⎯⎯ 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎

" 𝕹o".

"No, no, no, no", headlines flash in quick succession on the news channel, Charlotte's frown deepening as she skims over all the updates, slowly and gradually reality setting in.

And the weight of it, oh lord, the weight of it feels unbearable to say the least.

Really, what could be worse than her finally putting her plans together and finally, finally aiming to tick off an item from her bucket list then the universe pulling her overly excited train to a depressing stop? 

Honestly, it wasn't supposed to be this difficult. This was a simple plan, she spent months curating it and when it finally arrived to perfection this is how the universe responds to it?

God, she should just give up on having dreams at all. 

"I need to find a hotel".

"Like hell you do".

Her irritated gaze swivels to settle on Drew comfortably stretched out on his couch behind her while she stays rooted to her place in front of the tv.

"Don't", she warns him.

He snorts, sharp blue stare narrowing as he takes in her expression.

"You", he points his index finger square at her crossed arms and growing frown, "are not going anywhere. Do you realise how unsafe it is for you to stay in a hotel right now? And for what? So that you can get away with your promise of only staying here three days? Well, guess what, Charlie, I want you here. Really, I do".

"I don't want to—".

"Be a burden? You are physically incapable of being a burden and when I say it's okay to stay in my apartment, I mean it".

A loud sigh escapes her lips, eyes screwing shut with the effort of trying to keep her anger-filled tears at bay. The last thing she needs right now is to cry in front of him because she is full of rage at the universe.

"Hey", the softness in his tone makes her blink her eyes open and take tentative steps towards the couch still refusing to accept defeat and plop down against the cushions.

She plods the side of the sofa with her toe, teeth fiddling with the plump of her lower lip.

"It will be fine, I'm sure you'll be able to go back home soon", he coughs, and if she didn't know any better she would think he's trying very hard to keep his voice from wavering as he refers to "home".

Because a long time ago, home was wherever he was. And now, home is in New York; all the way on the other side of the country.

"I was gonna go to Paris after this", she mumbles, glancing up at him through her eyelashes.

His lips quirk slightly, "Working on the bucket list?".

She nods, turning her gaze away from him because weirdly, it still hurts a little how he knows her probably better than anyone else.

"Thought it was about time. I'm turning twenty-six soon and a few months ago, I just woke up and realised that I still haven't done so many of the things that I've wanted to do since ages".

"Tell you what", Drew pats the space beside him and reluctantly, Charlotte settles down, leaning back to let the furniture support the heavy weight boring down on her.

He turns to her, leaning his head on his knuckles and face slowly breaking out into a smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling, and shit, the familiarity of the warmth and affection that radiates from him almost makes her suck in a breath and run as far away from him as possible.

But the urge to stay and continue staring into the blues of his gaze is even more overwhelming and that is, somehow, worse.

"As soon as this lockdown is over and as soon as you get the time again, we", he gestures between the two of them, "will go to Paris. I will personally ensure that everything goes perfectly and you will barely get the chance to worry about a thing".

The offer is unusually tempting and she really, really doesn't want to say yes.

"Drew, come on. You have your own life, I can't expect you to simply jet off to Europe with me", a wedge appears between her brows and Drew, for all his usually controlled self, feels tempted to reach out and smooth his thumb between her eyebrows.

He laughs, shaking his head.

"Going to Paris with you would be an honour".

A smile tips up her lips, despite herself.

"Are you sure?".

"Of course".

"So, Paris? Just us?".

His eyes search her face, lips curling and face morphing into a grin when he spots the hopeful expression slowly etching into her features.

"Just us", he confirms.

***
💕