A/N: Thank you so much for the reviews and PMs—they definitely help with the motivation to get this story out of my head and onto the page!
Charlie's spring semester didn't start until January, so she and Bass had time to enjoy each other, and Bass' new city, in the meantime. She went home for just a few days at Christmas. Ever since her mother had left their family, they didn't make a very big deal out of the holiday, and Charlie never went home for long. She made a half-hearted offer for Bass to come with her, but truthfully, she wasn't ready to introduce him to her family. It was a relief when he assured her that he was more than used to spending Christmas alone—that it was just another day. If Charlie hadn't already bought her plane ticket to Texas, she would have gladly stayed with him so they could ignore Christmas together. Instead, they exchanged gifts just before she left. Charlie had gotten him a framed print of photographs of Civil War leaders, which he loved. Bass gave her a teardrop-shaped diamond pendant, brushing off her protests that it was too much.
Duncan told Bass that she was visiting Philadelphia for New Year's Eve and wanted to spend it with them. She claimed she had a business meeting in the city, but Charlie suspected she had mostly come to check up on Bass. They all agreed to meet at a party being thrown by a man that Duncan had done security consulting for in the past. It turned out to be at a home on Rittenhouse Square, one of the most exclusive addresses in the city.
Charlie was nervous as they walked up to the party. She'd tried for a sophisticated look, in a tight-fitting knee-length black dress, her hair up in a twist, wearing the necklace from Bass. Bass' look complimented hers—he was in gray slacks, a white button down, and a sport coat with no tie. Charlie never got tired of seeing him dressed up, showing him off.
"I hope everyone here isn't twenty years older than me," she commented, nudging her hip against Bass.
He affectionately squeezed the arm she had tucked in his. "What, like I was twenty years older than everyone at that holiday party you dragged me to on campus?"
Charlie snorted and rolled her eyes at the memory of the party, which had featured keg stands, a Secret Santa exchange that somehow turned into strip Secret Santa, and lots of vomiting. "Why do all my efforts to be social go so horribly wrong?" she asked.
"You're just not fit for this world," Bass teased her. "You'd be better off living in the woods with wolves."
"Ha ha," Charlie said dryly, any other comment drowned out by the sound of the party as they entered. The atmosphere was decidedly different from a college party. Everyone was dressed to impress. Waiters with trays of champagne and wine greeted them at the door. Glittering decorations festooned the entryway. Charlie could hear music thumping from the next room.
Charlie and Bass found Duncan and spent time catching up with her, between her making rounds of the room. Duncan dragged a few of her acquaintances over to meet them, pointedly mentioning that Bass was also an ex-Marine with a great head for logistics and leadership. Not wanting Charlie to be left out, she also introduced them to someone who taught in the history department at Boston College, informing him that Charlie planned to pursue a Ph.D. after graduation.
Bass was more relaxed and happy than Charlie had seen him since they left Chicago. He laughed heartily at old inside jokes with Duncan, and he couldn't keep his hands off of Charlie. Every few minutes, he caressed her back, grabbed her hand affectionately, or draped his arm around her waist. After several rounds of drinks, he pulled Charlie onto the dance floor, which was already crowded with revelers.
In Charlie's opinion, Bass was an incredible dancer. He was usually so reserved, so cynical, but somehow when he moved on the dance floor, he was as graceful and purposeful as he was in the fighting ring. He confidently led her into steps and twirls, making her feel competent by extension. She noticed a few women watching them enviously and wrapped herself smugly around Bass, proud that he was entirely hers.
After a few songs, Charlie told Bass she was going to grab another drink. She offered him one and he just shook his head, still moving to the music. Charlie smiled affectionately and moved over to the bar. As she was waiting to give her order, Duncan sidled up to her.
"Duncan, thank you so much for coming to visit," Charlie said earnestly. "I know it means a lot to Bass. He doesn't say so, but he misses you guys." Charlie had been waiting to get Duncan alone to tell her this, so as not to embarrass Bass.
Duncan raised her eyebrows. "No problem. I was curious to see how you guys were doing. Miles made it sound like it was going to be the fucking apocalypse out here."
Charlie's stomach sank. "You've been talking to Miles?"
"Well, yeah. When Bass disappeared into thin air without bothering to tell anyone where he was going, I figured Miles would know. He did, but it meant I had to listen to him ranting for about an hour."
"Yeah," Charlie said. "He was… upset. When we left."
Duncan laughed. "No kidding." She took a sip of her drink and added, "For what it's worth, I think you guys are cute. I've never seen Bass so into a woman. He's like a different guy." Gesturing with her drink, smirking, she added, "Look at him."
Charlie followed her gaze and saw that Bass was still dancing, by himself, totally un-self-consciously. She was briefly mesmerized by sexy he looked, his eyes half-closed, body moving rhythmically, completely absorbed in the music. It was hard to reconcile this man, who looked like he hadn't a care in the world, with the guy who had beaten other men senseless for a living.
"He is really hot, isn't he?" Duncan commented.
Charlie shot her a disapproving look. In response, Duncan laughed and bopped her with her hip playfully. Charlie doubled down on her glare when she saw a leggy woman swaying in front of Bass, clearly attempting to dance with him.
Not bothering to excuse herself from Duncan, nor wait for her drink, Charlie hustled back over to Bass. Fixing the woman in front of him with a death stare, Charlie snapped, "Beat it." Looking only mildly curious, the woman slipped away.
Swiveling toward Bass, Charlie prepared to turn her glare on him, but she paused at the huge grin on his face. "What?" she asked.
"You. Are magnificent," he pronounced, grabbing her around her waist and pulling her tightly into him.
Charlie smiled. "Thanks," she said. "You're in a good mood."
The song changed to a slower tempo, and Charlie and Bass swayed together. Bass kissed her sweetly on her cheek. Holding her hand up in his, he moved them in an exaggerated swoop, and laughed slightly when Charlie almost lost her footing, pulling her back safely against his body.
Charlie laughed, too, shaking her head. "Duncan and I were just saying, you seem like a different person these days," she commented. At his curious look, she added, "In a good way. More relaxed. No more fighting."
Bass nodded, understanding. "Feels like all that is a long way away. Can't say I miss it much."
"Why not?" she asked.
Looking into her eyes, Bass bent close to her to make sure she heard him over the music. "All those memories and old demons in Chicago… reminded me that life is short. Being here, with you, a new beginning… reminds me that life is good."
Charlie tilted her head up, and Bass kissed her tenderly. They lost themselves in their embrace until the song ended, and the lights went up over the dance floor.
"Alright, everyone," the DJ announced. "It's only a few minutes until the countdown, so find the lucky guy or gal you want to kiss at midnight and hold on tight!"
A waiter handed them glasses to toast with, and they stood wrapped in each other's arms as the room bustled around them. The crowd started counting down from thirty. Bass and Charlie enthusiastically shouted along, watching the second hand on giant clock over the bar swing around toward midnight.
"Five – four – three – two – one! Happy New Year!" The room exploded into screams and cheers. Outside, fireworks popped.
Bass pulled Charlie into a searing kiss, lifting her up onto her toes as he crushed her into his chest, not caring that champagne was sloshing out of their glasses. They parted, and she clinked her glass against his softly.
"Happy New Year, Bass."
"Happy New Year, baby."
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Bass ended up staying in Philadelphia for all of Charlie's spring semester. Once it became obvious that he was staying long-term, they both admitted they'd been hoping for it all along, but hadn't wanted to add pressure to the situation by saying anything. Bass even admitted he hadn't been able to get an apartment for just a few weeks, so he had signed a sublease through June, hoping for the best.
The months hadn't been without their adjustments. In the beginning, Charlie would get frustrated if Bass insisted on leaving her place to sleep alone at his. And Bass would get irritated with not being able to see Charlie because she had schoolwork to do, but also restless just hanging around her place while she studied. Eventually, they settled into a routine that worked for both of them, which basically amounted to Charlie spending all her free time and every night at Bass' rented place, swinging back by her apartment just to pick up clothes or have a girls' night every once in awhile. She and Bass both enjoyed the extra privacy that his place offered.
One night in mid-April, Charlie had let herself into Bass' apartment after her classes had ended for the day. Bass was out, as she expected – Thursday evenings he had therapy sessions. Just after New Year's Eve, Bass had contacted the local VA and gotten connected with a counselor specializing in PTSD and loss of family members. Bass had been seeing him regularly ever since, working through the issues that had led to his dark, solitary lifestyle. Bass didn't talk much about his sessions, only saying that they helped. Charlie secretly thought it was appropriate that Bass went to them on the night that he used to reserve for fighting.
On this particular night, Charlie was preparing a surprise dinner for Bass. She'd bought gourmet cheeses, thick steaks, and plenty of wine. She turned the lights in the apartment down low to create a romantic atmosphere. The table was beautifully set, and she was just putting the finishing touches on the meal when she heard Bass let himself in.
"Charlie, I've told you a hundred times, you should lock the door when you're home alone. I could have been a murderer or…" He stopped short when he rounded the corner and saw the fancy set-up, and Charlie standing proudly in the midst of it. "What's all this?" he asked.
"This is a celebration," Charlie said, stepping into his arms, greeting him with a kiss. "Hi."
"Hi," he replied automatically, watching her with an anticipatory smile. "Is it…?"
"I got Chicago!" she screamed, jumping up and down.
"Aaah!" Bass yelled with excitement, gathering her in his arms and swinging her around. "Babe, that's amazing!" He kissed her excitedly, his huge grin matching her own.
"They finally called me today and told me I was in off the waitlist if I still wanted the spot. I have until Monday to tell them but—" she met his eyes joyfully. "I'm pretty sure I want it, right?"
Bass' lips pressed together with emotion. Still smiling, but with urgent sincerity, he said, "Yeah. Fuck yeah. Come to Chicago, Charlie. Come be with me." He sounded slightly choked up. Charlie felt tears gathering in her eyes, too.
Bass brushed away a stray tear that dropped down her cheek. "You okay?" he asked, concerned.
"Yeah, it's just…" she breathed in deeply. "This probably sounds stupid, but I kind of told myself, if I get into U Chicago, then it's a sign. That things are supposed to, you know, work out between us." She smiled wetly up at him.
Bass looked down at her fondly. "That doesn't sound stupid at all. Except, things would have worked out with us even if you only got into the University of Alaska. It wouldn't have mattered," he said with conviction.
Charlie nodded through her tears and joked, "Yeah, but you don't already have an apartment in Anchorage."
"True," Bass agreed. He paused a second and added, "Speaking of that. I've been thinking about it… You don't have to decide now, but I'd love it if you'd move in with me when we go back to Chicago. Nothing would make me happier than if my place became our place."
Charlie had been hoping that if she ended up back in Chicago, Bass would ask her to move in, so she had no hesitation in replying, "I'd love that, too. Absolutely, I'll move in with you. Not like I haven't basically, already," she added, gesturing at her various piles of things all over his apartment.
"Yeah, and not like you didn't already ask me if you could move in after we'd been dating for only a month," Bass teased her.
Charlie swatted him playfully and changed the subject, "Alright, come on, let's eat. Food's getting cold."
They sat down, and Bass praised Charlie's cooking extravagantly as they tried everything. As they ate their dinner and lingered over wine, they made more plans for their move back to Chicago, and Charlie filled Bass in on the details of her history graduate program.
At a lull in the conversation, Bass asked her, "By the way, have you talked to Miles?"
"A couple days ago," Charlie replied. "I haven't told him I'm moving to Chicago yet. Not sure how he's going to take it."
"He's going to be thrilled. I'm sure he still misses you like crazy," Bass said.
Charlie shrugged. "I guess. We still aren't really able to talk the way we used to."
"Well yeah, since it's probably a little hard for you to talk about what you've been doing without mentioning me."
"Yeah," Charlie agreed. "I mean, he doesn't say anything when I mention you now. He just pretends like he didn't hear me and changes the subject. He knows that we're still together."
"Think he's coming to your graduation?" Bass asked. "It's only a month or so away."
Charlie nodded, fiddling with her fork. "He said he'll be here."
They both sat silently, immersed in their thoughts for several seconds. Then, Bass said suddenly, "You should call him. Tell him about Chicago."
"What, now?" Charlie asked. "This is supposed to be a celebration, Bass. I don't want to ruin it by bringing him into it."
Bass smiled softly. "It won't ruin it. Come on, you know it'll make his night. He should know."
"He's not even home," Charlie protested halfheartedly. "It's Thursday."
"Then call the bar," Bass said, not letting her off the hook. "The number's in there." He handed her his cell phone.
"Yeah, I know it, anyway," Charlie said, dialing it in directly. As the line rang, she made a face at Bass. When the bartender answered, she asked for Miles, saying who she was. After a few minutes, he came to the phone.
"Charlie?" his voice came over the line, the early evening crowd audible in the background. "Is that you? Is everything okay?" Charlie realized that she never called him at the bar, so he was probably panicking a bit.
"Everything's totally fine," she said hurriedly. "Actually, I have some good news."
"Okay…" he said cautiously. "What's up?" Charlie's heart ached slightly at how patient Miles was with her interrupting him at work, his always being willing to give her his time and attention. He was usually such an awesome uncle, which was part of what made his reaction to her and Bass' relationship so hurtful.
"Um, I just found out today that I got into U Chicago for grad school. Off the waitlist. So it looks like I'm moving to Chicago after graduation."
Miles sat in stunned silence, then exclaimed, "Charlie, that's great!" Charlie heard him yell to the side, "Shelton, give out a free round on the house! … Because Charlie's moving to Chicago this summer! … Stop asking questions and just do it, damnit." He got back on the line and said, "I'm so happy you'll be moving here, you have no idea, kid. You've made my night. No, my week."
Grinning affectionately, Charlie rolled her eyes. "Well, I'm glad, too."
"I didn't even know you'd applied to Chicago," Miles commented. "You never said anything about it when you were doing all your applications this fall. I thought you wanted to go to Austin. Or Syracuse."
Charlie decided to go with honesty. "Yeah, I didn't apply to Chicago 'til later. Not 'til a couple months ago," she explained haltingly, knowing Miles would immediately realize why she'd added an application to Chicago. "I think that's why I got waitlisted before I got in."
The line was quiet for several long seconds, and Miles said, "Is he there?"
"Miles…" Charlie said warningly.
"Can I talk to him?" Miles said. "I promise I'll be… just put him on."
Charlie looked up at Bass. Apparently, he'd heard both sides of their conversation in the otherwise-silent apartment, as he nodded seriously and held his hand out for the phone.
Taking it from Charlie, he held it to his face and said, "Hey, Miles." Charlie could see the effort these simple words were costing Bass. It occurred to her that this might be his and Miles' first conversation since they left Chicago.
"Bass," Miles started. "You're still there." It was clear he meant, with Charlie.
Bass smiled ruefully at Charlie and replied, "Yeah. Still here."
"I guess I have you to thank for Charlie deciding to come to Chicago."
"I think Professor Jacobs had something to do with it, too, but yeah. I'm just really glad it's working out."
Miles said flatly, "Yeah. Seems like it is." He could have been referring to more than jut Charlie's school choice. "Anyway. Thanks."
"Sure. You're welcome," Bass said, seeming at a loss for words. "Miles, it's really good to talk to you," he finally added.
"Yeah," Miles said shortly. "Alright, well, tell Charlie goodnight for me." And the line went dead as he hung up.
Bass turned the phone off and set it on the table, reaching across for Charlie's hand. His face was laden with emotion, and he seemed somewhat in shock.
"You okay?" This time it was Charlie's turn to ask Bass.
Forcing a smile, Bass nodded. "Yeah, absolutely. That's just, the first time I've talked to him since we left. He sounded… different."
"He sounded like maybe he's realizing what a complete ass he's being," Charlie said bitterly. She had less patience with Miles than Bass did, having the entitled attitude of family, and not having Bass' self-loathing tendencies.
"May be," Bass replied. Obviously wanting to change the subject, he said, "But this is your night. Now that we're done eating, how do you want to celebrate?" A devilish spark was lighting in his eyes.
"I thought maybe we could go out on the balcony and look at the stars," Charlie said. "Hopefully it's clear enough to see some." Bass lived on the 18th floor of his apartment complex, in a relatively dark area. They'd spent plenty of time on his balcony enjoying the night sky.
Looking somewhat disappointed, Bass agreed and followed Charlie outside. She hid her smile as she stood pressed against the rail of the balcony. It was an unusually warm April night—the air was soothing and fresh. Charlie tilted her head up to the sky, and nestled into Bass' arms as he hugged her from behind, resting his head on her chin.
"Kind of a cloudy night," he commented softly, keeping with the still tone of the air around them.
"Mmmmhmm," Charlie murmured, no longer thinking about stars. She reached up and rubbed Bass' arms that were wound around her, relishing the feel of his hard muscles under her hands. Bass tightened his grasp around her and dropped his head down to kiss the side of her neck in response. Charlie moaned quietly with pleasure at the feeling of his lips on her skin.
Bass pushed his hands up under Charlie's shirt, brushing his fingers along the bare skin of her stomach as he held her. She rocked back against his body, loving the feel of him. Firmly, Bass pressed himself into Charlie, so she could feel the effect their closeness had on him—he was already hard. Charlie whimpered slightly as he dragged her body against him.
"Maybe we should take this back inside," he rasped into her ear, running his hands up over her breasts, feeling her through her shirt.
"Or maybe not," Charlie said, turning back toward Bass, pulling his head to hers and kissing him hotly. She ran her other hand over his growing erection, making him exhale heavily, tilting his pelvis into her grasp. Charlie undid Bass' pants and reached inside, stroking lightly over his engorged cock.
Bass groaned and protested weakly, "Someone could see us." His objection was belied by his obvious arousal: his quickened breathing, the drops of precum already slicking the head of his dick.
"Who?" Charlie said. "We're the only ones out here. It's dark." She ran her thumb over the tip of Bass' cock, causing him to jump slightly in her hand. "Come on, where's your sense of adventure?"
"My sense of exhibitionism?" he said back. He pulled her toward him and kissed her hard. Charlie smiled against his lips and wound her arms around his shoulders, bracing her weight on him.
With a low growl, Bass whirled Charlie back around and pinned her against the balcony railing, which came up just under her breasts. Charlie gripped the cool metal with both hands, holding herself in place as Bass ran his hands over her body. He palmed her ass, groping the firm, round flesh there. Charlie felt wetness gathering between her thighs, feeling more sensitive to Bass' touch because she wasn't wearing any underwear.
Deftly, Bass undid the drawstring on her cotton pants, loosening it and pulling them down so that they pooled around her feet, leaving her standing only in her tight long-sleeved t-shirt. Seeing that he had left her totally bare, Bass groaned, running his fingers along her soaked folds.
"You're ready for me," he said, not a question. Charlie gasped out a "yes" anyway, her throat tight with anticipation. Shifting behind her, Bass slicked his cock on her moisture and pushed himself inside her.
Charlie hummed with arousal at the feeling of Bass' thick penis filling her. She looked out across the openness of the dark night ahead of her, the lights of the city glowing below them, the stars above, feeling the cool breeze of the air on her skin, contrasting with the heat of Bass behind her, fucking her.
By unspoken agreement, they both stayed quieter than they usually were during sex. The only noise they made were the gasps of their breathing, and the sounds of their flesh coming together as Bass pounded into Charlie from behind.
Pulling her hips back into him, Bass buried himself balls deep in Charlie. She shifted so that he was hitting the spot inside of her that felt like heaven. Each time his cock hit her there, Charlie felt her orgasm getting closer, and she arched into Bass in rhythm, praying for him not to stop. Just as she felt herself starting to lose control, Bass reached up and covered her breasts with his hands, pinching her nipples hard. The shot of pain brought her over the edge, and she shuddered against Bass as her climax raced through her body.
Once she'd ridden out the last of her orgasm, Bass slowed and withdrew from her. Charlie looked questioningly over her shoulder at him, still half-incoherent with arousal.
"Now we go inside," Bass commanded, opening the balcony door and taking her hand. "Come on." He led her on shaky legs through the apartment to his bedroom, where he picked her up and tossed her unceremoniously on the bed. Charlie pulled off her shirt and bra as Bass undressed. Then he climbed up and covered her body with his.
Gazing down at her, Bass drank in the sight of Charlie's naked body. "Can't see you in the dark," he explained. She smiled up at him and pulled him down onto her, spreading her thighs open beneath him. Bass plunged into her again, covering her mouth in a deep kiss.
It wasn't long before his pace increased and each thrust became more powerful. Wrapping his arms tightly around Charlie, crushing her to his chest, Bass pressed his face into her hair. Barely in control, he pumped into her, driving into her again and again, a slave to his cock. With a final surge, he came inside her, crying her name.
Keeping Charlie in his embrace, Bass rolled slightly to the side, and she threw a leg over him, snuggling into his side. Bass ran his hand over the silky skin of her back, his eyes closed. He kissed her temple softly and murmured quietly, "Love you."
Charlie's eyes flew open. It was the first time Bass had said those words to her, and she didn't want to overreact. Teasingly, she asked him, "Did you just say you love me?"
Bass' eyes remained closed as he smirked and squeezed her chidingly. "You know I do," he grumbled.
Satisfied, Charlie burrowed closer to him and replied softly, "I love you, too, Bass."
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The next morning, Charlie woke up and saw that Bass' side of the bed was empty. Figuring he'd just gone to the bathroom or gotten up already, she almost rolled back over to drift off again, when she saw a piece of paper on his pillow. Her stomach dropped with dread. Bass had never left her a note before. She had a feeling it wasn't going to be good.
Charlie – Decided to go to Chicago this weekend to check on some things. Early flight out, didn't want to wake you up. Call you later. –Bass
Still naked, Charlie jumped out of bed and grabbed the phone off the wall in the kitchen. Frantically, she dialed Bass' cell phone number. It went straight to voice mail.
Struggling to keep her voice even, Charlie left a message. "Hey, um, just woke up and got your note. Hope everything is okay. Let me know when you get to Chicago." She thought about saying more and decided against it, instead just hanging up.
Charlie leaned against the wall and tried to fight her growing sense of panic. What the hell was Bass doing?
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