The next two months go by relatively smoothly for Bass and Charlie. Blanchard contacts them, letting them know he's giving them some time off to grieve in peace. They continue sleeping together and being friends. After that first night at Bass' they try to keep things more casual but they still spend most nights together, taking turns at each other's place. Charlie wasn't sure that spending the night was a good idea at first but she decided after a few nights that its nice to not be alone at night. Its even nicer when Bass wakes her up in the morning, normally with his mouth between her legs.
Gene, Aaron, and even Priscilla have started making it a point to spend time with Charlie every week. They don't want her to feel so alone again, to fall so far into her grief that she can't even function. They've also started giving Rachel a muscle relaxer and really mild sedative during the day to keep her calm and more manageable, at night she is sedated heavily so she'll sleep without anyone having to watch over her.
Its one late night when things change again for Bass and Charlie. They've been drinking and talking, nothing too unusual but this night there must be something in the air because Charlie finds herself a captive audience as Bass recounted stories from when he and Miles were growing up and well into their time in the Marines. Once he started its like he can't stop. He talks of the early years of the blackout, Shelley and the baby, the Republic and Militia, the bombs, Willoughby, Mexico and Connor, New Vegas, the Patriot War and finally he talks about Miles' death.
Most of the details from the later stuff Charlie already knew but the early stuff, she knew the basics but the details that Bass include leave her aching for him. She crawls into his lap, pulling him into her arms as the tears began to fall. Its the first time in the three months since they found out about Miles that he cries. Charlie doesn't know what to say, so she doesn't speak at all for a while. She just holds him tightly as he sobs for his brother, rocking him and letting her own silent tears mingle with his. When no more tears fall he stays in her arms, clinging to Charlie desperately. In that moment she is his lifeline and his whole world, the only thing keeping him from sinking into his depression again. Charlie understands and the words that finally leave her lips shake Bass to his soul.
"You are not alone. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."
He makes love to her that night. It isn't just sex, or fucking, or fooling around, he's too raw to do anything like that. They come together softly, slowly, and with a gentleness that rocks Charlie to her core. Tears threaten to fall as they lose themselves in each other. When they finish Bass rolls them over carefully, settling Charlie on his chest and making sure he stays nestled inside her for as long as possible. He runs his fingers through her hair as she falls asleep but Bass stays awake, just watching her.
Its that night he figures it out for sure, with Charlie sprawled across his chest and his heart still raw from baring his soul. Bass knows he's in love with Charlie.
He won't tell her of course. He isn't stupid. Charlie runs when things get real and he figures after that soul baring night he'll be lucky if he sees her again within a week. Except Charlie has this knack for surprising him. He wakes up the next morning to her lips pressing gently against his, her tongue lazily exploring his mouth. When they break apart she's smiling at him, all warmth and affection. She asks him to have breakfast with her in town and Bass readily agrees. Breakfast is quiet and peaceful, the little diner bustling around them as they pick food off each other's plates in a corner booth.
Later when Gene mentions seeing Charlie and Bass having breakfast, Charlie shrugs and tells him she she has breakfast with Bass most mornings they just normally don't do it in town. Charlie is prepared for her grandfather to make a fuss about it, demanding that she stop hanging out with Bass but she is pleasantly surprised when he nods thoughtfully and comments on Charlie being able to keep Monroe in line.
After that it becomes a tradition, having breakfast or lunch in the diner at least once a week. They always sit in the corner booth tucked away in the back, they each order something different and pick off each other's plates. The first time Aaron and Priscilla join them for lunch, its by accident and starts off awkward. The conversation is stalled until Bass mentions something about Batman, then the boys are in their own little world leaving Charlie and Priscilla to talk amongst themselves. After the first lunch, it becomes a regular thing and they begin meeting for their weekly Wednesday lunch. Eventually they talk Gene into joining them, leaving Rachel to be looked after by the nurse that Gene employees in his practice.
Charlie tries not to over think things. She and Bass are still just friends, they still do all things they used to do, it just so happens that they usually wind up having sex afterwards now. Sparring has become decidedly more erotic, any move that puts them in close contact ends up with them naked on the ground in Bass' backyard. (They almost get caught twice by Aaron and Priscilla.) So what if she spends every night in bed with him and wakes up every morning in his arms? So what if the sex tends to take on a more tender pace a few times a week? So what if she kisses him goodbye when she leaves? So what if Bass has started leaving little surprises next to her crossbow?
None of that is important. They are not in a romantic relationship! They are just friends that happen to be sleeping together. Its not like she's in love with Bass. Maybe if she says it enough times she'll actually believe it.
...
Life settles down for them, the loss still hangs over them but they try not to let it dictate the way they live their lives. A few more months pass in this easy manner until suddenly they are thrown for a loop again. Frank Blanchard shows up in Willoughby with the Texas Rangers.
"We found the group of Patriots that hit Willoughby." He doesn't bother with pleasantries today, knowing that Charlie and Bass will want to get straight down to business. Charlie sits perfectly still in her seat but Bass stands up and starts pacing.
"Where?" He growls, looking every bit as dangerous as people say he is.
"Hang on there Lone Ranger, this going to be a full scale attack. We're not going to negotiate for peace, we're going to swoop in and kill them all. We have it on good authority that this is the last big Patriot stand and what's left of their higher ups are there. Now I'm here because I figured you two would want in but only if you're team players. I won't have you risking this because you're too emotional. Can you do that?"
"I'm in. Whatever needs to be done to end this, I'm in." Its the first time Charlie says anything in this meeting. Her voice is a calm, cold fury. Suddenly the Rangers in the meeting realize that young woman sitting so calmly is probably just as dangerous as the man pacing behind her.
"Monroe?" Blanchard prompts. Bass pauses and looks at Charlie. She turns to meet his gaze and they have a silent conversation. He takes his place behind Charlie's chair, his fingertips brushing against the skin of her shoulder.
"What do you need me to do Frank?" That's all Frank needs to hear and soon after, plans are being made. Over the next week, battle strategies are drawn up and dissected, maps are poured over, every single possible scenario is brought up. Charlie and Bass are never more than a few feet away from each other, and more than once they argue about the risks that other is willing to take. At one point Blanchard clears the room and their screaming can be heard down the block. They fight for over an hour and once everything is settled, they make up in 20 minutes with Charlie bent over the desk.
Blanchard and the Rangers don't comment on it. They simply get back to work and finalize their plan of attack that night. The next few days are spent gathering supplies and making sure every single Ranger knows exactly how things are going to play out. Two nights before they leave, Aaron and Gene approach Frank, Bass, and Charlie. They want to with them, not to fight but as extra medical support. Charlie argues against them going, wanting them far away from the battle and safe but they are adamant. They already set it up with Priscilla to look after Rachel. Eventually Bass pulls Charlie away and convinces her that they need to do this. She glares at him the whole time before she finally concedes to them coming along but only after making them both swear to stay safely hidden during the battle.
The day before they leave Charlie is at home, double checking her pack and doing a sweep of the house to make everything is locked up and there is no perishable food. She really doesn't want to come home to house that smells like a trash can. She's almost finished with her pack when a knock sounds at the door. Charlie opens the door curiously, not expecting any visitors and is surprised to see Priscilla on the other side.
"Hi Charlie."
"Hey. Oh, come on in. Is everything okay?"
"Yeah everything is fine. Well you see, I've been wanting to talk to you for a while but I never knew how to approach the subject or even if I should."
"What subject?" Charlie watches Priscilla take a deep breath before she smiles reassuringly.
"You and Monroe?" Charlie freezes and stares at the older woman, searching her eyes to see exactly what she means. Charlie sees the knowing look.
"How did you... when did you... How and when?"
"I kind of suspected for a while, you were very careful not to touch in public but the way you interacted with each other was kind of a dead give away for me anyway. You were almost too in sync, too comfortable to be just friends. I knew for sure one day about two months ago when I decided to drop in for a surprise visit, l thought it would be nice for us to have a girl's day. I was coming up the road when Monroe stumbled out your front door, pulling you with him. You were kissing and laughing as he picked you and started walking down the road, towards his place is what l assumed. I left after that, deciding to give you guys some privacy."
Charlie actually remembers that morning. Bass had spent the night at her place. He had gotten cleaned up and wanted changed but he didn't want to stop touching her either. He asked her to come back to his place and Charlie had told him she was too relaxed to walk. In turn he had said he would carry her, which he did. Her arms and legs around him as he stumbled down the road, kissing her nearly every moment. They had nearly fallen several times but that didn't stop them, they just laughed and kept kissing.
"Two months? Why didn't you say anything? Did you tell Aaron?"
"No, I haven't said anything to Aaron but he may already know. I wasn't sure if I should say anything to you about it either but considering you're going off to battle I thought maybe you might want to talk about it before you leave." Charlie did want to talk about it, about Bass but she was also terrified to. She's been lying to herself for months about how she feels and she's not sure if she can actually say it. So she shrugs, looking down at the floor. Priscilla smiles, she's pretty sure she knows exactly what's going between Monroe and Charlie but she's not going to push, well not too much.
"Charlie do you love him?" The sharp intake of breath is all the answer Priscilla needs.
"Does he know? l mean, have you told him?" Charlie shakes her head, glancing up at the other woman. Priscilla wants desperately to tell Charlie that its obvious that the feeling is mutual but she decides its not her place. All she can really do is encourage Charlie to be honest about her feelings. She can guarantee that if Charlie admits how she feels Monroe will reciprocate eagerly.
"I'm not here to tell you what to do but l think you should be honest with him. Who knows, maybe it'll make things better."
"I can't." Charlie finally speaks again.
"Why not?"
"Every time my life is going good, something happens to destroy that. The happier I am, the more devastating the blow."
"So you figure if you're at least partially miserable because you're keeping your feelings to yourself that you won't loose the little bit of happiness you do have." Charlie nods. "You're scared Charlie, and l know you've had a tough life but you can't let fear rule how you live. You could be missing out on something amazing."
"Its just not worth it. Look Priscilla I appreciate you trying to help and being supportive but l really have to finish up here. We're leaving early and I need to get some sleep."
"Of course, I'll leave you to it." Priscilla walks to the door but turns back just before she leaves. "Charlie just know that if you ever need to talk I am here for you, and please just think about what I said."
"Thank you, and l will." Charlie smiles as Priscilla leaves.
She spends the rest of the afternoon brooding over Priscilla's words. She pushes them down as the sun sinks low and she leaves her house. That night is spent at Bass' place. They don't talk or have sex, they just hold each other.
They leave at sunrise, a caravan of wagons and horses with soldiers on foot slowly winding their way out of town. Bass, Charlie, Aaron and Gene ride up front with Blanchard. No one talks for a few hours until Aaron and Gene climb out of wagon, needing to stretch their legs. Blanchard waits until they're far enough away that they won't overhear.
"Before Miles or after?" Charlie and Bass both give him even looks, not giving away anything. "Oh for fuck's sake, you two couldn't be more obvious unless you started screwing in a room full of people. So before or after?" He watches them exchange a brief look.
"After." Charlie says keeping her eyes straight ahead.
"Is it just sex or-"
"Its none of your fucking business, that's what it is!" Bass snaps.
"Actually it is. I need to know if one or both of you is going to jeopardize this mission for the other."
"We aren't going to fuck it up Frank, so drop it."
"Look kids-"
"Those cowardly bastards attacked my town and killed 11 people, including a 6 year-old girl and my uncle. Trust me when I say nothing and no one is going to get in my way." Charlie isn't aware that she had moved until she's staring down at Blanchard, her hand on the hilt of her sword.
"Charlie." Bass spoke quietly, the warning clear in his voice. The Rangers were watching them closely, so Bass placed one hand over hers on the sword and wrapped his other arm around her waist, easing her back away from Blanchard. Charlie allowed it, following Bass off the wagon. They walked in the opposite direction, going to the very back of the line.
"I didn't mean to-"
"I know."
"He just kept-"
"I know."
"Thank you."
"Anytime." Bass smiles at her, big and bright with his blue eyes catching in the sun. He looks towards the line of people, noticing that Gene and Aaron are back on the wagon. The closest people to them are a good 10 yards away. Bass pulls Charlie close, tucking her against his chest. She sinks into him, her whole body going soft.
"I don't know what's going to happen out there Charlie but I know this, I'm going destroy as many of those Patriots as l can and I'm going to do whatever it takes to be able to come home with you." Charlie thinks about Priscilla's words but pushes them away, now is not the time.
"Me too Bass." He cups her face in his hands and kisses her, its quick but soft. He wraps an arm around her shoulders as they start to catch up. They stay like that until they reach the back of the line, reluctantly separating but sticking close. No one asks where they've been, and they don't offer an explanation. Frank Blanchard does offer a nod, a silent acknowledgment that he's done questioning them about their relationship.
They travel for three days, only stopping to make camp at night so everyone can sleep. Charlie and Bass hardly find themselves alone which is hard on them, they've gotten used to spending most of their time alone together. At night Aaron and Gene tend to flank Charlie like they're afraid she's going have a mental breakdown. During the day, they have to sneak away just to get five minutes. Its not about sex, they simply need a few minutes to themselves. A hug, a few small kisses, and some reassurances go a long way.
Th night before the attack everyone is tense but Charlie is able to convince Aaron and Gene that she needs to be in command tent for the rest of the night. They leave her alone after that, knowing that they aren't allowed in command unless someone calls for them specifically. Charlie enters the tent silently and goes to stand next to Bass. They listen as the plan for the next day is laid out again, adding a few things here and there but mostly they stay silent. When the meeting is over Blanchard dismisses everyone, telling them to get some sleep.
Without words Charlie follows Bass to his tent. They make love that night, in near silence with desperation coloring their actions. They are going to battle tomorrow and people die in battle. One or both of them might not make it back. As they drift off to sleep, they hold tightly to each other.
The attack happens at sunrise, from three different directions. Bass and Charlie are on opposite sides of the small Patriot infected town. There are no civilians, its entirely Patriots all parading around as civilians. The battle is long and hard, they loose soldiers but in the end the Patriots are defeated. Bass has just finished slicing through guards in the jail when he sees the door leading down into the basement. Its a metal door, with thick heavy locks in place. Bass grabs the keys off a dead guard and opens the door, the sounds of people shuffling below greets him. Slowly he takes the steps down, making sure he's as quiet as possible and wishing that Charlie were here watching his back. The Ranger boys are good but there's no one better for that than a Matheson. He sees the bars at the same time he hears whispering and more shuffling. The people in there are moving further back into the cells.
"I'm not here to hurt you." Bass calls out, letting his boots thud loudly on the stairs. The whispering stops.
"Bass?" Comes an achingly familiar voice as a man steps forward.
"Holy fuck. Miles?"
"Oh brother, I never thought I'd be so happy to see your stupid face."
"Miles?" Bass asks again, wondering if maybe he's going crazy again after all.
"Yeah moron, its me. Now are you going to use those keys to let us out or not?" That snaps him out of his daze and then he's shoving the keys into the lock, trying desperately to open the fucking cell door. The click sounds and Bass yanks the door open roughly, pulling Miles into a hug.
"They said you died man, burned to death." Bass chokes out, eyes filling with tears.
"That's why you and Charlie never came for me?"
"Charlie! Oh God Charlie! Stay here!" With that Bass dashes back up the stairs and grabs two young soldiers.
"You, find Dr. Porter and Pittman, and get them here yesterday. You, find Charlie Matheson tell her where I am and that I said Tower!" Bass shoves the boys out and runs back down the steps. Miles is unlocking the other cell doors with the keys Bass doesn't remember letting go of.
"Charlie?" Miles asks hopefully.
"Soon brother, I sent some kid to find her. She'll know its an emergency." Bass finally takes in the jail cells. There's four in total. Three are filled with adults of all ages and genders, and the one Miles was in seems to be full of kids.
"We should get them up stairs where Gene and the rest of the medics will be able to look at them properly." Miles agrees and they start ushering people towards the stairs. As they work to get the people out of the basement, Bass fills Miles in on what's been happening. Bass is just shutting the door to the basement when Charlie comes tearing in.
"Bass!" Her eyes land on him and she lets out a breath of relief to see him mostly unharmed. She's about to start yelling at him for worrying her when Miles steps out from the crowd. Charlie freezes.
"Hey kid." Charlie is across the room in seconds, throwing herself into Miles so hard that she knocks him down. She's crying so hard that they only thing they can understand is when she says his name. Miles tries to sooth her but six months of grief are being exercised as she sobs into his arms. She only lets go when Gene and Aaron get there, both looking shocked to see him too. The others on the medical team start looking at patients but Gene pulls Miles aside to do the exam himself. He tells Charlie, who is still attached to Miles that they need some room.
"Its okay Charlie, I'll be right here." He shots Bass a look to get her our of here.
"Come on Charlotte, let's get some fresh air." When Bass wraps her up in his arms and guides her out, Charlie leans heavily against him. Miles watches the whole exchange, only looking away when Gene starts to talk.
"They've gotten close in the last six months, been there for each other, grieved together, kept each other from falling to pieces. I never thought I'd say this but, I'm glad Sebastian Monroe was around."
"He took care of her?" Miles asks.
"They took care of each other."
"And Rachel?" Gene sighs, looking away from Miles. Aaron, who had been silent up until that point speaks.
"She took it hard Miles, really hard. We've had to keep her sedated so she wouldn't hurt herself." Miles lets out a breath and looks to Gene for confirmation, who simply nods his head.
Meanwhile outside Charlie slumps against the wall around back, obviously still in shock. Bass watches as she takes a few deep breaths before turning her blue eyes on him.
"This is real, right? Miles is alive and we have him back."
"Its real Charlie. Unbelievable but real." Charlie's whole face lights up as she jumps into his arms. Her lips meet his quickly before she's buries her face in his neck. She's half laughing and half crying as they hold onto each other. Normally they don't do public displays like this but Bass can't find it in himself to care who sees them. He just holds onto Charlie tightly.
"Charlie!" Its Aaron's voice that calls out, making Charlie wriggle out of his arms. She smiles up at him as she grabs his hand and pulls him along. They break contact just before turning the corner.
"Is he okay?" Charlie asks immediately, pushing the doors open.
"Surprisingly yes. He's dehydrated and malnourished but there aren't any serious injuries. Not new ones anyway." Aaron explains as Charlie bee lines it right for Miles, Bass on her heels. Miles smiles up at her, and Charlie hugs him again. After that she refuses to leave his side, with Bass just a few steps behind at all times. Normally Miles would give them a smart ass remark to get them to give him a little space but he can't bring himself to do it yet. Knowing that they thought he was dead for the last six months, that they've been grieving keeps his mouth shut. Also, he's missed them. Even before the attack he hadn't seen them in a few months, and if he's counting correctly its been ten months in total since he's seen his niece and best friend.
Once the have him settled in a room, with food and water in his system (Gene won't let him have whiskey yet), Miles tells them his side. He talks about the fire being deliberate to give the Patriots cover, the way they used Jenny, knife to her throat, as a way to get him to cooperate. There were wagons a mile away, as soon they were in sight they bashed him over the head and kept him unconscious until he was safely in a cell. They wanted information from him about Texas. He glosses over the physical torture because it didn't last long for him. They quickly discovered that they weren't going to break him that way. That's when they started hurting the kids and Miles made a deal. They don't touch the kids and he'll tell them what he knows.
"You gave them old intel!" Blanchard exclaims suddenly, grinning.
"Well yeah, I kept telling them I was out of the game but they still took my intel and ran with it."
"That's how we tracked them down. We noticed all our old watch posts and stations were getting hit so we started watching them from a distance, tracked these bastards back here."
"Thank Texas." Miles mutters making everyone laugh.
"I think its time Miles got some rest." Gene interjects, nudging people out the door. Charlie and Bass stay at little longer, both unwilling to let him out of their sight just yet.
"Go you morons. You're both exhausted and hungry. We'll see each in the morning." Miles finally exclaims after two hours of the three of them nodding off every few minutes. Reluctantly they leave, promising to break him out tomorrow. Bass slips him his flask with a parting grin.
Outside people are busy. They are taking over houses because apparently it was decided that they would stay a few days to give the soldiers and the POWs a chance to rest. Blanchard meets them at the fire, patting Bass on the shoulder and pointing to a tiny house at the very edge of town.
"Only one room and one bed in that one, figured you two wouldn't mind sharing." He leaves them after that, going the opposite direction. They don't say much as they eat near the fire before making their way to the tiny house. Their packs are already inside and there are buckets of water in the bathroom. They get cleaned up, helping each other wash the blood and dirt off. Wordless and naked they collapse into bed, asleep before they can even think of talking about their day.
In the morning they get dressed quickly and head out, they promised Miles they'd break him out of what is passing as the hospital. He's dressed in new clothes when they get there, his beard has been shaved and he's washed up too. They take him outside to eat breakfast, Bass and Charlie sitting on either side of him. The day is spent talking about the last ten months since they've seen each other. Blanchard, Gene (who they hide the whiskey from), Aaron, and some of the Rangers come over through out the day but no one stays long. It seems to be understood that the three of them need this time together.
As they talk with Miles sitting between them Charlie and Bass can't help but think about what comes next for them now that Miles is back. Do they keep sleeping together? Do they stop? Do they talk about it? Do they just pretend that the last six months never happened? Charlie stands up to find another bottle of whiskey, giving Miles' shoulder a squeeze. As she walks past Bass, her fingers graze lightly against his neck. Bass keeps perfectly still, trying not lean into her touch.
"What happened with Charlie and Rachel?" Miles asks, keeping his eyes on Charlie. "And don't lie to me, I tried asking Gene and Aaron but they both change the subject. When I mention her name Charlie looks away and you look pissed. I know Rachel took it hard but there's something more to it than that."
Bass sighs and looks over to where Charlie is talking with a Ranger, bartering for the bottle in the guy's hand. He starts talking, telling Miles everything as quickly as he can. From the first confrontation with Rachel when he and Charlie first got home to his own piss poor judgment the night he held Rachel and Gene at gunpoint, Charlie's broken look the only thing staying his hand. Miles stays quiet looking back at Charlie with guilt in his eyes. He wants to ask Bass more questions, talk about it more but Charlie starts coming back their way with a smile on her face and a full bottle in her hand. Miles doesn't want her to lose that smile so he steers clear of any mentions Rachel in their conversation for the rest of the day.
Its been dark for a while when Charlie decides its time for Miles to get some sleep, they refill the flask and take him back his room. The walk back to their temporary lodgings is keyed up, both desperate to be completely alone. The door is barely shut when Charlie jumps Bass, arms around his neck and legs around his waist. He stumbles but that doesn't stop him from kissing her. They make it to the bed and quickly shed their clothes.
"Bass now!" Charlie moans clutching at his hair as he sucks on her breasts. Her hips jerk up against him causing a strangled groan to escape his throat.
"Fuck me already!" Charlie practically begs, pulling on his hair so she can kiss him again. Bass lets her guide him to her mouth, kissing her long and slow. He's not going to fuck her tonight, no tonight is about loving her, even if he never says it. This, him and Charlie, could end at any minute. For all he knows this is the last time he'll ever be with her, and he'll be damned if their last time is going to be a quick fuck. So he slows the everything down, caressing Charlie rather than groping her, sliding his tongue into her mouth rather than thrusting. By the time he's pressing his cock against her pussy Charlie is putty in his hands.
"Please Bass. I need you." Finally with breathtaking tenderness, Bass enters her. They don't move once he's seated all the way in, they just stare into each other's eyes. Slowly he pulls out before sliding back in, Charlie rolling her hips in an easy going tempo. They lose track of everything around them, and for a while none of the complications surrounding their relationship matter. All that matters is each other, and this need to be close that they share. They curl up together when they're finally both too exhausted to keep going anymore. The silence is heavy with unspoken words when Bass decides he's tired of pretending. He cups her cheek, tilting her face up towards him. Charlie smiles the smile that melts him every time, her eyes warm and affectionate. Leaning down he kisses her, just a brush of his lips against hers.
"I love you Charlie." The moment the words leave his lips Charlie tenses up against him and Bass feels his heart shatter.
"What?" Her voice is breathless.
"I know you don't feel the same, this was just companionship or something for you but its real for me Charlie. I don't want to pretend that you're just my partner or friend, not when you're it for me, not when you're the woman I'm in love with." When Charlie doesn't say or do anything in return Bass feels any hope that lingered drain away.
"If you want me to leave, I will. I don't want to make you uncomfortable, I just wanted to finally be honest with you." Still nothing from her as he makes a move to stand, untangling their limbs. Suddenly he's yanked back down with Charlie leaning over him.
"You love me?"
"Yes."
"Since when?"
"I honestly don't know when exactly but I know when I figured it out. That night I told you about my past, about Miles. The first time we really made love. I just knew it, but when I looked back I couldn't pinpoint when I started feeling this way. Months before that, maybe longer."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"I'm not a complete idiot Charlie. I know you don't feel the same and I knew if I said anything you would run and this -us- would stop. Call me selfish but I wanted to hold onto every second I had with you."
"So why say it now?"
"Miles is back. I guess I just thought you would want to end things soon and well, I figured if its going to end I wanted us to end truthfully." Bass waits for another question from but she just stares down at him, her blue eyes picking him apart.
"You- you – you should have told me! I love you too moron!" Bass thinks maybe he's really losing his mind this time, that is until Charlie drapes her body back over his and her lips land solidly against his own. He's kissing her back in less than a second, his arms wrapping around her. They kiss and kiss until they can't anymore, their lips part but the rest of their bodies stay connected.
"Say it again." Bass begs, looking up at Charlie with something like worship in his eyes.
"I love you Bass." The next kiss is soft and almost chaste.
"How long?"
"I've been running from it for a long while, denying it to myself but that night was the turning point for me too. I knew it but I still couldn't say it, couldn't even let the thought fully form. I thought there was no way you could feel the same way. Sure we were friends and the sex was amazing but I thought maybe they were separate for you."
"They weren't. I told you before that I had wanted you for a long time and when we became friends that I ignored the physical attraction. Truth is they intertwined, blurred together but I made a choice. I wanted you in my life and I knew that friendship was the most I could hope for."
"So basically what it boils down to is, we've both been idiots for months now?"
"Yeah, I guess so. Its a good thing we're in love with each other so we can be idiots together." Bass watches Charlie light up like a Christmas tree, her smile warming him from the inside.
"Together? I think I can live with that."
"I know I can but I'm not so sure about everyone else."
"Miles?" Bass nods.
"And Gene, and Aaron, probably Priscilla, definitely your mom."
"She doesn't get a say!" Charlie growls fiercely, her eyes flashing dangerously for just a moment before she calms down. "Honestly neither does anyone else. They can accept us or not but I'm not walking away from you."
"I'm not going anywhere either Charlie, not unless you kick me out."
"You'll be lucky if I don't tie you to my bed. Actually you'll be lucky if I do." Charlie's grin is all sex and Bass groans, pulling her into another kiss. Charlie throws a leg over him, straddling his hips and pressing down against his rapidly hardening cock. His hands are just settling at her hips when the front door swings open.
Charlie and Bass move as one entity. Charlie rolls off his body towards the wall, grabbing the gun under the pillow and Bass rolls towards the door, grabbing the shot gun next to the bed. It happens in seconds and then they both have their guns pointed at the door, and at a horrified and stunned Miles. They all freeze in place until Miles starts yelling.
"What the actual fuck Bass! She's my niece and a kid and my niece!" He stomps forward, the door wide open behind him as he heads straight for Bass. Charlie snaps into action immediately, jumping across the bed to stand between the two men. Miles stops cold and turns away.
"Jesus Christ Charlie! Put some fucking clothes on!" He sounds truly distressed and that's when Charlie realizes that she's been crouched behind the bed, hiding her obvious nakedness from his sight.
"I will! As soon as you promise not to hurt my boyfriend!" Charlie yells back.
"Boyfriend? Oh fucking hell! I'll be outside, you have five minutes before I come back in." Then he storms out, the door banging shut behind him. Charlie and Bass stay where they're at as they listen to him pace outside.
"Boyfriend?" Bass asks, finally standing and putting the shot gun back. Charlie turns to look at him and shrugs, a light blush tinting her cheeks pink.
"Well were not married and we just established that we're more than friends with benefits. I figured boyfriend was the best option."
"Oh don't get me wrong I like it, just hearing you say it was a surprise."
"A good surprise?"
"A very good surprise." He smiles as he steps closer to her, his fingertips skimming her waist when Miles yells from outside.
"Two minutes!" They both look around in panic, grabbing whatever clothes they can find and tossing each other stuff across the room. They are both shoving their feet into their boots when the door slams open and Miles looks between them. He doesn't say a word but immediately goes after Bass again making Charlie move to intercept him.
"Miles no!" She puts her hands on his chest and holds him back.
"Move Charlie, I'm gonna kick his ass for touching you!"
"No you're not. We are going to sit down and talk about this like God damn adults!" Charlie gives him a light shove and he stumbles back a little. She points to the small table in the corner by the stove. There's two chairs next to it and Bass drags a stool out from the bathroom. Miles hesitates but when Charlie raises an eyebrow in challenge he finally takes a seat. Bass sits on the stool opposite Miles and Charlie takes the chair between them.
"Miles-"
"Please tell me this was a grief thing and now you're done?" Miles interrupts Charlie before she can start explaining.
"It kind of started off that way but its more than that now." Charlie says looking at Bass and wanting to reach out to him but knowing that now isn't the right time.
"Awe hell. How much more?"
"I love her, Miles." Bass says simply, not wanting to beat around the bush.
"I love him too." Charlie interjects quickly before Miles can say anything. Miles lets out a long breath and hangs his head.
"How long has this been going on?"
"Six months but we've only just admitted that we love each other."
"How long ago?"
"About two minutes before you walked in the door." Miles lets a strangled groan of torment.
"Are you sure?" He asks, looking directly at Charlie. She smiles and nods.
"This -me and Bass- its been building for a long time Miles, over the last six months its deepened." Charlie pauses and looks to Bass who nods in agreement before she continues. "I know this is going to take some getting used to and that its going to be hard on some people but we're together now and everyone is just going to have to accept it."
Bass reaches over and takes Charlie's hand in a show of support. Miles stares at their joined hands and feels it sink in. This is real. His best friend, his damn brother and his niece, together. Finally he looks to Bass who's looking at Charlie and that's when Miles knows for sure. Bass hasn't looked at anyone like that since Shelley. Chancing a glance at Charlie, Miles sees the same look in her eyes, like they've both finally found some peace.
"I should kick your ass for this... I really, really should but Gene and Aaron said you've been there for Charlie. And she looks... I can learn to live with this as long as she's happy. You hurt her and your ass is mine."
"Miles, I know its spectacular ass but its mine, so you're gonna have to find someone else." Charlie reprimands him with a grin.
"Nope, not ready for that. I'm outta here." Their matching chuckles follow him out. He only makes it a few yards before Bass' heavy foot steps catch up to him.
"Miles-"
"Don't apologize man, especially since we both know you're not really sorry about being with her."
"I wasn't going to. I did want say that I'm sorry you found about it this way. I was hoping to break it to you once we were back home and you were more settled. Miles I know this is a lot for you and I know a part of you still wants to kick my ass but Charlie needs you. After everything with Rachel, she needs to know that you're not mad, or disappointed in her. She can't take that after just getting you back."
"Damn it! That's what I was coming to talk to you about and then... that happened."
"Tomorrow brother, Charlie already said she wants to talk to Aaron and Gene alone about us in the morning. I'll come by and we can talk."
"Yeah, okay tomorrow. Oh and fair warning, Gene said he sent word to Rachel yesterday about me. She's probably going be here in a couple days, just let Charlie know." Bass nods, and gives Miles a rough shoulder pat before starting back.
"Bass, tell Charlie I'm not mad or disappointed. We're family, nothing is going to change that." He nods again, smiling as he makes his back to Charlie.
...
"What do mean you knew? How did you know?"
"Honestly Charlie, you guys weren't that subtle. Even if you didn't touch, you acted like a couple. Plus, the Rangers have been gossiping about it nonstop whenever you two aren't around." Aaron smiles at Charlie with a shrug as Charlie stares at him and her grandfather in shock.
"And you never said anything?"
"We talked about it but decided that you and Sebastian were good for each, especially through losing Miles and we didn't want to ruin that for you. We actually planned on sitting you both down and telling you to stop being foolish once we got back home." Gene explains.
"Did everyone know and just decide to let us stumble around in the dark like idiots?" Charlie mutters.
"Actually, most of Willoughby did think you two were involved but everyone was too afraid to ask."
"What did they think Bass was going to do? Break their neck for asking a question."
"Its not Monroe they're afraid of Charlie."
"Me? I'm not the Scourge of Scranton! I'm just Charlie."
"Remember Todd?"
"Hey! That's not fair, he grabbed my ass and then he accused me of being Bass' whore when I turned him down. He deserved what he got."
"No one is debating that but you can see where people might be nervous." Charlie pouts for a few moments before huffing.
"Is no one going to be surprised about this? I mean, except Miles who nearly had an aneurysm last night."
"Your mother?" Gene approaches cautiously.
"She doesn't count." Her tone of voice left no room for argument.
"Shouldn't you be happy that almost everyone is going to be so accepting of your relationship?"
"I am but it would have been nice for someone to point out months ago that we were in love with each other."
"Would you have been so open to this a few months ago?" Charlie mulls this over before shaking her head.
"No, you're right. And thank you, both of you for being on my side on this."
"Charlie I'm always on your side." Aaron says as he hugs her.
"Me too sweetheart." Gene whispers as he hugs her too, once Aaron steps back. Charlie smiles as she leaves them to go look for Bass, wanting him to know that they don't have to hide anymore.
...
"And that's everything?" Miles sighs looking even more dejected today than he was yesterday. Early this morning he cornered Aaron and Gene before they left to meet Charlie, and demanded answers about Rachel and Charlie. Once he told them that Bass had given him a rough understanding both men broke and told him everything. Now here he is, getting even more details from Bass and he just feels numb. He could Rachel do that to Charlie? She knows what Charlie means to him.
"That's everything I know, unless Charlie hasn't told me something but I don't think so. Some stuff was strictly off limits to talk about between us but Rachel wasn't one of them." Bass watches his brother take it all in, the slump of his shoulders a tell of his guilt.
"Don't do that Miles. Don't take Rachel's actions onto yourself. You didn't do anything wrong here, she did and its going to be up to her to fix that. Don't put yourself between Charlie and Rachel, you'll be on the losing side no matter what." Miles buries his face in his hands and nods. He doesn't want to think about this anymore right now so he searches his brain for another topic.
"Off limits?" Miles finally asks, looking up at Bass with a raised eyebrow. Bass sighs but lets a grin out.
"Charlie was skittish when we first started fu- uh, being more than friends. We could do... stuff but we weren't allowed to talk about what it meant."
"Smooth save jackass." Miles glares at him, not liking the reminder that Charlie and Bass are together in the most carnal sense of the word. "So wait, Charlie told you no talking and you obeyed? Like a good puppy?"
"Your niece has this tendency to push people away and run when things get... complicated. I wasn't going to risk losing her, so I let it slide until I couldn't anymore."
"God you're such a damn sap. Charlie clearly wears the pants in your relationship."
"Charlie wears the pants in any relationship, romantic or familial."
"Damn right I do!" Both men turn to see Charlie walking towards them, a wicked grin on her face. Bass mirrors her grin with one of his own but before either can throw out a smart-ass retort Charlie swoops in and kisses Bass. Its deep and a little inappropriate considering most of the camp can see them, including her uncle. Without missing a beat Charlie takes her seat on his lap as soon as the kiss ends.
"Really kid? Was that necessary?"
"Hey, I don't have to hide this anymore so I'm not going to." Charlie tells Miles before turning to address Bass. "Grandpa and Aaron already knew about us. In fact, apparently most of Willoughby knows, or at least suspects."
"What? And no one thought to clue us in?"
"So I guess they're kind of scared."
"What do they think I'm going to do? Run around snapping farmer necks."
"It might not be you they're afraid of. Remember Todd?"
"Hey, that little come stain deserved the broken hand and jaw, and the testicle damage. He should have kept his hands to himself and his mouth shut." Its Miles who shouts, offended on Charlie's behalf.
"That's what I said! But I can understand where they might get nervous, sort of." Charlie shrugs.
"Seriously, am I the only one who never even considered... this?" Miles waves in their direction and Bass smirks at him. Charlie sighs dramatically, looking at Bass with big blue eyes.
"What do you want?" He asks trying to keep the smile off his face and out of his voice.
"I'm hungry."
"Didn't you just have breakfast with Gene and Aaron?"
"I didn't eat much, I was nervous about their reactions and then I was shocked that they and apparently everyone else already knew." Charlie smiles at him, bright and warm. Bass sighs and taps her thigh, signaling her to get up. Charlie kisses him quickly and scoots off his lap, smiling as he walks toward the mess hall. Miles watches the whole exchange with a furrowed brow.
"He really loves you." He says it like he can't believe it.
"Miles I thought you were okay with this?" Charlie looks at her uncle with something like disappointment in her eyes.
"No kid, I didn't mean to sound disapproving or anything. Its just, you and Bass being together should be impossible but then I see the way he looks at you and the way you look at him, and it just works. God this is weird."
"You think this is weird for you? I hated him and actively tried to kill him, and I still thought he was hot! Now that's weird."
"No, I don't want to hear this! I'm going to need to scrub my brain Charlie."
"Wanna know when he started on me?" Charlie asks, enjoying his discomfort.
"NO! Never!" Miles yells, glaring at her as Bass walks back towards them.
"No, never what?" He asks sitting down and smiling when Charlie climbs back onto his lap, the plate of food balancing on her thighs.
"Oh I was just telling Miles that even when I hated you I was still attracted to you. I thought he might like to know when you first noticed me?"
"You trying to get me killed Charlotte?" Bass hisses with wide eyes but Charlie just grins and starts to eat. By unspoken agreement Miles and Bass don't continue on that train of conversation.
"Can I ask you both something?" Miles says a few minutes later, looking at them seriously. They both nod, wondering what has Miles so serious all of the sudden.
"If I hadn't fake died do you think this, you guys getting together, would have still happened?"
"I don't know Miles. We're both very good at lying to ourselves, maybe we would have kept lying." Bass looks away from Charlie.
"I think it might have taken even longer but yes, I think eventually something would have pushed us together. It probably would have happened on the road." Charlie answers.
"Really?" He asks, looking surprised.
"Come on Bass, this was almost inevitable. We've been circling each other for years, weather we knew it or not, weather we admitted it or not. I think this was always going to happen."
"I love you." Bass said the words like a prayer, the awe in his voice making Miles feel uncomfortable, like he was intruding on a private moment. The softness in Charlie's eyes only makes him more uncomfortable.
"I love you too Bass." She strokes his face gently before leaning in to kiss him, soft and slow, intimate. Miles silently excuses himself, leaving the new couple to their exchange. He only makes it a few feet before he hears a familiar voice call his name and looks over to see Frank.
"About time, don't you think?" He gestures to Charlie and Bass, still lost in each other.
"Apparently all of Texas seems to think so." Miles sighs, eyeing the bottle of booze on the table next to Frank. His old friend waves him over.
"I take it you're not exactly thrilled that your best friend and your little girl are so clearly smitten with each other?"
"Uhh, Charlie's not my daughter."
"Please Miles, anyone with eyes can see you love that girl like she's yours. Niece or daughter, family is family and love is love." Miles doesn't quite know what to say to that particular brand of truth so he goes back to the original topic.
"Its not that I'm unhappy for them, I just really wasn't expecting this but they seem happy together so I guess I'll learn to be happy for them, and to squash the urge to beat the shit out of Bass every time he kisses her." Miles and Frank share a laugh over that.
"You know after the war was over when I offered all three of you a job and you turned me down, he was insistent that they be partnered up. When I questioned him about it, he made this big deal about watching out for her as a favor to you. When I asked Charlie if that was okay, being his partner, she just shrugged trying to act casual and said they've been partners for a while anyway. They were both so full of shit that I nearly asked them if they needed help wiping their asses. Those two were coming Miles, you may have chosen to ignore the signs but they were there. Hell most of the Rangers and some of the higher ups in Austin figured they were at least banging before this mission and that was confirmed when we got to Willoughby."
"Why exactly are you telling me this Walnut?"
"Because that," Frank points to Bass and Charlie who are still talking softly "is the real deal my friend. They are in it for the long haul and you better be accept it. There is no going back now. Also be prepared. Right now they're all mushy and soft but the honeymoon phase will wear off. They are going to fight, probably all the damn time knowing them and you are going to get pulled into it. My advice, just take her side. She's way scarier than he is." Miles looks back at them, watching the way Charlie laughs at whatever Bass said. Her whole face lights up when she looks at him. As for Bass, well he looks like he found God in Charlie's eyes. Miles thinks he can live with the inevitable fighting if they can keep making each other that happy.
"You know what Frank, I think we're gonna be fine. We're all going to be just fine."
AN: So there's the third chapter, one more chapter plus a tiny epilogue and this story will be officially over. Thanks for reading!