Tuesdays and Thursdays were among Charlie’s favorite days of the week. Namely because she didn’t work. Which meant she could spend her morning sleeping in and the afternoon in the presence of good company. Yeah, things were pretty great as of late. Though, today she had a few different plans in mind. With talk of baby clothes the day before, she wondered if maybe it’d be a good idea to kick into gear and start doing some pricing on things for the baby. Puck had obviously been shopping around as well. So, it seemed logical enough to take a trip to the mall and see about starting in on a baby budget. Staring at herself in the mirror, instinctively Charlie dropped her hands down to her stomach. Clad in nothing but her underwear, she turned to the side and tried to see whether or not she was beginning to show. After a few minutes she huffed a quiet sigh and reached for the clothes she’d removed from her drawer. Naturally it would take time but she couldn’t help feeling envious over the pictures she’d seen of various women with adorable little baby bumps. Eventually, she’d get there. Over her shoulder she spoke to her boyfriend, “I was thinking about our conversation last night, and I feel like we should make a baby budget. You know, so we can see how much we’ll have to spend before the baby arrives. Which is why you and I are going to the mall today. To do some pricing. What do you think?” She asked him with a bright smile, slipping her flowy blouse over her head.
After spending several hours by herself, Charlie realized fairly quickly that she didn’t like being without her boyfriend. Unsure of where he’d taken off to, she vaguely remembered him mentioning possibly visiting his mother and sister. Never one to pester — she opted not to bother text messaging him. He had a right to enjoy his family time. And well she had a right to…get a hobby or something. With no new books to read or video games to play, she was severely lacking entertainment. Blinking open her eyes, she stared up at the ceiling. As if the answer to her current boredom would suddenly appear. Rolling over onto her side, Charlie nestled into the bed and was preparing to take a nap when an idea came to her. Spring cleaning! Surely, Puck would appreciate her taking the initiative and getting a head start. Pushing herself from the bed, she eyed his closet door. It’d be the perfect place to start. Pulling her hair up into a ponytail, Charlie opened the closet up and began rifling through it’s contents. She hummed to herself quietly while getting in “the zone”. Hopefully she’d finish before he arrived. What better surprise? Throwing herself into her newest project, she shrieked unexpectedly when a shoebox from way on the top shelf came tumbling down. “What the…?” Quirking a brow, she crouched down at eyed the contents curiously.
INVOLVED: Charlie Fabray, and mentions of Noah Puckerman.
TIME FRAME: Saturday Night (4/27/13)
LOCATION: Puck’s apartment.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: When their talk doesn’t exactly go as Charlie hoped, she decides to show up at the apartment to talk things over with Puck but is surprised by what she finds instead.
A full night’s sleep seemed to be a thing of the past for Charlie. Ever since she’d hit the two month point, she’d been unable to attain the required six to eight hours of rest. Typically awaking at various hours of the night — today she decided to use this to her advantage. Bright and early she found herself carefully untangling from Puck’s embrace, heading out the door well before most and making her way to the supermarket. During her usual midnight toss and turn session, she’d gotten the bright idea to make something of their Sunday afternoon. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to enjoy the nice weather at Indian Lake State Park and finally try fishing with Puck. Surely he’d appreciate the thought. That was few hours earlier. With a small smile plastered on her lips, she now sat comfortably at the kitchen table, preparing a picnic basket. The inside was lined with various diced fresh fruits and other snacks which would quench their hunger. Peanut butter and jelly finger sandwiches and the like. Folding a small blanket, she’d tucked it atop and set aside the woven container. A proud smile adorned her features. Taking a stand, she made her way back to the bedroom where she’d left her boyfriend resting. Settling into bed beside him, she pressed a kiss to his cheek gently to get his attention. “Guess what we’re going to do today..” She questioned with a giddy expression.
If possible, this week had felt like the longest one yet. Normally things between Puck and Charlie were easygoing and carefree. But they’d seemingly managed to stumble on a minor bump in the road when she’d foolishly confessed that as of late she had hardly been in the mood. Truthfully it was no fault of her boyfriend’s. Yet he’d thought just that and for the past several days — she struggled to find the usual comfortable bubble they lived in blissfully. With gritted teeth, she bared through it. Until he decided to go out Friday evening. Needless to say she got to thinking. Now, it was Sunday night and she was hoping to end the week (or two) long streak. Shutting down the lights in the living room, Charlie tossed aside the blanket and made her way towards their bedroom. “I totally deserve a medal or something, for making it over here as quick as I did.” She joked, knowing she’d taken her time. Gently closing the door behind her, she approached the bed and laid herself beside him gently. On her stomach with her hands resting comfortably beneath her chin, she peered up at him with a bright smile, “So about that cheerleading outfit..” Her eyebrows wiggled playfully before her soft laughter quickly filtered through the air.
Nobody likes Monday’s, that was a given. They’re the start of the work week and most were still recovering from the weekend. Charlie in particular sort of dreaded Monday’s. Between work and school, she was exhausted by the time she arrived home. But on this day — it was not the case at all. Her classes flew by in the blink of an eye and as luck would have it, she wasn’t needed for work. It was a blessing, truly. Considering the fact that it was sixty-six degrees outside. She wanted nothing more than to enjoy the sunshine and that’s exactly what she was going to do. Arriving home earlier than usual she surprised her boyfriend who seemed happy, as always to be in her presence. Spitballing briefly — the two decided going on a hike would be the perfect adventure for the afternoon.
So, after lacing up into some comfortable sneakers, the couple headed out to the Fort Amanda State Park. They’d walk the trails and enjoy nature. It was going to be a welcomed change from the movies and TV shows they favored. Pulling up to the parking lot, Charlie found the nearest available space and shifted her car into park. “I’m so glad I didn’t miss out on this nice weather today. I seriously didn’t want to be crammed in the office on a day like this.” She liked her internship - naturally - but a day off every now and again would be nice. Hopping out of the car, she met Puck around the front of the car. Never once had she been hiking before. In the past she joined him for a jog around but the pace had been fairly slow. “Have you ever been hiking before?” She asked curiously, glancing beside her as they began walking.
Exiting the restaurant, Puck held the door for her and joked, “Somebody was hungry. I don’t blame you, though. The food was awesome!” Birthday dinner was first on the agenda. From there, Puck was open to suggestions. He wanted Charlie to have a memorable nineteenth birthday. As they made their way to his truck, he wrapped his arms around her waist before asking, “What do you wanna do now? We could go to the strip club…” With a smile on his face, his words trailed off. Clearly, he wasn’t being serious. He wouldn’t take his girlfriend to a strip club on her birthday. Racking his brain for good ideas, Puck let go of her waist and moved beside her. Sporting a playful smirk, he questioned, “What do you think about karaoke?” Months ago, she mentioned wanting to sing karaoke. Not long after, both of their lives got busy. “I know you wanted to do it, and we ain’t got around to it yet.” Puck had no intention of singing, but this was about Charlie. He couldn’t wait to hear her belt out a tune off-key. With a smirk still adorning his face, he bumped her playfully and said, “You gotta let me pick the first song, though.”
Scoffing playfully, Charlie quirked a brow at Puck and replied, “Like you didn’t enjoy sharing the carrot cake. Pfft. I thought you were going to ask for another piece.” She was thoroughly pleased with the way her birthday was progressing. As promised, her boyfriend had given her the epic cuddles session of her life this morning. And since then they’d been making the absolute most of her day. Nearing his pick up, she laughed aloud at his suggestion. “Well, now you’re starting to sound like Ryan. Only if it’s an all male revue. I’d rather not see lady parts all in my face.” She stole a glance at him just to see the reaction she knew which would follow her statement. Leaning against the passenger’s side door — she could practically see the wheels turning in his head. She had to wonder what he had up his sleeve. It wasn’t very long after that he clued her in. “Ooh, really?!” She exclaimed excitedly. Maybe once she had the opportunity in the city to visit a karaoke bar and from what she could recall, it’d been quite the evening. Watching the people take the stage and completely stink up the place was typically the best part. “I’d love to. But only if you promise to sing, too. Because I refuse to be the only one up there making a fool of myself.” Charlie wagged a finger in his direction as he bumped her gently. Mauling over the idea of letting him select the first song, she said teasingly, “I don’t know if trust you. I might end up singing Copacabana or YMCA if I leave it up to you.”
In light of Charlie’s recent discovery she’d been avoiding Puck much like the plague. Though her boyfriend may not have caught on to this simple fact yet — she knew she would be unable to do so forever. Begrudgingly, after spending an unnecessary amount of time sifting through the aisles of the local supermarket, she began to head home. As the drive wore on, she thought of the text messages they’d exchanged. His come-ons were difficult to miss. Puck made it ever apparent that he was in fact in the mood. But she couldn’t really be bothered with his advances. With everything that’d been going on as of late, she was struggling to react in her usual manner. Charlie could only hope he wouldn’t press the issue upon her arrival home. Speaking of which, as their apartment came into view, she heaved a soft sigh. “Home, sweet home.” She muttered to herself. Gathering the few bags in her arms, she climbed the steps and unlocked the door. Sneakily, she peered inside. She was oddly grateful when she didn’t see him outright. The thought of facing him while barring such a shocking reality was kind of frightening. Trying her best to shake it off, Charlie set the groceries down on the counter and mustered a smile before saying playfully, “Oh, gee. I guess I’m all alone.”
Truthfully Charlie was really looking forward to getting out of the house with Puck for the evening. The weekend had been chock-full of basketball and beer. Not that she minded considering sports was his passion. But a change of pace was always welcomed. Smiling to herself, she flicked on her signal and turned right up ahead. The traffic had been minimal. Certainly it helped that she was out of the office earlier than expected. Thus far her internship proved to be all that she hoped it would be and more. There were moments where she felt a bit like a glorified PA but you had to start somewhere, right?
Shaking her head to herself, Charlie brought the car to a halt as she pulled up in front of their apartment. Twice she honked the horn hoping that Puck would hear. Her fingers toyed on the steering wheel for a few passing moments before he emerged. As promised he was ready to go. Unable to help herself, a gentle smile appeared as he settled in the passenger’s side. He typically had such an effect on her. “Hey handsome.” She greeted cheerfully, her lips brushing his briefly. The smile remained as she straightened up in her seat and shifted the car into drive. Pulling away from the curb, she asked, “So, what’s up? No basketball tonight, huh. Lucky me.”
Nashville was probably Charlie’s new favorite place, that was the honest truth. After spending three days in the music city — she’d grown quite fond of the offered sights. Downtown was chalk full of various shops and events. They’d seen their fair share of attractions since their arrival. Live music seemed to be a staple no matter where they found themselves. A majority of each day was spent exploring. The latest venture had been to City House for a bite to eat. Twirling her fork in hand slowly, she glanced up from her plate and asked, “Want to try some chocolate cherry pie?” Dinner had been interestingly good. The restaurant offered a variety of meals which were different from the average norm. For the first time she sampled a margherita pizza. “C’mon, you know you want to try some. Just one bite.” She urged with a taunting smile from across the table. Daintily she poked her utensil into a piece and held it up to his mouth. An accomplished smile graced her features as he accepted the offered sample. As their waitress passed them by, Charlie managed to grab her attention. Shortly after they were provided with the bill. ”So, now that we’ve finished completely stuffing our faces, where to after this?” Thus far winging it had sort of worked for them. She doubted tonight would be any different.
