pullmeoutalive | Ramey

[Figuring out the phrase 'being a downer' is a matter of context clues, Alke frowns a bit at the inherent self-deprecation.]

You aren't-- bringing anything down. It's all right. Not every topic is a happy one, nor should it be.

[That's just life. Good and bad.]

Isla was fine. She intends to stay here, with her-- [his mouth twitches into an unhappy line,] husband. I'm glad she's safe, and well.

[What he would have preferred for her is irrelevant. She grew up under the shadow of the war he fought, and deserves to find happiness just as much as anyone. He can't fault her for the how of it.]

[ Charlie appreciates the sentiment, but there’s got to be better things to talk about on a first date than his Dark and Tragic Past^TM. ]

Ohhh, they got married? [ He does remember Alke mentioning his sister’s beau was from the opposite side of the war in his homeland. That’s gonna make for some awkward family get-togethers. ] How’d that go over?

For them? Quite well, I understand. My parents will be less thrilled.

[He lifts one shoulder in a faint shrug.]

The heart wants what the heart wants.

[ Charlie arches his eyebrows, but he supposes he shouldn’t be surprised. Alke seemed to have a gentle sort of pragmatism to him, and it seems he’s yet to find its limit. ]

Now there’s a philosophy I wish more people shared.

It is different here?

[He says that with a faint crease to his brow, almost a frown. He hasn't quite had enough exposure to how America in particular is about the topic.]

Now there’s a loaded question. At best, it’s complicated.

Personally, let’s just say I’m out here in Denver because my heart wanted what it wanted and my parents said “no way in hell”.

[Ah.]

I'm sorry to hear that. Have you found it better here?

[ he smiles ]

Considering I'm out here, under the stars and on a date with an extremely attractive man, I'd say I have.

[He huffs in quiet amusement, mostly under his breath.]

You are very keen on ensuring I know that.

[It's-- endearing, in a way. But he wonders if it's a thing Charlie hasn't heard enough himself.

Alke sets the cup to the other side of him, on the bench and holds out a hand.]

Do you dance?

[ Congratulations for finding the way right to his heart, Alke. Charlie lights up almost instantly. ] Do I dance? Do fish swim?

[ That’s a yes, by the way, and he slips his hand into Alke’s. ]

[His laugh's a low rumble that barely seems to leave his chest. Almost a purr. He stands, and curls his fingers against Charlie's to pull him up gently after.]

I apologize for the lack of music. I hadn't thought this far ahead.

[ He finds that laugh instantly endearing, as if he wasn’t totally charmed before. ]

Ah, I’ve got you covered.

[ Charlie draws his phone out of his pocket with his free hand, and thumbs through his music collection until he lands on a simple piano piece. He sets it to play and places it on the bench. ]

Shall we?

[He doesn't recognize the instrument, but it's a pleasant tune. What constitutes 'dancing' for him is nothing fancy, really. Easy footwork, simple motion. He's not good at strenuous, not with shrapnel up close and personal against his spine, but it's a pleasant thing. He always liked dancing.

At length,]

Thank you for showing me this place.

[ Most people’s idea of dancing is “sway to the music”, so anything more than that is a pleasant surprise. (Charlie knows not everyone’s parents forced ballroom lessons on them at the tender age of twelve.)

Charlie just… smiles. This is nice, and certainly one of the better dates he’s been on in a very long time. ]

Thank you for coming back.

[The only people who thank others for simple human kindness quite so diligently are the ones who've lacked its presence in their lives. Compassion has always been his fatal flaw.]

For the sake of such amazing company? How could I not?

[ Charlie ducks his head a little, grin widening. ]

You’re a good guy, Alke. If nothing else, I’m glad you wandered into my bookstore when you did.

I'm glad for this also.

[Dancing isn't a gendered thing where he's from, but usually no one can dip him without fear of dropping him, so it tends to run the other way. So enjoy that, Charlie. It's a chaste little thing anyway, barely more than a pause in the rest of the dance.]

[ Oh, he just laughs. ] Did you just dip me? Oh, I love it.

[Well that noise is a delight. It gets a smile in turn.]

I have a romantic streak.

[He says that playfully.]

[ That smile is a delight. It’s nice to see a real one. ]

Is that so? [ His eyes narrow slightly, and he’d almost look suspicious if not for the way he’s grinning. ] Are you trying to sweep me off my feet?

[Mildly,]

Depends. Am I succeeding?

[Hedge your bets, as the soldiers say. He's been too long at war.]

I think you might be.

[ It occurs to Charlie that it’s going to suck when Alke goes back to… wherever he came from, but when you live as long as he does, you learn to take whatever fleeting moments you can get. Hours, days, or years, you take them and you enjoy them for what they are, and you don’t try to think about what’s going to happen when it’s over. ]

[He was never someone who found solace in someone's arms in every city they were stationed in. No time, little interest. Sleeping was more important by far. Furlough was different, once in a while you met someone you had a connection with. He never really expected to see any of them again.

Earth's a long ways away, but it's not a deal-breaker, either. The song ends, and in the lull that follows, he leans down and kisses Charlie's cheek very gently.]

What do you know about this constellation?

[He gestures at Cassiopeia, roughly where he's worked out his home to be.]

[ Oh. That was… that was really sweet, and Charlie feels his cheeks go red. Suddenly he feels like a kid with a crush, and it’s sort of thrilling. ]

That one? [ He traces out the five brightest stars in the constellation with a finger. ] That’s Cassiopeia, and that’s really the extent of my knowledge. Why?

Mm.

[It's a little, considering noise.]

Do you believe in life on other worlds?

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