chrisstafford-blog

[chrisstafford-blog]

slightofchuck:

“Lordy, it better not be one. Or we can jus’ start callin’ it an earlylife crisis and get away with that, right?” Although, and Charlie would never admit it aloud but, change absolutely terrified him. No matter how much he’d been looking forward to settling into Town, even on virtually no budget and little to his name aside from a hiking backpack, this was foreign. The place, the people, the atmosphere - new, different, unexplored. Sometimes it made his head spin just thinking about what all could happen here. So far though, at least where his current company was concerned, things actually weren’t so… frightening. “Ah, I imagine most small towns are like that. One library, one barber, one or two diners ‘cause, c'mon, ya’ can’t just have one place to eat, no matter where ya’ are. That’s just damn crazy,” He scrunched up his nose, unsure about the perfume aspect. “Mmm, long as the scents aren’t too wild. Like those teenage perfumes with the hiked up prices: Passion Mango Euphoria or, Freeing Freesia Orgasm or somethin’ else. And don’t feel bad - nothin’ in school was ever my good subject, so at least y'got someone beat pretty good where it concerns that,” It took a good bite into his lower lip to secure the blossoming smile, although really, it just came out crooked. The accompanying nod had a few strands of hair falling to obscure his face, and he quickly whipped them to the side. “But didn’t it kill a cat a few decades ago? Now we aren’t cats, a'course but, still. I kinda like bein’ alive, don’t you?”

Lightly smacking his forehead, Chuck shook his head. “What on earth was I thinkin’, of course it’d be yours. I mean, technically ya’ could offer someone else’s - not sure how well that’d go down, though,” He didn’t blame her for the quip, even if it was laced with a playful tone. Not that he’d ever attempt to try and get anything over on her, but he respected women on a regular basis. More so one who knew how to defend herself. “Pretty sure I’d have at least twenty people rollin’ in their graves if I ever did anythin’ like that. 'Sides, how on earth could I do wrong to one'a the friendlier people in town? That’s burnin’ a bridge that I want no part of,” A light scoff rose from his throat, steps slowing a bit as he motioned to himself. “Me? With you usin’ 'Love’ and 'Sweetie’ on me, I’d think it was the other way 'round, lil’ lady,”

“Earlylife crisis suits me a lot better. I’m not quite ready to consider myself middle aged yet. I haven’t saved up enough for a flashy car anyway and that’s a midlife staple, isn’t it?” she joked, chuckling. Though Chris was still questioning whether she wanted to trade out her bike for a car ever. Maybe eventually she could have both. It was funny how something she’d only gotten to be an act of rebellion had become so dear to her heart. “That’s what I’ve heard but I’ll admit I wasn’t born a small town girl so this is the only one I’ve really been in. That seems about right though. At least as far as I can tell. I’ll admit I haven’t explored the whole thing yet.” The titles of fragrances he gave made her giggle, quickly shaking her head. “Oh, I’m sure they all have very fancy and cute names but at their heart most of them are just flower or fruit scented. Or some are unscented but where’s the fun in that? Besides, what’s so bad about Passion Mango Euphoria? With a name like that it would have my attention. I don’t feel bad about it, after all I don’t need much science as a mechanic anyway. Don’t have to be good at school to know how things run.” In fact her schooling had all been tossed out the window when she’d arrived, finding herself learning almost everything entirely from scratch, but she wouldn’t have had it any other way. “But you’re forgetting the ending of the story. Satisfaction brought it back. Curiosity only killed it because it was desperate for answers but as soon as it found them? All was good again. So it’s better to have your questions answered than leave them burning, right?” She hummed happily at her own words. 

“Somehow I don’t think anyone would be too happy about that. And I haven’t bathed in enough people’s places to even know who has a bath and who doesn’t. That’s another major flaw in that plan.” There was a certain naivete about some things about Chris but she did know better  than to trust people implicitly, even if she liked to care about everyone. “And you’d likely end up being one of them. Not just from me but I have friends who are a little too fond of starting fights as it is. Good boy. A very smart move from you. So far you’re going a good job staying on my good side so I’m not worried.” She raised an eyebrow at him but laughed. “I call everyone love and sweetie. Sometimes I go as far as darling, but I save that for the really special ones.”

[chrisstafford-blog]

text // Boy

Angelo: None of that rings a bell. Obviously you've got me mixed up with some other fucking loser.

Chris: ...

Chris: Really? Oh, well that's embarrassing. Sorry!

Chris: I wish I did know who it was though because I figured I would ask them on a date. You know... as a thank you.

[chrisstafford-blog]

text // Boy

Angelo: I still have no damn clue what you're talking about. Or what BL is.

Chris: ??? Valentines. You left a bunch of things on my doorstep. Which was very sweet of you. When I mentioned I hadn't had very good experiences with the holiday I wasn't trying to get you to do anything for me, you know. So it was sweet.

[chrisstafford-blog]

text // Boy

Angelo: I don't want this.

Angelo: ... I don't know what the hell you're talking about. Thank me for what, exactly?

Chris: I know you don't, but I have to say it anyway.

Chris: For the presents. Obviously. I still don't know what BL stands for, though.

[chrisstafford-blog]

slightofchuck:

A loud bark of a laugh was given at the blonde’s turn of phrase, shoulders lightly jumping as he nodded. “I guess you could say that, yeah. What’s that sayin’, "a change will do you good” or somethin’ like that? But I’ll remember to ask about that stylist if I ever get sick of rockin’ it like this. And I’ll be sure to make a note so I remember that; Chris is always right,“ he said with a tap to his temple, smirking lightly. The description of just what a bath bomb actually entailed had him letting out a soft, ‘Oh’ in realization, internally chastising himself for taking it so literally. "So, it’s kinda like… bath perfume? Would I even have to scrub if I used it? And what about it makes it fizz?” And on and on the questions would have ushered forth, had Charlie not firmly clamped his lips together. Being slightly sheltered growing up had him at the disadvantage of not knowing a great deal about certain aspects of life - and he had little restraint when it came to chatting as it was. “Sorry, uh, got a bad case'a motor mouth,” Though the momentary guilt all but vanished as her fingers slipped around his, shoulders sagging in wordless relief.

“Wait, like your actual bathtub? Jesus,” he chuckled softly, fingers dragging along the back of his scalp. “First a ride on your bike, now this. Never expected folks to be so friendly here - if I really don’t find a chance to try out a bath bomb on my own, maybe I’ll just take you up on that offer. Maybe. Long as you don’t mind havin’ a criminal in your place,” That seemed to appease him, and he nodded solemly. “Then I’ll stand by 'em too. After all, ya’ seem like you know what you’re talkin’ about,”

She giggled a little herself shaking her head. “You have a point there. There comes a time when we all realize we need a change and so we have to just figure out what that change is going. It’s a bit like a midlife crisis, isn’t it? God, I hope it’s not actually my midlife crisis because that would be a very scary thought. You should. Then again she’s the best--and sometimes I think only--stylist in Town so she shouldn’t be hard to find. Good boy,” she encouraged with amusement, nodding her head. At his question she nodded encouragingly. “They usually have perfumes in them so basically yes, just in a convenient little ball shape. I don’t think it’s quite as intimidating as you seem to think. It’s just like a normal bath... but better. I’ll be honest with you, I’m not a chemist, I don’t know exactly how they work. Science was never my strong suit. You may just have to look that one up for yourself, I’m sorry to disappoint.” But she was polite and pleasant about it, not minding his talking in the least. It wasn’t as though she didn’t go off on long tangents or series of questions herself. “You don’t have to apologize for that. Curiosity is never something to be sorry for. Besides we all have topics that when we get started on we just can’t stop, right?”

“Yes, my actual bathtub. I can’t exactly invite you  to use someone else’s right?” Laughing, she nodded at his words. “It’s a funny little place like that. People are either overly friendly or... well sometimes they’re not very friendly at all. But most of us stick towards friendliness. I think I’ll be fine. I’m pretty sure that if you try anything, I can take you,” she teased lightly, flashing him a grin, though she really did have that kind of confidence. She didn’t spend as much time at the gym as she did for nothing. “Are you trying to butter me up, sweetie? Because I won’t tell you whether or not it’s working.”

[chrisstafford-blog]

text // Boy

Chris: When's the last time that I told you that you're very sweet? It's been at least a couple of days, right? I don't want to overload you with too much praise, but I really need to say it again right now.

Chris: All joking aside, just... thank you. Really.

Chris: Also I've decided I'm naming the bear Reginald. Reginald Hugglesworth. He and Manny are long lost brothers, obviously.

[chrisstafford-blog]

angelowho:

“What about me would anyone ever describe as charmin’? Please. Fuckin’ - all I ever do is work an’ punch people in the face when I’m bored, or drunk, or… both.” He scoffed, crinkling his nose up when she defended the awful blind date. “She was awful. She kept talking, and I’m pretty sure she almost cried at one point. I didn’t even say anything that damn bad,” he argued, rolling his eyes. There was a brief pause between her words and his next question, curiosity taking over. “… is that your way of tellin’ me you weren’t nice? Not that… I guess you could say the opposite happened to me, but that’s for a lot of reasons. I can’t judge you, that’s just really damn crazy to think about.”

“You have more going for you than you think,” she told him, less humor and more sincerity in her tone despite knowing it wouldn’t be appreciated. The things she found charming about him weren’t ones she wanted to express aloud anyway. “Some people might just find that charming. Who knows, people have all kinds of very strange tastes.” Raising a skeptical eyebrow at him, she hummed in disapproval. “She likes to make conversation, it’s cute. ... what did you say to her to do that?” Her expression had turned almost scolding as she looked at him. Pausing, it was easy to tell that Chris was taking extra effort in deciding just how to phrase her answer. “I wouldn’t say I wasn’t nice. Just that things were different. You’ve... seen those cliche high school films, right? Imagine something like that.”

[chrisstafford-blog]

freddyclarke:

This wasn’t the first time Freddy had been kicked out someone’s apartment before even having a chance to get dressed but it seemed he hadn’t learned his lesson as here he was again. He was starting to think he was never going to shake this relationship though, if he were being honest, he wasn’t really trying that hard. Standing outside her place, it took him a few seconds to realise he was still barefoot. Just as he was about to knock on the door and do a little grovelling, more for the sake of getting his stuff back than anything else, the door opened and his shoes came flying out to hit him straight in the face. “Ow, fuck” he groaned, turning a little and eventually noticing the person who’d witnessed the whole thing. “Er…” he began, glancing down at his clothing, or lack of it, in a surprisingly casual manner. “Good morning.”

Chris thought she was really getting used to the sorts of weird things that happened in this town so she started to think she couldn’t be surprised but as she opened the door to see a man only in his underwear standing right across the hall, she was forced to take those thoughts back. “Good morning,” she replied back slowly, looking surprised but not flustered or bothered by his appearance. “Mindy tossed you out, huh?” Giving the guy a quick once over she let out a bit of a laugh and shook her head. “What did you do exactly?”

[chrisstafford-blog]

slightofchuck:

Charlie’s lips pursed, mulling over Chris’ viewpoint with slow, even nods of his head. “You have a point there. If I’m bein’ honest, this is one of the few times I’ve let my hair grow out - normally I’d be wearin’ a gentleman’s cut or crew, dependin’ on how long it got. ‘Sides, Tramp did get somethin’ like a makeover towards the end, so… I concede,” Although this was said with a great sigh, overly dramatic as though it pained him to be wrong. The question gave him pause, eyes darting to the side as he grappled with being honest or, maybe letting a little white lie slip - eventually, the former won out. “Can’t say I have, ma– Chris. I’ve had a bubble bath before, but addin’ a bomb sounds pretty dangerous, don’t it?” he genuinely questioned. His mother hadn’t been a fan of anything overly fanciful when it came to bathing, and his father only swore by soap and water, leaving him rather dumbfounded when it came to extensive bathing rituals. “That she was; smart and strong,” And he couldn’t help thinking of her as he watched the blonde smile - bright and beautiful, a small ache tugging at his chest, but he quickly shrugged it off. “ 'Course, where are my manners at? My name’s Charlie, but uh, y'can call me Chuck,” Humming to himself while giving this bath bomb a tad more thought, internally grateful she’d kept the summary chaste.

“Heaven, huh? Sounds like somethin’ good I been missin’ out on,” And probably would continue to; no matter if he obtained one through Chris or not, he wouldn’t be obtaining a bathtub to use it in any time soon. “Now I’m gonna take your word for that description, y'hear? Iif I don’t see a white light and hear the choir, I’ll be sorely disappointed,” he cautioned, giving her a playful pout.

“So you’re just taking a chance to let your hair down... so to speak? Well I can’t argue with that, a little change here and there is never a bad thing. If you decide you want a haircut, I do know a wonderful stylist I can recommend. Exactly. Let this be a lesson to you, don’t try to argue with me, I almost always find a way to win,” she told him teasingly, wagging a finger playfully in his direction. Giggling, she shook her head. “Dangerous? I’m pretty sure it’s only called a bomb for the explosion of fragrance and bubbles that come out of it. You’re really missing out if you haven’t had the chance to use one.” Growing up, hygiene and appearance had been things she had been allowed luxuries for despite the fact that they’d often had  to forgo other smaller luxuries for that. Chris’s smile softened a little bit at his words, noting the use of past tense but keeping it to herself. “She sounds like it,” she agreed quietly. Nodding her head, Chris reached out a hand to shake. “Wonderful to meet you Chuck.”

“Which is almost a crime. I’m still tempted to invite you to use mine because never having taken a bath with a bath bomb? Almost criminal.” She shook her head though quickly giggling. “Trust me, angels will be coming down  from heave with  their harps as soon as you get in. I stand by my words.”

[chrisstafford-blog]

slightofchuck:

“Aw c'mon now, wouldn’t be much of a Tramp if he did that. It’s what made the movie so great! That whole, scruffy, rolled around in garbage all day without care in the world allure, y'know? That’s what got Lady wantin’ to hang around him,” he replied with a pointed finger to make his statement, chuckling softly. “Never thought I’d be analyzin’ a movie about animated dogs this late at night– Bath bombs?” Charlie’s brow dipped in confusion as he turned the phrase over inside his head, the two words seemingly distant from each other. Yet another downside to being sheltered for most of his life, he supposed. Putting on an air of regality, he stepped to the side and gave a slight bow. “My mama didn’t raise any ruffians, Miss. Never call a lady by anything else, unless of course she asks ya’ to. So, Chris it is. And see? Lookin’ like a tramp but still ‘cute’ - it definitely works,” He couldn’t help smiling impishly as he straightened up; Chris. He’d definitely remember her name.

“By the way, what’s a bath bomb exactly?”

“I’m not saying that there isn’t something to be said for that. Scruffy, confident and comfortable? All perfectly good things to be, but it doesn’t mean girls don’t want someone who can also clean up nicely at the end of the day. Or maybe that’s just me,” she decided with a small hum, looking over at him in amusement. “There’s a first time for everything, isn’t there? Yes? Have you never used a bath bomb before? Because in that case I’m not sure you’ve ever really lived.” She was joking of course, no longer quite as committed to the things she had been before but there were some luxuries she had trouble letting go of. Giggling, Chris dropped into a small but graceful curtsy in response to his bow. “Your mama sounds like a very smart woman. But I do believe this is the part where you tell me your name. Unless you’re planning to just stay a man of mystery. Alright, fine. Scruffy can be cute, but I stand by what I said before.” Laughing she just shook her head at him, a wide smile across her face at the conversation. 

“It’s... well I’ll spare you the technical details but it’s a little ball you put in the bathtub that turns a simple bath into pure heaven.”

[chrisstafford-blog]

slightofchuck:

He gave something akin to a nod at her question, at a loss of anything to really counter her words besides going along for the train of conversation they’d currently boarded. “Yeah, why not? Worked for Tramp with Lady, so, there’s at least one point on my scoreboard right?” The light in his gaze flickered as he contemplated her words, silently wishing he could actually go somewhere to get this coveted bubble bath. Maybe if he just played it off as nothing, she’d drop the subject. “I’ve had worse days, believe it or not. Plus I’m not one to get stressed out easy - life’s just chuggin’ along like everyone else, whether somethin’ bad happens or not. Think I’ll be alright once I get where I’m goin’,” The last time Charlie had even driven a motorcycle had to be at least a year; without a second thought, he immediately straightened up and adjusted his back pack strap, gesturing for the blonde to lead the way. “I’ll take your word for it, ma'am,”

“But if he’d cleaned up a little bit? It would have worked so much faster,” she countered, shaking her head with a laugh. “That’s all the more reason you could probably use a break. But if you’re sure then you’re sure. Let me know if you change your mind, I did just buy all new bubble bath bombs on an impulse buy.” Se shook her head at herself, laughing pleasantly. “That’s not a bad way to look at life at all, good for you. In that case I’ll help you get wherever it is you’re going. Just let me know.” Nodding her head she started walking towards where her bike was parked, laughing a little. “Ma’am? You’re cute, you know that? But you can call me Chris.”

[chrisstafford-blog]

angelowho:

“Me? Bluffin’? I never bluff,” he argued, shaking his head back and forth in his own defense. “That’s so… not fun for me. Which I guess is a good thing for me? Fuck, I don’t know,” he said, shaking his head at his own logic. Angelo normally wasn’t one to initiate a kiss, though previous actions might have told otherwise, but especially one that seemed a bit overly intimate. Clearly his drunk mind was making him far more willing to throw himself out there. His lips quirked into an almost smirk, an odd look to see on Angelo, no doubt. “See, but I wouldn’t let you,” he said, tilting his head to the side. “So you’re just gonna have to deal with this. I’m not tryin’ to scare you away in one go. It’s gotta be a slower process. That’ll make it more hurtful in the end.”

“You don’t? I don’t know if I believe that either,” she said with a raised eyebrow, though laughing lightly. “You don’t like the idea of being teased to death? Look, we’re making progress after all!” She reached up her free hand to ruffle his hair a little bit affectionately. While she was going to blame this night on the alcohol, it was very obvious that she was feeling everything a little too much. The smirk on his lips made her want to lean in and kiss him again and--suddenly--she did if only just a light peck on the cheek. “Scare me away? If that’s your goal than you’re failing. I’m not scared and I’m definitely not going away.”

[chrisstafford-blog]

slightofchuck:

Charlie eyed the blonde, patient though hesitant, a part of him expecting her to flat out refuse for a moment. Maybe after some thought, she’d decide it better than to hand over anything? After all, he was a complete unknown to her, he definitely wouldn’t hold it as a strike against anything. He couldn’t help but bristle as she mentioned bathing and food, and he wished nothing more than to retract his head into the safety net that was his jacket hood. “I… Uh, I mean, I just… It’s not really that I…” Forcing a stiff laugh, he shrug sharply, “Always been kinda cursed with that ‘never showers, sleeps or eats’ look. Or, do I smell that bad?” A brow rose in curiosity, “Spare helmet? You drive a bike?”

She raised an eyebrow at him, tonight looking very well put together so somehow it all came off more judgmental than she meant it to. “You go for the scruffy look, huh?” she asked him, giving him a quick once over. “Scruffy is fun from time to time, love, but you should work with what you’ve got and as far as I can tell there’s a very nice face hidden under there. But... doesn’t everyone need a bubble bath? Especially after a stressful day and losing your wallet? Definitely counts towards stress,” she said, nodding her head at her words. “Yes. I’ve got a motorcycle. Fixed it up myself so I promise it runs smoothly.”

[chrisstafford-blog]

angelowho:

“If you call me cute one more damn time, I’m gonna shove you off ‘a me. You better be careful,” he threatened, gaze narrowed. It easily softened at the quirk of her lips, far weaker under the influence and not quite as able to keep up his frustration as he normally would. “It doesn’t hurt to keep checkin’ if you finally realize teasing is pointless, and you really should just do it,” he told her, shaking his head back and forth. He was left in an almost daze by the time the kiss was over, eyeing her curiously as she went on. With a soft huff of a laugh, he looked up at her for a moment longer before leaning back up, pulling her into another kiss. His hand slowly slipped off of her own, moving to press against her back in an attempt to pull her closer. Angelo really hadn’t thought about the inappropriate nature of anything they were doing, completely focused on kissing her and nothing more. Reluctantly he pulled back again, though staying close enough to brush his nose against hers, a soft laugh slipping past his lips. “No you wouldn’t.”

“I think you’re bluffing,”  Chris said, reaching with her free hand to tap his nose and giggle shaking her head at him. She didn’t think he was serious but she also didn’t use the word again. At least not just then. It would likely come back before long, she had no doubt about that. “You can check all you want but I’m still not going to kill you, only ever taunt you with what you can’t have. That’s so much more fun for me.” Grinning at him and how affected he seemed by everything, she was almost taken by surprise as she was pulled in for a second kiss but she didn’t resist at all, pressing forward and completely forgetting that they were still in public. This time when he pulled back she was notably frazzled herself, a soft smile on her lips. “Oh, I think I would. If you let me I definitely think I would.”

[chrisstafford-blog]

A small package is sat in front of Chris’s door, with this and a note: 

I never want our love to go flat. ( because you work with cars…. and tires go flat, you know? ) I just wanted to show my love and appreciation for our friendship. Also that one time you let me kiss you. That was super great. I hope you have a fantastic day!

- Phoebe

[chrisstafford-blog]

A collection of things are sat in front of Chris’s door. This, this, this, this, and this, along with a small note:

Because you deserve it, and words to express how I feel about you always seem to fall through. Hopefully someone else didn’t beat me to it.

PS: the necklace is pretty bad, isn’t it? I don’t really know your taste in these things. To be fair, I gave you the receipt to return it. I’ll have to find that out before next year.

- BL

[chrisstafford-blog]

slightofchuck:

“Hey–

Listen, I don’t usually do this but uh, kinda lost my wallet… you got a couple coins to spare? I just need a little change for the bus, nothin’ else,” Besides a car, a new set of clothes, hell maybe a place to sleep that wasn’t a park bench - but, for now, he’d settle with getting a ride back to the park he’d recently been calling ‘home sweet home’.

Tilting her head to look at him Chris paused at first, the smile on her face slipping to something a little harder to read as she tried to decide what to say. Her hand immediately went to her wallet but as she looked over him she found herself pausing. “A bus to where exactly? Somewhere you can get a shower and a warm meal? Well... maybe a bubble bath. You look like you could use a bubble bath. I’m afraid I don’t have any coins on me... I could offer you a ride though. I think I still have the spare helmet here.”