He knew it was too good to be true, a free honeymoon from his ex-lover, unlikely. Charlie stood in front of a burned down wooden shack on the border of Forks and the LaPush Reservation.
It may have been in his jurisdiction but for some reason the Tribe's council leaders didn't feel the need to fight for ownership of this current case.
"Good Morning, Charles" whispered a voice in Charlie's ear. He shivered at the closeness and the boldness of Billy. They were in the middle of a crime scene investigation and here he was trying not to arouse any questioning eyes.
"Morning" was his reply as he started walking towards Officer Uley, hoping that Billy would take the hint and leave him alone.
That was not the case as he caught up to the unyielding Sheriff with a quickness, "Aren't you supposed to be on your honeymoon with the lovely Sue?"
There was a hint of amusement in his voice as he asked the question.
"Um hmm" was Charlie's response as he kneeled down to examine the area where his fellow officers were.
"You know those tickets, I got you guys are non refundable or transferable, right" came the stern reply of Billy.
"Yeah, that sucks that you couldn't go, Chief" replied Officer Uley. "We haven't had this much excitement in a long time. It's almost as if someone didn't want you to go."
Charlie was ignoring both of the men that surrounded him. He just wanted to find out who did this and fast so that he could join Sue on their honeymoon. She didn't want to leave him but Charlie insisted that she take this time to relax and explore. He told her that he would join her as soon as he could but Sue was doubtful of that.
And he knew of her doubt but still Charlie had hope that the answer to this case was close, so that it would be solved, fast.
The talking around him became too much, "Billy what are you doing here? This is a closed crime scene." He was not for Billy's bullshit or his slick remarks; not today of all days.
"I am here as a representative for the Tribe's council" was his proud answer.
"WHAT?!" exclaimed Charlie, causing him to rise from his kneeled position. All of the officers in the area turned to stare at their superior. He was not known for raising his voice.
"Sorry, guys, get back to work. Uley photograph this and meet me back at the station once you're done" was his response to the obvious slip in character.
"Mr. Black" he walked past Billy heading back the way he came. The shack used to be their place when they were kids. It was the only other place in Charlie's childhood where he felt safe next to Billy's parents' house. It was the place where they had their first kiss, told each other they loved each other and where they would sneak off to make love.
Nowadays, it was just a rundown eyesore that the Council had wanted torn down but since it was technically on Fork's town line they couldn't do a thing about it.
"So, you accepted your father's seat on the council" asked Charlie as they walked deeper into the woods. The sound of traffic was getting closer and soon they would emerge from the secluded forest.
"Yeah" was Billy's answer as he walked behind Charlie. He wasn't ready to go back to his car and drive off. He wanted as much time with his 'white boy' as he could get. "Since I am planning on sticking around I thought it was time I continued the family tradition. The council has been without a Black for five years now."
He ended his statement in a whisper, thinking that the loss of his parents caused emotions that he didn't want to focus on. Charlie could hear the hurt in his voice causing him to stop walking. They were almost to the break in the trees, he could see his cruiser from here but of course he couldn't help it.
No matter how long it's been Charlie never wanted to see or hear Billy hurting. He turned around to face his friend because no matter what they used to be to each other or how angry he gets at him sometimes, Billy will always be his best friend.
With his eyes looking ahead, it was the first time since he's been back that Billy's thoughts weren't centered about his need or want of Charlie Swan.
"Honey" the word was whispered with care as a hand slowly caressed Billy's smooth face, "they were amazing parents and they loved you so much."
A tear fell onto the hand that still lingers on his soft cheek; "they just wanted you to come home and you've done that" were Charlie's reassuring words as he looked into the eyes of his friend.
"Thank you" was the only thing that Billy could say. He wants to say so much more but now wasn't the time. But, this moment proves something: that no matter how long it's been Charlie Swan still knew and cared for Billy Black.
And that realization causes Billy to be bold in that moment, before he could be stopped he leans in and kisses the Chief of Police right there and then the most amazing thing happens: he kisses him back.
