He Loves Everything About Her by Caro
Astrid's not like the other girls he's dated. She's passionate, about her music and her opinions. And this is reflected in everything about her, from her ever-changing hair color to the pink sneakers she wore when they first met.
He'd spotted her during the game. Nearly got conked in the head doing so, and it was worth the ribbing he took from his teammates. He didn't care that they teased him as he ran out of the locker room right after the game, looking for her. He'd found her by the vending machines, and he remembers feeling like he'd found something he'd been always been looking for.
Their first date had been more like meeting the family than an actual date, what with the band insisting on joining them at the bar after the gig. Astrid had kicked Ethan when he'd said that they had to "look out for their girl," but Charlie had also seen the tiny little smile of pleasure on her face. Astrid can take care of herself, but that doesn't mean she won't appreciate the effort.
He'd learned that night that the band was part and parcel with Astrid. Not that he minded. He knew even then that he loved everything about her.
Like the way that despite her best efforts, she really does fall for his charm.
"Don't try that on me." She laughs at him. "You learned that from Clark."
"Learned what from Clark?" he asks, trying for innocent but failing miserably.
"That 'I kicked your puppy' look. It might work on Lex. It's not going to work on me." She's shaking her head adamantly, and Charlie has to kiss her. "Not going to work," she mumbles, when they pull apart.
"Come on," he urges, knowing he's wearing her down.
"I have papers. Work to finish."
"You can do it tomorrow night."
"Gig tomorrow," she reminds him.
"Then you can do your paper at my place."
"Right, like I'll get any work done." She gives him a look.
"Are you saying that I'm distracting?" She's caving in and Charlie knows it. "Come on, you can have the computer all night. I won't bother you one bit. Won't even talk unless you say it's okay." He brings her hand to his lips. "I just want you to stay with me tonight."
She sighs, and smiles. "And you learned that from Lex."
"Learned what?"
"Getting your way."
"Does that mean yes?"
She wraps her arms around him and kisses him. Like everything else she does, she throws her whole self into kissing him. "Like I ever stood a chance."
Charlie knows exactly what she means. He's been lost since the moment he met her.
05/05/03