A/N: Everyone is aged up and This Wonka is Depp!Wonka once again. I write Depp's Wonka the most out of the other Wonka's.
Charlie's childhood was an iridescent blur of candies and wonder. He was an intelligent and capable young fellow. He greatly enjoyed his childhood full of gummy candies and chocolate. It showed him that anything was possible. Anything at all.
Charlie would be turning 17 in a month and he was steadily counting down. He truly did adore this factory of wonder and endless possibilities but he felt that it was time to branch out into the world. He had even been saving up for a car in secret. Well, it wasn't exactly a secret to his family. It was only a secret from Wonka who's face would contort into a grimace at the mention of Charlie driving or leaving the factory for anything other than business purposes. Charlie remembered his last lecture about all of the vermicious knids lurking around every corner of the city waiting to gobble him up.
Charlie asked him how old Wonka thought he was which the older man simply answered with Touche. Wonka was a strange individual. He lived in a different reality from most and it showed when he would lecture Charlie on things. Charlie could tell that Wonka was a very intelligent and cunning man, he just felt that Charlie was too young and stupid to pick up on his manipulations.
There was an even bigger secret that Charlie had been hiding from Wonka and his family. Since he was 14 he and Mike started to contact each other online. It wasn't until last year that he started to visit Mike whenever he didn't have work to do around the factory.
Charlie doesn't remember exactly how their now one-year-old relationship came to be, but he was happy that it happened. He knew that Wonka would have a fit if he ever found out that he was in a relationship. With Mike Teavee of all people who was 18 and on his own. He could just see Wonka's meltdown now. It was best just to keep that under wraps.
Mike was rough around the edges but under that scowl and long wavy light brown hair of his, he was a gentle soul. Charlie could just tell. Some nights the two of them would just sit in the park gazing at the stars as Charlie combed out Mike's back length hair. He had encouraged Charlie to grow his hair out too and at the moment Charlie's hair stopped just past his shoulders. He usually wore it in a side part that his mom hated. She told him that he looked like a girl and pestered him about getting a girlfriend and how he wouldn't look attractive to women.
He knew she meant well but it got on his nerves all the same. Wonka wasn't any better. The man even tried to sneakily cut it ''by mistake''. Willy would complain that it was too unruly. Charlie disagreed. His hair was straight and smooth he even deep conditioned his locks. There's no way that his hair was not well-groomed. Charlie loved his hair just as much as he loved Mike's.
Charlie and Mike had planned to go to the tattoo parlor for his birthday. They still hadn't decided on what they would get. Charlie had wanted a tongue piercing for years now, Mike had been trying to talk Charlie into getting his nipples pierced but the very idea has Charlie shivering. His nipples were sensitive as it was, Mike whispered to him about how much of a turn on it would be and Charlie said he'd consider it.
There was one more thing that could set Wonka and his family a flame. Charlie was planning on moving out soon. Of course, he'd keep tabs on the factory and his family but he wanted the freedom to live however he wanted without rules and prying eyes. To sleep nude and walk around the house free of any clothes or restrictions. To have sex whenever or wherever he wanted. To drink whenever he wanted. To set his own bedtime. To be free of nagging and restrictions on his creativity.
He found it so ironic how Wonka would complain that his father did him that way but turned around and did the same thing to Charlie. But in his case, it wasn't creativity that his mentor stifled. It was relationships and friendships.
He was sick of it.
There was another thing he had to reveal to his family soon.
His shoulder-length hair had a bright rainbow under-dye. His hair was not really long enough to hide the blaring rainbow in his hair. He took a deep breath and prepared to leave his room. When he did he was met with a scream from his mother,''Joshua! JOSHUA!''
Charlie's father came scrambling into the kitchen at lightning speed,''What is it, honey?''
''Look at your son...'' She sighed out.
He inspected him and let out a whistle of disapproval,''Charlie...what did you do?''
Charlie growled not feeling like hearing any bullshit,''Don' worry about it.''
He stomped out of the house ignoring his mother's calls to him. He used the elevator to get to the chocolate room. Making little chocolates just for him and Mike to eat was one of his favorite pastimes. He molded the chocolate into little hearts and added strawberries in some for Mike. He noticed that he loved the chocolate-dipped strawberries the most.
Charlie was so wrapped up in making the chocolate that he didn't notice Wonka walking up behind him. He jumped gasping when he felt his hair get lifted. Wonka was inspecting his hair thoroughly. A scowl on his face. Charlie stood still preparing himself for the worst.
After a beat Wonka let his hair fall and with a huge and genuine smile he chirped,''I love it!''
''Thank you,'' Charlie said relieved.
''What did your P-P-P-P...Folks say?''Wonka said nervously.
''Mom had a fit but I just left before she really started talking...'' Charlie sighed moving the chocolates he made to box he had prepared.
''P-Parents can be a real drag...'' Wonka said pouting.
''True,'' Charlie said tying a big red bow on the box.
''Who are those for?'' Wonka asked.
''A friend of mine,'' Charlie mumbled.
''Hm...You sure make them a lot of boxes...''Wonka said inquiringly.
Of course, his mentor had noticed. Charlie rolled his eyes and moved to leave. Wonka put a hand on his shoulder,''Hey kid...are you alright? You seem...angry...''
''No. I'm fine...I'll be back sometime tonight,'' Charlie said.
''T-Tonight?''
''Look, I'm 16, you're lucky that I come back home at all alright?'' Charlie snapped walking to the door.
''Well excuse me...'' Wonka said recoiling at Charlie's attitude,''I hope you get better. I dot want you infecting my chocolate with your bitterness...''
''Oh as if you don't infect the chocolates with pure salt,'' Charlie mumbled.
''SORRY! I CAN'T UNDERSTAND MUMBLING! PLEASE SPEAK UP!'' Wonka shouted.
''HIGH LEVELS OF SODIUM IS VERY TOXIC TO THE BODY WONKA!'' Charlie raised his voice to the same level as Wonka.
''I can't possibly be any saltier than you child.'' Wonka sighed shaking his head.
''Asshole,'' Charlie mumbled.
''Excuse me!? Excuse me, sir!?'' Wonka was lightning fast as he cornered Charlie,''Look, I understand that parents can be a drag, no one understands that more than I. But I refuse to be punished for whatever your mom and dad said to you. Do you understand me? You do not get to steal my chocolate and then call me out of my name! Have you lost your mind? Have you forgotten who gave all of this to you brat!?''
''Oh here we go again!'' Charlie growled he shoved the chocolate at his mentor,''Here take the damn things. I can get some chocolate at the store.''
Wonka was seeing red. He hissed before yanking Charlie's hair. Charlie yelped before knocking off Wonka's hat and pulling his hair just the same. It was childish and stupid and happened far too often lately.
''Get off of me!'' Charlie hissed pushing his mentor back. Wonka looked as if he was going to slap him but instead held his arms behind his back,''I think you should leave.''
''Thank you.'' Charlie deadpanned.
A soon as Charlie had his hand on the doorknob Wonka called to him,''You're forgetting your chocolates.''
Charlie huffed before snatching them away and walking back to the door. Wonka said,''I am not my father, Charlie. If there is anything plaguing you, speak to me. Don't shout at me or call me names Charlie. Just speak to me. I am not my father. I know I can be strict at times but I only want the best for you. I want to give you all that I never had as a kid Charlie...''
Charlie nodded not looking back feeling like a total ass. He still felt resentful of how much Wonka hovered over him but it truly was for his own good.
Mike wolfed down the strawberries as if he was starving.
''I thought you hated chocolate...'' Charlie teased laying across Mike's bed.
''I hate chocolate but I fucking love strawberries...and there's something about the way you make these things...'' Mike moaned leaning over capture Charlie's lips with his own. The two shared a hungry and passionate kiss before Charlie pulled back and whispered,''I'm dropping out...''
''You said that like 3 years ago...'' Mike sighed.
''I technically am dropped out. I only pretend that I go to class by bringing home random assignments.'' Charlie argued.
''Look. Charlie. We've had this discussion countless times. You either have to choose your life or his. You know I hate him...but this is not about me. What do you want? I know he doesn't want you to attend school in the first place so you're conflicted with trying to please Wonka, your parents, and yourself. Choose one and fuck everything else. If your family disowns you, you have me. I am not advocating leaving your family or anything...I am advocating you being true to yourself and being happy...'' Mike whispered running his fingers through Charlie's hair.
Charlie whispered,'' I love you.'' in reply.
Mike tackled Charlie on the bed ravishing him. The room was soon filled with cries of pleasure from both boys. Charlie's mind was empty and free of any worry.
The next day was Monday. Charlie decided to not even bother going back home or school. Hell, he didn't even bother putting on a stitch of clothing. He sighed,''I can't wait to move in with you...''
''What's stopping you?'' Mike asked massaging his scalp.
''I...I feel conflicted, I don't want to break mum's heart...and Willy would be so upset...''
''Once again...what's stopping you? You are an adult and they are adults...you will be 17 in a month Charlie...you were considered grown when you turned 16...just leave. Tell your parents to sod off. Do what makes you happy.''
''I...I can't...''
''The only thing stopping you from reaching your full potential is you...whenever you are ready I will add you to the lease. You can stay in the factory whenever you want...I don't care...just don't live your life as a spineless asskisser...'' Mike said bluntly.
Charlie nodded agreeing. It was easier said than done.
Charlie didn't return to the factory until Thursday. He barely made it into the waterfall room before he heard his mother shriek. Charlie took off at the speed of light as his mother chased him around with a broom. Wonka and Mr. Bucket stood there watching Charlie scramble around and fall into candy trees as his mother hit him upside the head with a broom.
''You were expelled! The school says that you haven't been there in nearly 2 years! How the hell did I just find this out huh Charlie?'' His mother growled whacking at him with a broom.
''I didn't want drama...''Charlie said meekly.
Mrs. Bucket let out a sardonic laugh,''I oughtta drown you in the chocolate river boy!''
''Uh! Please don't! I have a ton of shipments to send out today!'' Willy intercepted.
''Where were you?'' Mrs. Bucket demanded.
''Out,'' Charlie said.
''Out where!?''
''Nowhere!'' Charlie lied making Mrs. Bucket swing at him.
Charlie ducked and yelled,''I got a house of my own!''
The factory grew silent. Wonka blinked a few times disbelieving,''E-Excuse me?''
''How boy!? You don't have a job! You don't even go to school! How did you afford a house!? It better not be a dope house!'' His mother shrieks looking baffled.
''It's not...I just...Um...I don't owe you any explanation.'' Charlie said putting his foot down.
Mrs. bucket let out a sound of disbelief before taking out each of her earrings. Mr. Bucket swooped over to stop her from punching him,''Come...let's sit down and think happy thoughts, dear.'' He carries his struggling wife inside the old house.
Willy's face looked stone-cold,''Are you saying that you are leaving my factory?''
''No...I just want a place of my own...''
''Why? What is there that you can't do here?''
''Have a social life! Drink! Have sex! Experience life! Be me!''
''You can do all of those things except one in my factory...after all, we are a Christian household, Charles...'' Wonka said jokingly making Charlie roll his eyes.
''How much are they paying you?'' Wonka asked his voice wavering at the end.
''Who's paying me?''
''The press...''Wonka growled.
Charlie gasped realizing what Wonka was thinking. He shook his head in disbelief,''I would never Wonka! How could you say such a thing...I simply go there to get drunk and party...''
''With whom though? Do you know these people? They could be using you for information Charlie! They could be using your naivete to scam you out of working with me or to put me out of business! This is why I am so hard on you Charlie! You are too naive and trusting. I used to be like you...I see my younger self in you...I promise you that I'm not trying to harm you...But do you understand how famous you are? Of course, they'll want you to move away from here! They know that you are my one and only heir Charlie! Think!''
''No! No! He just wants me to be free and enjoy my life!''
''Who does? Your undercover spy ''friend''? Look...loneliness sucks...I know! But you can not lose your mind and give up your future for friendship! Especially when they are trying to move you away from the factory! That's a red flag Charlie!''
''I can fend for myself!''
''You can not!''
''Can too!''
''Can not! Wanna make a bet? I bet you won't last a month out there living ''free'' with the press and those sabotagers whispering lies in your ear! I knew something was up when you kept arguing with me and fighting me...I should have seen this sooner!''
''Ugh! I'm turning 17 in a month and I just want space! What am I supposed to do when I get married!?'' Charlie exclaimed.
''M-M-M-M-Mar-Ma...'' Wonka looked as if he was about to vomit as he tried in vain to say the word,''W-Why would you want that Charlie? What's wrong with being a bachelor?''
''I don't want to be lonely and miserable all my life.''
''I hate to say it but that's the name of the game...I had no family or wife and I turned out just fine!'' Wonka said with a smile.
''I beg to differ.''
The smile on Wonka's face fell flat before he hissed''Who are you and what did you do with Charlie Bucket?''
''I'm still here...'' Charlie rolled his eyes.
''And rebellious as ever!'' Wonka hissed,''Who have you been talking to?''
''No one...''Charlie said shrugging.
Wonka pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed,''This is not how this was supposed to go Charlie and you know it. What happened to your wonder and creativity and your spirit and enthusiasm?''
''It's still here...'' Charlie said his voice flat.
Wonka frowned at him tears welling up in his eyes, he shook his head and said,''You may be dismissed...I don't need an heir this badly...maybe you can be replaced by the end of this month...''
Charlie knew his words were empty as his voice wavered. Wonka looked absolutely terrified and betrayed. He looked at him the same way he looked at the adults that attended his tour. A hint of disgust and horror. It didn't help that Wonka was walking away from him backwards as if terrified to let his guard down for a second.
Charlie felt tears welling in his eyes. Why couldn't he have a life in the factory and outside? He felt embarrassed as a loud sob broke from him suddenly. He quickly ran for the factory exit. He screamed when he felt strong arms wrap around him and run fingers through his hair.
Charlie let out loud sobs against Wonka's chest. Wonka awkwardly held him and ran his fingers through his hair,'' There. There...'' Wonka's voice was stilted and he looked at Charlie's wet and snotty face in disgust.
Willy patted his back mechanically and reached in his breast pocket for a handkerchief. Charlie blew his nose and Willy told him to just keep it. Charlie was surprised when Willy whispered,''Wanna come up to my study? It has a little therapy couch. You can let out all of your teen angst in there...''
Charlie snickered and nodded. Willy guided him there. Mrs. and Mr. Bucket were watching through the window relieved that Wonka was getting their son to stay in the factory at least for that night.