• 1-Not My Momma's Fairytales
• 2-Maybe...Maybe I Won't Have The Meatloaf
• 3-Indecision
• 4-Meeting Billy Black
• 5-Sunday Supper
• 6-Moving Forward

Thoughts in italics.

Charlie wanted to kiss Harry again after lunch but knew he should at least tell his daughter about the possibility of a relationship before it became public gossip. Harry didn't seem to mind; he'd even made a mention, during the drive to the diner, about Charlie being a public figure in a small town where reputation is paramount. That didn't change Charlie's desire to kiss the younger man, or the fact that he nearly said 'to hell with it' and did just that. When Charlie dropped Harry back at his house, it was to Harry overriding all protests against his providing dinner; his most effective argument was that he never got to cook for other people, so this would be a treat for him.

Charlie didn't bother to try a hide the fact that his eyes were glued to Harry's ass until the front door closed. Neither did he try and convince himself that he wasn't really glad he'd be seeing the man again in just a few short hours.

Charlie cruised around town following no specific pattern for the next several hours, thinking about Harry; and trying not to think about their shared kisses too closely for fear of a physical reaction that would occur just when he needed to run. Because he was trying so hard not to think about kissing Harry that was of course all he could think about, so he finally gave up and pulled into the parking lot of the post office. He and Dirk had often set up speed traps there so no one would think it was odd he was sitting there, staring out the windshield. It was the right time of day that people wouldn't walk up to the car; for the first time since he'd become the Chief of Police in Forks Charlie was seriously considering shirking his duties and going home to masturbate. If he had to give a speeding ticket now there was sure to be gossip because his uniform pants did nothing to hide his 'thoughts'.

**

Charlie felt kind of like when he'd first started dating, nervous and excited and just a bit queasy. He'd left the station on time for the first time in over a month, intending to shower and change into something casual. The problem was that everything he owned fit into three categories; work, fishing, and funeral. He'd been standing at his closet door for the past ten minutes, just staring, when he spoke quietly to himself.

"Hell, I'm too old for this."

"No you're not. Now, what aren't you too old for?"

Bella's voice was amused and just a little shocked, probably because he'd never really cursed in front of her. He half-turned to give his daughter a look of sheepish resignation; if ever there was a time to tell her that her father was interested in a man, this was it.

"Thanks, Bells. I'm too old to try and date."

He was heartened to see that she looked excited for him, but didn't kid himself that the look would stay after he told her that his date was a guy. Not that it was really a date, per se, but it sure felt like one.

"Who?"

At the breathless quality to her voice, Charlie turned fully to look her over; she was excited, almost giddy at the thought of her father dating. He had to give a soft little smile at that, because it showed just how good of a person she really was. Taking a deep breath, he took the plunge and hoped she would be so understanding with this.

"I mean, it's not really a date, like going to dinner or something. He's just coming over to watch the game with us and the Blacks, but he's bringing dinner. I mean to say that it's casual, just guys watching baseball, but it's still..."

Charlie trailed off, waving one had as though it would magically cause the words to appear.

"It's like a group date. Like when Edward and I go out with Alice and Angela and Mike and Jessica. Where it's not really a date because it's just a bunch of friends hanging out, but it still feels like a date."

Charlie nodded, grateful that his daughter could explain it better than he could himself, but still waiting for her to realize that he'd used a male pronoun. He watched carefully as she moved around him, eyes narrowed at the contents of his closet.

"From what I've read about him in magazines and stuff he won't care what you wear nearly as much as you will. Still, I think we might need to take you shopping one day, Dad. Just a few things in case you decide to go somewhere nice. There's a great Italian place in Port A. Other than that he seems to be pretty casual."

And just like that Charlie realized that Bella didn't care Harry was a man, or that he was a decade younger than her father. She didn't even seem to care that he was acknowledged as one of the sexiest men alive (he'd made the top ten for the last five years). She cared more that her father was comfortable; she was trying to reassure him that Harry wouldn't care what he wore, or expect the fanciest restaurants. Charlie knew those things already, but it was still comforting that she was making the effort. He sank down on the edge of his bed, watching while she moved back and forth between his closet and dresser; she spoke the whole time, more in one conversation than he'd heard in entire weeks of her life. She talked about good places to take a date in Forks and Port Angeles, threw around ideas for telling his friends, babbled about 'things everyone knows about Harlequinn', and muttered reassurances clearly designed to keep Charlie calm.

It was sweet, and while he may have been reading too much into it Charlie saw it as proof of how much his daughter really loved him. I need to do something that shows her how much I love her, too.

She apparently found the perfect outfit while he was thinking because the next thing he knew he was being pulled off the bed and shoved into the bathroom with threats of t.v. dinners if he so much as thought about taking too long; she was muttering about his hair while she shut the door. Charlie stared at the innocent oak for a moment before deciding not to tempt fate. He really hated t.v. dinners.

**

Bella was never so glad to be friends with Alice Cullen as she was that afternoon. Alice had told her that Charlie had something really important to tell her. Alice refused to tell Bella what it was, citing personal privacy, but the littlest Cullen Vampire had been very stern while telling Bella to keep an open mind. Sure it was surprising to hear that Charlie was interested in a guy, what daughter wouldn't find that strange to hear from her father? The important thing was that Charlie was happy, and Bella didn't think Alice would have told her to be open minded if Harry wouldn't make Charlie happy.

**

Charlie was seated on his recliner in the living room, thinking to himself that he was an idiot. Harry and Billy were supposed to be there in twenty minutes and Billy had no idea Harry was coming. Hell, Billy had no idea that Charlie was interested in Harry. He knew that Harry wasn't the overly affectionate sort that would be all over him in front of people, but still. If he'd been thinking, he would have called Billy during the afternoon and told him that Harry was going to be there; that much, at least, could be discussed over the phone.

Charlie was a pretty honest person in general, and he was honest enough with himself to admit (if only to himself) that he wanted to tell Billy everything about Harry. He wanted to tell his best friend that he was starting a new relationship, and he wanted to gush like a school girl about their first kiss. He wanted to be able to laugh with someone other than Harry about the fact that their first kiss had been preceded by a request of nonviolence. Yeah Bella was being understanding, but she was still his daughter and therefore not someone with whom he wanted to gossip about kissing someone he hoped to make his boyfriend. He heard the clatter of the makeshift wheelchair ramp he and Jacob had put together and stood to open the door. Bella came out of the kitchen to greet the Blacks and helpfully pulled Jacob into the kitchen with the lure of baking brownies, giving her father a pointed look. Charlie pushed Billy's chair into the living room and sat down; instead of his usual position in the recliner, he sat on the sofa.

"Earth to Charlie, you in there, bud?"

Charlie jolted, unaware that Billy had been trying to get his attention for the past two minutes.

"Yeah, sorry man. I was just thinking. Oh, hey-I invited the new guy in town to watch the game tonight."

Billy gave him a look that clearly said, 'That's nice, now what's going on and why are you wearing a shirt I haven't seen since I gave it to you for Christmas a decade ago?' Not giving himself time to second guess, Charlie spoke quickly.

"I kissed him."

That was the second time today his brain didn't bother to take part in the conversation, Charlie mused as he watched Billy's face twist in amused shock. He'd been planning to lay the groundwork and give himself time to get Billy used to the idea that his best friend would (he could only hope) be in a long term, committed relationship with a man.

"There better be details coming out of your mouth in the next five seconds or I'm paying all the kids from La Push to speed in town."

Charlie was startled into a laugh, and he was pretty sure it sounded as uncomfortable as he felt.

"Well, first he asked me not to arrest him or shoot him, then he kissed me. Then I kissed him."

Billy laughed very, very loudly.

"He asked you not to shoot him before he kissed you?"

**

Bella had pulled Jacob into the kitchen, wanting to warn him that her dad had news and he better act like an adult about it or she was going to take Billy all of Jacob's favorite foods without letting the teen have any. It was an effective threat because Jacob and Billy ate a lot of prepackaged meals and spaghetti. Jake had his hands up in wide eyed surrender when they heard Charlie's uncomfortable laugh. Exchanging a quick, worried glance, they crept to the living room and listened from just out of sight.

"Well, first he asked me not to arrest him or shoot him."

Bella and Jake stared at one another in confusion; this was not the conversation Bella expected them to be having, and Jacob was wondering why he was being threatened with culinary harm over Charlie's work day.

"Then he kissed me."

Bella's eyes widened; she'd been unaware that they'd already kissed. Jacob still looked confused.

"Then I kissed him."

Eyes still wide, Bella felt her jaw drop. Jake's eyes and jaw mirrored hers as understanding washed over him.

"He asked you not to shoot him before he kissed you?"

Billy's laughter boomed out and Bella's mouth closed, her eyes narrowing. Since she was still facing Jacob, his mouth closed and he winced at the anger on her face. Before she could gather herself enough to march in there and slap his father (Jake was trying to decide whether or not he should stop her, because she was a great cook and he didn't want to get on her bad side), Charlie spoke sullenly.

"It's not that funny, Bill."

**

Billy wiped at his eyes even though he hadn't cried while he tried to get himself under control.

"Yeah, it is, and you know it. You're just so worried I'm going to be an asshole that you're overreacting. I'm also willing to bet you were so nervous about telling me you like this guy that you told me about kissing him without meaning to."

Charlie just knew he was blushing, though he'd been doing it for so long that Billy didn't tease him about it anymore.

"Yeah."

Billy waited for about thirty seconds before speaking again.

"That wasn't details, Charlie. That was Cliffs Notes. Details now, or I'm paying the kids to speed through town during rush hour. Is he a good kisser? Have you felt him up yet? Have you seen him naked?"

Charlie blushed harder, he just knew it, but before he could answer (or at least stop Billy from asking anything else) Bella's voice came through the door; she was clearly eavesdropping. When her body followed moments later Charlie would have laughed at how scandalized she looked had he not been quite so embarrassed.

"No! Don't answer that! There are children present! Why? Why would your dad even ask that?"

She looked ready to continue on in this vein but someone was knocking on the door and she practically ran to answer. Charlie couldn't see who it was, but he had a pretty good idea. It was verified when he heard the sexy accent that answered his daughter's hysteria.

"Oh, thank God you're here! You have to make them stop! It's not natural! There are children present!"

"Alright, who is they, what have they done and who do I need to kill? Will I need a gun? Because I don't have one, but I've got a sword."

Charlie made the mistake of looking at Billy; they both started snickering and Jacob moved into the doorway, looking amused.

"You don't have to kill them, just make them stop! Dad told Billy about kissing you, and you kissing him, and something about not arresting you. Billy asked him if you were a good kisser and if he felt you up or saw you naked! I don't want to know! I'm glad my dad is happy, I really am, but I don't want details!"

Charlie covered his blushing face, laughing helplessly, and therefore missed Bella leading Harry into the kitchen. When Harry spoke next, the direction of his voice clued Charlie into the fact that they'd gone that way.

"There's another load I was planning to go back and get. It's in the kitchen on the table if you lot want to run fetch it while I have a talk with your fathers about what constitutes an appropriate topic of conversation while in the presence of their children. Feel free to be nosy, this may take a moment."

The teens quickly agreed and Charlie could hear the quiet jingle of Harry's keys passing from one hand to another while Harry's calm voice warned them of remodeling hazards. Jacob and Bella nearly ran out of the house in their effort to escape. Moments later a chuckling Harry leaned against the door frame, arms crossed and eyebrow raised. He didn't say anything but Billy, who was just getting himself under control, started laughing again and Charlie blushed even harder, hands moving back up to cover his face. After a few minutes they managed to get themselves back under control yet again and both looked to see Harry still waiting silently. Charlie answered the unasked question.

"We didn't realize they were listening."

"Clearly. She seems to have taken it well."

Charlie had a moment of self doubt; they hadn't discussed telling others about this...whatever it was, hopefully a relationship forming between them. The question in Harry's statement wasn't helping clear things up for him, either. Charlie decided to just hope that Harry was ok with it and go from there.

"Yeah, she dressed me and gave me a few dating tips."

Charlie was positive he looked uncomfortable at that, and Harry didn't look any better, but his response lifted Charlie's doubts immediately.

"I'm glad. I'll admit that I was worried she'd be upset; I really don't want to cause any problems. She did a good job, you look great."

Charlie was starting to wonder if this blush was going to be permanent when Billy started fidgeting and clearing his throat and generally making an ass out of himself. Charlie and Harry both turned toward him, one clearly amused and the other looking at him as though he'd lost his mind. After a moment Billy made a grand gesture in Harry's direction, staring at Charlie as though he should know what Billy wanted.

"Well, introduce me to your man!"

Harry chuckled, moving farther into the room to shake Billy's hand. Charlie placed one hand over his eyes and muttered loudly enough to be heard.

"Oh, Lord."

At least he was saved from whatever embarrassment Billy had planned for Harry by the arrival of their teenagers.

**

Charlie lay in bed that night with a positive outlook on the evening as a whole. Harry had made enough food to feed an army, saying that Charlie had said there would be a teenage boy involved; since he'd gone to a boarding school Harry knew what teenage boys could do. The game had been interesting and, to the visible surprise of most people in the room, that was what Harry and Charlie paid the most attention to. They'd had the usual in-game banter most guys participated in, but it really was just a fun, relaxing evening with friends.

Charlie liked that they could just have fun together; he was pretty sure it was a good omen. He chuckled quietly into the dark room remembering his little matchmaker. She'd seated Jacob in the recliner and Charlie in the center of the sofa. In the bottom of the fourth, she'd hissed in his ear.

"Put your arm around him."

Charlie remembered that he'd given her an odd look because things seemed fine to him. Plus he really didn't want to deal with the fact that he was sure to get an instant erection if he happened to accidentally touch the skin on Harry's neck; it would have been fine just the two of them, but they were in a room full of people. She'd poked him persistently until he gave in; he still couldn't decide if he was glad or disappointed that he'd managed to miss Harry's skin on the way. Harry had obviously noticed Bella's determination because he just gave Charlie an understanding smile and turned his attention back to the television. Bella seemed content, so Charlie stupidly let his guard down.

When the game was over Bella brought out her brownies, ice cream, and hot fudge; she insisted that everyone stay for dessert. They agreed and settled in. She made two bowls and handed them to Charlie and Harry, then turned to the Blacks and asked them to come with her since she only had two hands and all.

They didn't come back and after ten minutes of eating in comfortable silence Harry turned to Charlie, amused.

"Does it count as paranoia when there is evidence of people plotting around you?"

He'd pitched his voice just right so that the people sitting in the silent kitchen could clearly hear him. Someone male, identity still unknown, had failed to hide their snickering and conversation picked up in the other room. Charlie and Harry sat quietly together finishing their dessert, ignoring the news. Charlie took their bowls back to the kitchen and found himself all but shoved back into the living room by a glaring daughter, who'd taken the time to lecture him quietly about not paying enough attention to his date. Protestations as to the validity of calling this a date had fallen on deaf ears. The Black men found the situation hilarious.

Charlie was feeling the pressure, and he didn't want Harry to feel like there was any sort of pressure for this (and them) to be anything more than he wanted it to be. Thankfully Harry had, again, understood. He pulled Charlie back onto the sofa by the sleeve of his open shirt and gave him a gentle kiss.

"You're doing great. Don't forget that she's used to high school dating; that's a whole different animal."

The Charlie in his bed gave a chuckle at the relief he'd felt; relief so overwhelming that he'd forgotten his kid in the next room and laid one on the man. Harry had responded but he'd held back. When Charlie pulled back to find out why Bella's laughter had filtered into the room and he remembered that they weren't alone. Harry returned his sheepish grin with one that was a bit smug, not that Charlie minded, before rising off he sofa and pulling at Charlie's hand.

"Walk me home?"

Charlie Swan relaxed into sleep, smiling contentedly at the memory of that kiss. The kiss he'd gotten just inside Harry's door was guaranteed to hold him over. At least till morning.