people in front and behind him. He had gazed up at the menu board to get an idea of what would work best. His hands were stuffed in his pockets to keep them a bit warmer. He couldn't help but look back out the window to see if he could spot Madison and Ghost. He was able to catch her long curls swaying behind her as she walked Ghost down the other sidewalk.

He was brought back to where he was when he heard the barista call for the next person in line. He slid forward up to the counter. "What can I get ya," the blonde woman asked. Charlie perused the menu board one more time.

"Uh just get me a medium double double with two shots of expresso, some caramel syrup, and whipped cream. That will be all, thanks." Considering that the two of them had little sleep and had a busy day ahead, having something with lots of sugar and caffeine was a must.

The barista smiled at him through the clear window of her face mask as she put his order into the cash register. "That will be four dollars and sixteen cents." Charlie rustled around his pocket and pulled out four loonies and a quarter. "Thank you." She took the change from him and quickly put it in the cash register and handed over nine cents back to him. "There you go. Your drink will be out momentarily," she finished with another smile. She certainly was a happy one. Maybe it was all the coffee? He mentally shrugged. He wasn't all awake upstairs to really think too much about it.