MEETING - chp 14

Okay, here we go! This is it you guys. I'm super excited for this chapter! There's gonna be some shifts in POVs in this chapter as well, but I hope it's coherent.

I finally have some motivation to write, so hopefully this goes well!

You can continue to support me reach by commenting, voting, and sharing!

Hope you enjoy!

Q : what's your favourite videogame ?

A : i really like fnaf playthroughs or ACO !

CHARLIE POV

Liam was pacing back and forth, his face contorted in a serious expression, one that did not suit his usual happy, joyful mannerism. It was at moments like these where Charlie had made himself small.

He had cocooned up into a ball of blankets, afraid that Liam would snap just as his mother had. He was used to being the scapegoat, but he was praying it wasn't going to be the same with his boyfriend. He didn't dare to speak, staying very still, making his breathing shallow and quiet.

Liam quickly turned to him when Charlie accidentally choked, his frown morphing into an expression of concern as he hurried to Charlie, gently hugging him and nuzzling his cheek in Charlie's hair. "Hey baby, you okay?"

Charlie stiffened in his arms, looking up at him with fear before relaxing and nodding curtly, still weary of his partner. Liam sensed this and gently snuggled him back onto the couch, making sure he was comfortable, though a frown had found a place on his face at this point. "Did I do something wrong?"

Charlie quickly shook his head, holding the blanket very close to himself. "N-no, I just don't like it when people are angry.." He looked up at Liam with vulnerability, praying that this temporary anger was not Liam's true self.

"Oh baby.." He gently lowered himself to the couch and brought Charlie in for another hug, his warm embrace removing all the terrible thoughts Charlie was feeling now that they were next to each other.

"It's okay." Charlie forced a little smile as he lifted his arm out of his cocoon and gently started petting Liam's hair, playing with the soft strands and scratching near the back of his head. He closed his eyes and smiled as he snuggled his head into Charlie's neck, hugging him tight as he left himself enjoy the much needed pets. "Is there something wrong?"

"Mmm, yeahhh." His words were slurred and laced with sleepiness, evidence of his lack of sleep the previous night. "Goin' with mum today 'n I'm gonna meet the meanie." Liam giggled a little to himself before nuzzling his nose with Charlie's, their eyes meeting together with joy accident in their expressions. "I love you, my special boy."

Charlie blushed and giggled as he playfully pushed Liam away, though he made sure he didn't fall off the couch. That wouldn't be very good.

"Are you pushing me?" Liam made a '>:0' face and then attacked Charlie in kisses, peppering them all over his cheeks, neck, forehead, and especially his nose.

They sat there, giggling and snuggling together, all previous worries forgotten.

"Liam? Are you ready?" Liam's mother entered the living room, looking around before looking at them and chuckling to herself. "You silly love birds. Do you still want to come, Liam?" He nodded and got off of Charlie, though was held back by his little hands reaching out to grab his shirt sleeve.

"Can I come?" Charlie gave his best puppy eyes, really wanting to be there to see the beautiful restaurant that Ms. Greenlee and Mia owned.

"Are you sure? Ashford's gonna be there, and he's not so nice."

Charlie looked at Liam in contemplation before nodding and standing up, letting the blanket drape around him as he sleepily rubbed his eyes with his fists. "I'm okay with it. I wanna go see the restaurant."

"Maybe you could go see the surroundings while he's eating? There's a lot of nice shops around the restaurant," said Liam's mother. She had a slightly worried expression on her face as she regarded the two boys. "I really don't want Mr. Ashford to find ways to hurt you boys." She gently caressed Liam's cheek and then placed her other hand on Charlie's shoulder, looking at them both lovingly.

Charlie looked at her dumbfounded before leaning back a little bit, too uncomfortable to continue being touched that way. She removed her hand without protests and then leaned in to kiss Liam on the forehead.

"Let's go, mom. We don't want to keep a certain devil waiting."

___

THIRD PERSON POV

Reaching the restaurant, a quaint little cottage-looking place, they exit the car and head in, opening the door and being led inside what looked like a story-book setting. There were gorgeous dome-shaped pendants casting a warm color everywhere in the restaurant. The booths were composed of red-colored leather banquette sofas pointed towards light-wooded picnic-looking tables. Napkin holders and flowers adorned the table, giving it a true cottage look.

"This restaurant keeps looking better and better each time I step in here," said Liam. He was looking around with pride, knowing that his mother had a big part in the beautiful structure and organization of the furniture.

"Don't flatter me, Liam. I know you want my delicious food." Mrs. Greenlee winked and then patted his shoulder, going into the kitchen to talk with the chefs, having to make sure that everything was rolling and functioning.

Charlie looked up in wonder as he went to touch the smoothly sanded tables, the beautiful table cloths and the soft sofas. "This is all so pretty." He turned back to Liam and beamed him a small smile. He looked absolutely adorable in the soft yellow light casted by the lights, his dark brown hair appearing more golden. "Your mom is so talented!"

"She really is." Liam plopped down onto one of the couches and rested his arms on the table, then lowered his head onto his arms to create a makeshift cushion. "Ughhhhh why is he such an ass." He grumbled and blew a raspberry, making Charlie giggle as he came over and nuzzled himself onto Liam's lap, his knees holding his body mostly upright. "Whatcha doin' silly." He laughed before lifting himself up and opening his arms. "Come 'ere."

Charlie didn't waste a moment and jumped into his arms, hugging him closely. Liam nuzzled into him and let out a breath of satisfaction. A few minutes pass, the two lovebirds gently kissing on the sofa, their eyes closed and their hands intertwined. One of Liam's hands held Charlie's back, pulling him flush. After a few more kisses and giggles shared between the two, Liam excused himself to go to the bathroom.

Charlie stood up and walked around, continuing his previous inspection. He touched everything he could, squealing at some of the textures that brought him comfort and made his hands tingle. Suddenly, the little bell at the door dinged, bringing forth the presence of Donovan Ashford.

Charlie gulped and turned to face him, straightening his posture as best he could to look presentable. "W-welcome!"

Donovan looked sharply at him, his eyes softening once he took in Charlie's chubby cheeks, his nervous smile and the way he rocked back and forth on his heels. He cleared his throat and hardened his eyes, not letting this adorable baby get to his heart. That had happened once, and it wouldn't happen again.

"I'm here for the-" Due to his tone and the sharpness of his eyes, Charlie had backed up into a table, looking at him in fear. Donovan sighed and came a bit closer, kneeling in front of Charlie and gently taking Charlie's hands in his. "Take a deep breath, okay? I'm not here to hurt you."

Charlie started breathing more calmly, just then realizing how erratic his breathing had been. Short gasps and near tears returned to deep breaths, eyes cleared of the cloudiness that came with crying. He nodded after a moment, removing his hands from Donovan's once he had come back, using his hands to wipe away the stray tears.

Donovan stood back up, regarding the little boy with curiosity and admiration. "I didn't know she had a kid like this." He turned to his bodyguard and shooed him away with a wave of his hand, settling him outside the door to stop others from coming in. "Where's your mother?"

"She's not my mom.." Charlie looked very uncomfortable, shifting from foot to foot as he sneaked a couple glances up to the man that was standing in front of him. "She's in the kitchen."

"Are you supposed to be out here all alone?" To this, Charlie shrugged but reluctantly shook his head, flinching and bracing himself for a hit. "Oh hey- I'm not going to hit you, don't worry pup." He gently smiled, though it was awkward and tense. Never had he been allowed to smile before, and especially not a friendly smile to a boy he barely knew. He gently led Charlie over to a booth, sitting him down and making sure he was comfortable.

He had very soon realized that Charlie was not comfortable with touch which made Donovan hold off. Still, he wanted nothing more than to pick this boy up and hug him to hell and back. He looked so innocent, so adorable.. "Are you cold? You're shivering." He regards the boy in concern, then reaches over the booth and takes Charlie's dino hoodie, gently draping it over his shoulders, not yet helping him into it. It was much too early to do that. "So.. what's your name?"

"Charlie." His voice was soft with a slight tremble to it, his eyes avoiding Donovan completely.

"Yeah? That's a really pretty name. Do you know my name?"

"Mr. Ashford.. Liam and Meema don't like you." He manages a small glare before moving away from him, his shoulders hunched as he tries to hide behind them.

"And who's this Liam? Meema?"

"My perfect boyfriend and his mother. The people you're trying to steal from!" He looked close to tears again, hating to be in such a confrontational situation, especially against a man who he had been told was absolutely relentless and rude. "So please leave, and stop trying to hurt this business. You're just sad your company is shallow and stupid." He moved away completely, a stray tear trailing on his chubby cheeks as they pouted slightly.

Donovan stared in shock, unsure how to proceed. He had never been called shallow or stupid before. He had fired anyone who had come close to those words, and cut others out of his life for insinuating it.

"Hey!" Liam squeezed himself between Charlie's sofa and Donovan, crossing his arms and glaring at him. Unlike Charlie's kitty glare, Liam's was much fiercer. He knew better than to push, shove, and hit, but that felt like a very possible situation. "What the hell do you think you're doing touching my boyfriend?"

Donovan's signature scowl came back on his face as he mirrored Liam's crossed arms, not daring to back down from a challenge, even if that challenge was a certain 19 year old boy. "I'm trying to help a little who was clearly left alone. That wouldn't happen to be your fault, would it? I shouldn't call the protection agency, should I?" He was dealing with this the way he knew; blackmail.

"Maybe I should call the police on you for harassment! Did he tell you that he was okay with being touched? Because I'm sure as hell he didn't!" Liam was about to continue his argument until Charlie grabbed his hand, staring up at him with pleading eyes, slightly teary.

"Please stop Lili. I'm scared."

"What is going on here?" Ms. Greenlee hurried into the space, staring wide eyed at all the men in the room. Her gaze flickered to Donovan for a moment before she stomped over to Liam and started harshly whispering to him, holding his arm tightly in her hands. "Liam, please go outside with Charlie while I show Mr. Ashford around. Is that clear?"

Liam nodded his head solemnly, giving Donovan one last glare before gently taking Charlie's hand and leading him out of the restaurant, whispering reassuring sweet nothings to him, begging that Charlie was going to be okay.

That man did look like someone who would hurt you. But at the same time, there was that spark of hope in his eyes when he looked at Charlie.

What is going on with you, Mr. Ashford, Liam wondered.

"Come on Charlie, let's go get some ice cream." He gently kisses his forehead while holding his hand, squeezing it lovingly.

Charlie returned the action without a second thought.

WC : 2072