So uh, this one has an unusual pairing that I'm honestly not sure how many will react to since I don't think I've ever seen anything (fics, arts, posts, etc) for it. However, it is one-sided and I've been wanting to play around with Private's character for a while and what better time to explore his character than with an AU of my Park Avenue AU.
Flower notes: pink roses represent gentleness, grace, gladness, joy, sweetness, and admiration. Typically pale pink ones are used to show love in its beginning stages, where you want to show that you have feelings for someone, but its a tad too early for red roses.
Firsts
Private was floored as he went to set another donation box in the back of Archie's pick-up and saw that it was nearly full. It had only been a few hours since they had started collecting things to donate and not many of their neighbors had given any indication that they would be participating. He could understand the initial bad taste that Archie had left in their mouths after having stolen from them, but it seemed unlikely that they could remain cold towards someone who has stealing to provide for those who couldn't provide for themselves.
Even Skipper had been moved to near tears when Archie told them how he had grown up on the streets near-homeless with absent parents. Archie told them about the months where he had no shoes, no food, and would have most likely died if it wasn't for a soft-hearted librarian. That was also how he had learned of Robin Hood and made the decision that if he survived to adulthood then he would become the hero that he didn't have.
Understandably, Private had broken down crying and worked to organize a community event so Archie could give to the less fortunate through legal means. And clearly Archie's story had moved the block more than he expected if the truck was nearly full and everyone was still bringing boxes of things to donate.
"I'm actually impressed Private." Skipper commented as he loaded a box from Marlene into the back of the truck. "Who would have thought that you knowing French would have lead to an amazing act of charity. Of course, I'd be more impressed if Robin Hood did more than flapped his lips while the rest of us are working."
Private resisted the urge to roll his eyes at Skipper's comment. "Archie's already done more than his fair share by setting up all the appointments to drop off the donations himself. He's volunteering his time and using his truck all while not expecting anything in return."
"Easy there Private, I was just saying that we're not as efficient when more people are talking than moving. He's not the only cog in the machine slowing things down." Skipper glanced over to where Julien was lounging on a chair that Burt had wanted to donate before turning back to the youngest member of the team who was looking at where Archie was talking to Bada and Bing. To say it had been interesting to watch Private interact with Archie would be an understatement. He had never seen Private become so enthralled with someone before. "If I didn't know you better, I'd say it sounds like you may have a bit of a crush going on."
Private flushed at the accusation and snapped a horrified, "Skipper!" He didn't get crushes. He didn't fall in love. He was, as far as he was concerned aromatic. He had never once experienced Hanahaki and while that itself was somewhat rare there were enough documented cases that most people accepted that he just didn't fall in love at least romantically.
"That's why I said if I didn't know you better," Skipper clarified. "Although I do believe you may have a little case of hero worship."
"It's hard to not admire someone so selfless and invested in charity. And after all, he's been through? To not turn out jaded and think the absolute worst of people? He's practically—"
"A modern-day Robin Hood. You've made the comparison plenty of times." Skipper didn't want to point out that Private's admiration for Archie could just as easily be admiration for Rico who had literally grown up in the streets with a drug cartel for a family and had completely changed his life around. He watched in amusement as Archie caught Private staring and winked. "Looks like he's coming your way now Maid Marian."
Private turned helplessly to Skipper as Archie ended his conversation, but his commanding officer was already on his way to assist Rico and Burt with separating Julien from the chair he claimed for his throne. He cursed Skipper quietly for leaving him alone with Archie and furthermore insinuating that he had developed a crush on him.
"Mon cher, this is incredible!" Archie called out as he threw an arm around Private's shoulders. "How you convinced so many to come out and donate so much I will never understand."
Private shook his head not able to take credit for what Archie had done. "That part is all, you Archie. You inspired everyone with your story; I just organized the event."
"And convinced your boss that I was not a criminal. That is something I will be eternally grateful for and I fully intend to show you my gratitude for all that I have done because words are not enough." Archie spun Private around, so they were facing each other.
Private tried his best to ignore the odd fluttering sensation in his stomach. It was happening more frequently since he had begun spending time with Archie. "You changing your ways is more than enough."
"Non, I must." Archie leaned forward and took Private's hand. "If I profane with my unworthiest hand this holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: my lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss."
Private could feel his throat tighten as Archie grew closer, his other hand coming up to caress the side of his face, their lips almost brushing. It would have been nothing to lean forward and close the gap between them, but just a soon has Archie had pulled him close he was stepping away.
"You're a fan of The Bard, yes? I heard you reciting Shakespeare's sonnets the other day. They're performing Romeo and Juliet tomorrow night in the park. I was Romeo's understudy. How would you like an exclusive tour of behind the scenes?" Archie offered with a board grin his dark brown eyes sparkling.
"Archie, I-" Private paused feeling a tickle in his throat and coughed hoping to clear it. "Sorry, my allergies must be acting up. But yes, I'd love to."
"Excellent, it's a date then. I'll pick you up at 7'o clock. But for now, I must bid you adieu, I believe Fred is trying to get my attention."
Private offered a smile and small nod to Archie before the man went running off across the street. He didn't trust himself to speak, the tickle in his throat seemed more persistent than before. Within seconds Private found himself coughing into his elbow, chest uncomfortably tight. When he caught his breath, he could feel something stuck to the back of his teeth and with a shaking hand, he pulled a single pale pink rose petal from his mouth.
