Title: Return To Me
Rating: K+
Warning: Slightly slash-y...
Chapter One
He felt lost in the hustle and bustle of Boston. People were coming from every direction, and it was confusing to Charlie. His home town was never this crowded, and he'd been living in a nearly empty, enormous chocolate factory for the past 7 years!
A group of school children passed, lead by a thin woman in a stylishly lengthy black jacket brought memories of Wonka and the Oompa-Loompas swirling back into his mind. Not the time to get all choked up, he warned himself, and set off in search of his hotel.
Finally, Charlie stumbled upon the Embassy Suites at the address on the paper he'd luckily kept handy. It was a rather large building, and looked quite old, which made it the same as most of the other structures in Boston. He glanced at the sheet of paper and sighed.
Booked (?) nights, single full bed, it read. Enjoy your stay! Charlie scoffed. Enjoy? Right.
Charlie missed his room. He missed his view on the town below, dirty and bitter, but still somehow beautiful. He missed the feel of his plush pastel carpet as he sat on the floor and typed away on his laptop, coming up with new ideas and recipes for magnificents treats, more than half of which never saw the light of day again. Most of all, he missed the soft rap of the cane on his door, and the odd yet intriguing man who would beckon him to help with something.
Why did Charlie miss Wonka so much? They were business partners. No, Charlie shook his head. They were more than that. For nearly all of the past seven years, Willy Wonka had been Charlie's best friend.
Yes, he'd had his grandparents to play around with, but Grandpa Joe wasn't as spry as he had once been, Grandma Josephina was bed-ridden, Grandma Georgina was not so clear in the head, and Grandpa George was...Grandpa George.
Charlie smiled at the young lady, possibly in her late teens, sitting at the front desk. A regular every day Doris, he snickered to himself. "Good evening, sir," She greeted him cheerily, and he returned the gesture. "How may I help you?"
Charlie pushed his receipt across the marble desk and tried to explain nervously that he needed the keys. "Are you feeling alright?" She asked, nervously, thinking he might have a bomb or something illegal. "Sorry, I'm not too good at this. Its my first time in a hotel," Charlie apologized. The woman wavered between trust and worry, then she smiled and leaned forward in her chair and placed a packet on the desk.
"Its alright. I just need you to sign here-" She put the tip of her pen next to a line and drew a small X, "-and here." She did the same for a line at the bottom of the page and set down the pen for him to use. "And as you do that, I need to know your name so I can get your room info."
"Charlie Bucket," He answered quickly, hesitating to take the pen. He'd signed plenty of paperwork back at the factory, but they were never his signature. It was Willy's which he had learned to forge perfectly, thanks to a little help from the man himself.
"It'll save me time, y'see, if you can sign the papers while I do other work," Willy had explained. This was logical, Charlie supposed, but he doubted it was legal.
"What people don't know won't hurt them," Grandpa Joe had said upon learning of an interesting ingredient in a new creation of Wonka's. "Nonsense! What if it's something that will kill me?" Grandpa George snapped. "At least you wouldn't know death was coming, right?" Grandma Josephina had offered, looking up from her murder mystery. "I do like kittens, you know," Grandma Georgina had put in her say, and Charlie couldn't help giggling.
As he signed his name slowly, he smiled at the memory. He missed being a child, being innocent and lovable. Now he felt that he was a burden and in the way all the time.
"Whats got you happy all of a sudden?" The woman asked as the choppy sound of an older printer disturbed the near silence of the lobby. Charlie looked up from the paper, stopping on the K of his last name. "Oh, its nothing," He said after a moment, blushing.
"I love your accent," She said, smiling. Charlie grinned, not so nervous anymore. "I like yours too," He chuckled, making her laugh as well. "I'm off work in 30 minutes. What do you think about getting a cup of coffee with me?" She asked. "Girls are weird," Wonka's child-like voice reminded him. Charlie licked his lips, hesitating.
"You're already involved with someone," The woman guessed, her smile fading. "I'm sorry, I--"
"No, I'm not. I've never been, actually," Charlie admitted. "I never had the chance, really." The woman smiled again. "Well you should have. You're real cute," She said, then raised one brow.
"I'm Melissa Campbell, by the way. So how 'bout that coffee, cutey?" Charlie blushed again, and then nodded. "Sure," He agreed. "Half an hour, right?"
She nodded and placed a key on the desk. "Room 736, on the seventh floor, is yours. Don't be late. And be sure to bring that accent!"
Charlie laughed and finished the signature. "I won't forget it," He promised, picking up the keys.
W-xXx-C
Charlie gasped when he pushed open the door to his bedroom. It was enormous! He hadn't asked for this room. He knew immediately that Wonka had done something to get him a nicer, more expensive room, even before he found the envelope.
Sealed with 2 intertwined Ws, the envelope lay on the pillow. Charlie smiled and picked it up gently. He couldn't help but want to hug the man. "Alright, Wonka, what is it this time?" He asked, carefully opening the envelope. He pulled out s small piece of paper and sighed. In neat, curly writing, his name was scribbled at the top.
Charlie,
If you'd have told me sooner, silly, I would have had more time to prepare for your departure.
I'm sad to see you go, but I'm glad you want to see what the world is really like. I know you had the bad end of it all as a child, but it made you strong. I know you can take it.
Feel free to call whenever you need. I'll always be willing to chat, even though I do despise telephones. You never know who's listening in. Just be sure that you check the phone for taps every day. Wouldn't want anything to be leaked to less worthy hands.
I hope you'll find what you need out there, and that you'll return. Its up to you now. You're on your own, no one to protect you.
Keep in touch. Stay safe. Mainly, have fun.
Willy
Charlie wiped at a tear and folded the note in half, quickly pocketing it. He missed Willy. The man was, in some crazy way, the kindest person he'd ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Sitting down in a black leather chair and placing a piece of paper on the table in front of him, he decided he'd write to his family, which included Wonka, right away.
Hey guys,
Mum, don't cry too much. There's no need to worry about me. I'll be back sooner than you know. You've always taken care of me, nows your chance to take care of yourself.
Dad, watch after Wonka. I don't trust him all on his own.
Grandpa Joe, I miss your laugh. You take care of yourself, so I can hear it again, alright? I promise I'll be back to take another walk around the factory with you soon enough.
Grandpa George, don't yell too much. That's too stressful for your heart. You know what the doctors said. I miss you.
Grandma Josephina, tell me if you read any good books. I'll try to read something so I can suggest a book thats popular over here in the U.S., but there are so many sights to see! I think you'd really enjoy it!
Grandma Georgina, I'll be back by Easter. Don't worry your pretty little head about it. I wouldn't miss it for the world!
Willy, you really shouldn't have done all this. Its wonderful, but I would have been fine with a normal room. I'll be sure to call you if anything comes up, or, as I think you were hinting at, if I come up with anything brilliant candy-wise. Don't worry, no one over here seems to know who I am. Its an improvement from the stares I get back home. Take care of yourself, and don't worry about me. I'll be fine.
Love you all,
Charlie
He read over the letter again. Feeling guilty that his fathers letter was the shortest and most pitiful, he added a few words he hoped would mean a lot.
Dad, watch after Wonka. I don't trust him all on his own. I'm sorry for being so horrible to you all these years. We need to have a talk.
Charlie smiled and nodded. He glanced at the clock. It was nearly time to meet Melissa downstairs in the lobby. He sighed and folded the letter up and placed it in an envelope. With a sigh, he snatched his wallet and headed for the elevator, making sure to lock his door behind him.
W-xXx-C
"Already mailing a letter?" Melissa asked, smiling at Charlie as she placed it in the mailbox employees used. "Yeah, I found one on my pillow from a friend when I walked in," Charlie explained.
"Woah, that was yours?" She asked, eyes wide. "That letter came in this morning, along with the money for an upgrade to the King's Suite," She paused. "Yeah, I remember the name. It was definitely Charlie Bucket." She smirked when Charlie laughed.
"So you're rich?" Melissa asked. "Not really. My friend is. He's the one who sent the letter," Charlie admitted. "Whats his name?" She asked, giggling as she grabbed his hand and pulled him along behind her. "I'll drive," She said, pointing at a blue Ford Focus.
Charlie hesitated to answer her question. "H-his name is...is..." He stuttered, surprised when she squeezed his hand. "Come on, you can tell me!" She said softly.
"Willy Wonka," He admitted after a moment. Melissa's eyes grew large. "Really?" She asked. It was apparent how well known Wonka was. "You don't think I'm a freak, do you?" Charlie asked, worried. "No! Thats awesome! How do you know him?" She asked, awe-stricken. Once again, Charlie felt slightly uncomfortable, but glad she didn't think he was weird.
"Remember those golden tickets he sent out about 8 years ago?" He asked, nervously. She nodded. "I can't tell you how many of those candy bars I bought. I was determined to find one," She laughed. Charlie looked down at the ground. "I was the boy who found the fifth one," He said after a moment.
"Wow, you're like a celebrity!" Melissa laughed, and Charlie laughed a little too, finally starting to feel less out-of-place. "So you two are friends now?" She asked, shaking her head in shock. "And I'm his heir." Charlie said, grinning. He felt proud to be the choclatier's next-in-line now.
Melissa dropped his hand, whirling to stare at him, her mouth hanging open. "The heir to the Wonka Chocolate Company!" She exclaimed. Charlie blushed and nodded, modestly. "I'm taking a break from it all though," He said after a moment. "Why?" She asked, finally turning to unlock her car.
"I just need to see what I'm giving up by being a chocolatier," He admitted, sitting beside her in the passenger seat. "I would love to be you," She said, enviously. "I would never give it up."
Charlie shook his head. "Its harder than you think. I have Willy Wonka to live up to!" He pointed out. "Remember those candies he released not so long ago? The ones that changed to taste like what you wanted most?" She asked, a longing look in her eyes. Charlie smirked. "Yeah, I remember," He said, leaving out the fact that they had been his creation, as a present for Willy's birthday. "Those were simply amazing," Melissa said, her eyes shutting slowly as if she were dreaming of having one right that moment.
"Tell him that I love him next time you see him, 'kay?" She giggled, and Charlie about burst into tears at the likeness to Wonka. "Yeah, alright," Charlie whimpered.
Melissa glanced at him, worried. "You alright?" She asked, starting the engine. Charlie nodded. "I miss him is all. I didn't think I'd miss him this much. He's an amazing man," He sighed. "You really admire him, don't you?" She asked, smiling slightly. Charlie nodded. "He's been my mentor, best friend, and father for nearly 8 years," He said softly, and attempted a smile when she placed a hand on his arm.
"If all guys were like you, Charlie Bucket, no woman would be sad," Melissa complimented, then began the short drive to the coffee shop.
W-xXx-C
One Day Later, At The Factory
Willy Wonka bit his lip, lost in thought as he had been many times in the past two days. There were too many memories everywhere. He wasn't afraid to admit he missed Charlie. Everyone, especially the Oompa-Loompas, missed him. He made the factory a little brighter, with his warm smile and sparkling, curious eyes.
Suddenly, there was a slight tugging on his right pant leg, and he looked down to find an Oompa-Loompa staring back.
"There is a letter from Charlie here, boss. If you want to read it, I gave it to his family, since it was addressed to them," The Oompa-Loompa informed him with quick hand movements.
Willy frowned. Charlie had told Wonka again and again that he had become part of the family, so he supposed it was addressed to him as well. He didn't push the matter. He nodded and crossed his chest with his arms, thanking the tiny creature.
He nearly ran the whole way to the Chocolate Room. When the tiny house came into view, he fixed his hair and smoothed his coat, making sure he didn't look too frazzled. He calmly walked the rest of the way to the house.
The door was open, as it normally was. He smiled at the grandparents once he'd stepped inside, then glanced at Mr. Bucket, who now held the letter. Wonka wondered what Charlie had written, since the man seemed to be crying, so it must have been pretty touching.
He sighed as the letter was passed around, in order of who Charlie had written too. Unfortunately, Wonka was last, and had to wait. He wasn't good at waiting. He usually got what he wanted, when he wanted it. Still, he loved the odd family, and didn't want to seem rude.
Finally, he was handed the piece of paper.
Willy, you really shouldn't have done all this. Its wonderful, but I would have been fine with a normal room.
Wonka smiled. Its the least I could do for my best friend, he thought.
I'll be sure to call you if anything comes up, or, as I think you were hinting at, if I come up with anything brilliant candy-wise.
You were always a bright boy.
Don't worry, no one over here seems to know who I am. Its an improvement from the stares I get back home.
So you don't like the publicity?
Take care of yourself, and don't worry about me. I'll be fine.
My dear boy! You're not the one I'm worried about!
As he reached the ending, his already pale skin lost the rest of the color it held.
"Mr. Wonka?" Mrs. Bucket's kind voice broke into his thoughts. He looked up at her. "Are you alright?" She asked. He looked back down at the paper and smiled. "Quite," He assured her, then handed the letter back to her.
"If you don't mind, I've got some things to be attending to," He excused himself politely as he turned and walked out the door. Since no one objected, he kept walking, till he was in the hallway that led to the Inventing Room.
He leaned against the wall and tried to calm his rapidly beating heart. The last few words of the letter should have meant little to him, but instead they excited and scared him beyond belief. Finally, he had enough strength to carry on, but they still echoed in his mind, serving as a cruel reminder of just how much he missed Charlie Bucket.
Love you all...