audio (action for anyone who wants to hug charlie)

[charring]

[The device kicks on and Charlie's caught mid-sentence.]

---don't know you, though. Could you please let go of me?

[There's grumbling from someone and an apology and they head off and Charlie's speaking again, mumbling.]

Random as hell. Must be a cur---[Whatever is going on must be happening again because Charlie stops speaking for a moment, long enough to siiiiiigh.]

Th-thank you for the hug. Yes, I know you. You're a regular at the Jasmine Dragon. [Pause. Someone's speaking and they sound cheerful.] Yes, I'll see you tomorrow.

[Another pause. The person is talking again.] I don't always look like I need a hug. What are you talking about?

[And the device shuts off.]

[ooc: charlie's running errands. she's at the grocery store or a bookstore or on her way home. Hugs must happen to her. Yes. She will not burn anyone, I promise. Unless they hold on too long.]

Comments

[ Action ]

[latenightfondue]

[ Howard tries to keep this a secret, but he's a human being, and he does - gasp - shopping. He goes out and he buys food.

But rather than ducking out of sight and hiding in the cereal aisle like he's been known to do, seeing Charlie doing her own shopping draws him out, and he steps over, puts down the small basket of a sad bachelor, and pulls her into his arms. ]

[ Action ]

[charring]

[Howard needs a grocery shopping buddy and that buddy should be Charlie. That'd be kind of fun.

And by this point, Charlie's been hugged enough to actually expect this so Howard gets a hug in return.]

Hi, Howard.

[ Action ]

[latenightfondue]

[ It should be a thing. Shopping dates. The Charlie and Howard Shopping Show.

Except he doesn't let go as quickly as other people seem to be doing, sighing as he holds on, because he's a deprived man when it comes to comfort. ]

Lena. This ain't awkward, is it? 'Cause I'm having a problem stepping away.

[ Action ]

[charring]

[Oh, Howard. Don't tell Lena that. It'd break her heart. She pulls away long enough to grin up at him.] It's not awkward at all. I'm being hugged by someone I know and trust. I'm okay with it.

[She shrugs then looks at him with mild concern.] Why? Is it awkward for you?

[ Action ]

[latenightfondue]

[ It's okay, he'll never tell. But he's returning the grin, pleased to see because so much has happened since he last did. ] Trust, huh? You're getting another one for that.

[ He pulls her back in, shaking his head, and even if he wanted to stop he doesn't think he can. He's got no will of his own. ] 'Course it ain't, I love getting a Lena hug.

[ Action ]

[charring]

Lena hugs are rare things, so I've been told. [Lets be honest, here. The only person she's fully hugged before today was Ed and he's been gone for a while.] And yeah, I trust you. I don't trust just anyone.

[ Action ]

[latenightfondue]

Didn't wanna mention it, but I could go for more than what I get. [ Up on the stage he can be as touchy-feely as he likes, but off it he's not usually as open. But with her it's not a show, and he finds it surprisingly pleasant. ] You and me both, sweetheart.