Salubrious part 22

Allan came back in an hour later. He was shivering a little.

Pim noticed, “Allan, you okay?”

Charlie looked up from his phone, noticing Allan too.

“It’s fooking chill-ehh outside. I don’t want to garden anymore.”

Charlie frowned. “Hey, you want my hoodie? It’ll look oversized on you but..”

Allan grinned. “Why how chivalrous of you, Charlie. But what if I get your hoodie dirty from the mud?”

Charlie blushed, taking off the hoodie, handing it to Allan gently, “I don’t care.”

Allan put it on, obviously smelling it as he put it on. It made Charlie feel weirdly warm.

“Oh wow, it smells like you.”

Charlie laughed. “Sorry, I didn’t wash it… I mean I haven’t washed that hoodie in like a week.”

Allan smiled bigger. “That’s not a bad thing.”

Pim felt heat creeping through his cheeks and he covered his eyes. “Uh, guys, you need to talk?”

Charlie saw his friend looking down and he realized how weird that must’ve looked to Pim.

“No. Thank you, though, Pim, you’re very nice,” Allan commented.

Pim sighed, “Thank you Allan!”

“So, you wanna get an early lunch with me Charlie?”

Charlie nodded. “Maybe. I don’t think we have any jobs yet.” He looked at Pim, “Is that cool with you, man? If anything comes up you can call me.”

Pim nodded, “Sure thing. But it looks like it’ll be a slow day after all.”

Allan nodded, looking cozy in the orange hoodie. Charlie felt a weird sense of pride having someone wear his hoodie. It made him think, “Allan is mine now. Now everyone will know it because he’s wearing my hoodie.”

Allan sighed, “I feel much better now. Let’s meet outside. In five or so minutes?” He asked Charlie.

Charlie nodded. “Okay, I’ll be ready soon.”

“Pim, can you tell Mr. Boss that Charlie and I took an early lunch? In case he asks, I mean,” Allan clarified.

“Sure, I can. You two have a good lunch,” Pim said, trying to avoid asking an obvious question.

“Okay. Bye, Pim. I need to clean up the gardening tools I left outside.”

Pim waved to Allan. “Awesome! Bye Allan!”

“Toodle-loooo!” Allan said whimsically.

Charlie was watching Allan leave with a huge smile. “Damn,” he said softly.

Pim shot him a questioning glance. “Allan hasn’t been this happy in a long time.”

Charlie looked dreamy, barely paying attention as Allan walked out of the room.

“Uh huh,” Charlie muttered.

Pim tapped his friend who jumped suddenly.

“Charlie? What is that? You’re acting all Loony Toons about Allan wearing your hoodie.”

Charlie frowned. “He looks nice in it. You know? That’s all.”

“But you never let your other girlfriends wear your hoodie. I remember Zoey once tried to wear one of your shirts and you got upset.” Pim sighed. “So, uh, do you want to tell me now or do you need to talk to Allan first?”

Charlie noticed the tone swift with that question. “He knows, definitely. Pim absolutely knows and I can play stupid but he absolutely fucking knows.”

Charlie laughed nervously. “Zoey didn’t look half as good as Allan does in my hoodie. Come on, don’t lie.”

Pim did a face palm. “You effing simp. I swear, Charlie. Just go to lunch already.”

Charlie nodded. “I’m sorry man,” he looked at Pim with a softer look. “You know you’re my best friend. My brother, my wingman. You know that right?”

Pim nodded, putting his fist out, and Charlie immediately fist bumped him back.

“You’re my ultimate best friend slash brother slash buddy slash amazing person I love!” Pim yelled.

Charlie gave him a sideways smile. “Love you too.”

“Tell me when you both are ready,” Pim added.

Charlie nodded, feeling his heartbeat go all warm and fuzzy.

“Thanks man, you’re the best.”

Pim gave him a thumbs up. “Bring me something back. Like a taco or something.”

“Sure thing!”

“A simp taco!” Pim teased.

Charlie turned. “Hey! That’s a discontinued item but I’ll try.”

Pim giggled. Things were finally working out, Pim thought happily.