Archive of Our Own ^beta

Tis the season, it was that time of the year even if the weather didn't look the part. Sure it was cloud but that in no way equals a winter wonderland. If only they'd just kept the filming location in New York City, there was just something about a thick blanket of snow that made it extra Christmas-like. Made things more magical, a winter wonderland that enhanced the experience. Or at least according to Charles.

But truth be told there wasn't any real complaints. And the snow aspect was obviously not an universal experience, ask anyone from the South or from a state like Texas or Arizona.

(On the other side of the spectrum, to Brett it was a refreshing change of pace to not have to worry about snow in all its form every single day during winter.)

Besides the festive decorations more then made up for the lack of snow. Especially at the mall, there was something to add to the Christmas vibe in every single area of the place. Wreaths hung up along the rails on the second floor connected by green tinsel, the music spilling out from various stores, and someone dressed as Santa meeting all the good little boys and girls.

Not to mention, the meticulously decorated and brightly lit Christmas tree near the main entrance of the mall.

"Is this the Beatles? I can see why they are so popular." Gene asked as another appropriately themed song came over the speakers.

"No Gene its Buddy Holly," Charles said casually without missing a beat. He didn't even break his attention from the shirt rack he was currently looking through. Maybe he can buy one extra gift for Brett seeing how this was one of her favorite clothing stores to shop at.

By this point in the day, the two have finished their last minute Christmas shopping. And since they've gotten done ahead of schedule, they both decided to splurge on themselves a bit.

Hence why Charles and Gene were in the aforementioned store. For the first few minutes or show they stayed pretty much closed together, talking here and there as they wandered around. About the upcoming schedule for Match Game, what their holiday plans were (both apparently weren't doing too much), and other mundane life shit.

There wasn't anything of note for the next few minutes. At one point Charles moved over another rack where he quickly found a weirdly designed polka dotted bell-bottomed pants. He immediately looked over to his right with the intention of making a lighthearted comment about it. But problem was, Gene was nowhere to be found.

Subsequently, the need the make said comment dissipated as he started to wonder where his close friend has wondered off too. That said, Charles wasn't truly worried about things. Gene wouldn't walk on out of the store without telling him like some inconsiderate shithead.

A split-second later Charles would get his answer anyways when the door to the nearby dressing room opened and Gene stepped out. Forgoing the planned comment about the pants, he put it back and immediately walked over. A set of new comments swirled around in his head when he noticed the buttoned down shirt patterned with shapes of various kinds and the pair of plaid, bell-bottomed pants.

And this potential new outfit of Gene's has got to be the worst combination of green and burnt orange he'd ever seen in recent months. There was a sudden urge for Charles to not let him go out in public committing a fashion crime. It'll be his duty to help keep his dignity intact.

But at the same time he didn't want to straight up tell him what and what not to wear or else. Suggestions sure, but it's ultimately his choice. What kind of a person would he be if he acted so terribly embarrassed by what his friends and loved one wore around him.

Charles much rather see Gene be the happiest person on Earth rather then the opposite.

"So what do you think Charlie?" Gene asked, throwing his arms out to the side with flair. His smile so big it went ear to ear, "I say this outfit would make me a winner in a world wide handsome contest."

"Uhh, I mean…in my book you would at least."

"The only problem is my hair," Gene said as he stepped back into the dressing room to look at the narrow wall length mirror.

Charles stood nearby by the door watching the other fuss about with said hair for the next few minutes until it was just perfect. Honestly the little things like this never bothered him when it came to Gene. He realized long ago he'd never get tired of watching him. Specifically around the time he also realized there was a potential for something more with the older man.

Basically, to make it short and sweet, he just wanted to spend the rest of his life with Gene as more then just close friends.

"Alright, now I look absolutely perfect," Gene swiftly turned around to face Charles once he was finally satisfied with how he looked. His demeanor and bright smile exuded the kind of confidence needed to wear what amounted to a fashion disaster.

Now whether or not the person in question was aware of the fact was a whole different story.

In any case, the fact Gene was secure enough with himself to not give a shit about what others think of his outfit choices was attractive. Charles much rather be with a man who wasn't an insecure, childish asshole.

That said, when it came to the screen, he was happy Gene usually received help in the clothing department. He never wanted the latter's self-esteem take a hit in front of millions.

Charles opened his mouth with the intention to reply. But in that moment his mind betrayed him and all that came out was an awkward stammer. Thankfully Gene didn't noticed it much, opting to just plow forward with his train of thought.

"I'll be the talk of the town! Everyone will be jealous of how dashingly handsome I am Charlie, man and woman alike."

"It'll get people talking for sure. Won't argue that."

"People are gonna swoon the moment they catch sight of this, bodies will hit the floor by the dozen, and I'll finally be able to say sorry but I'm already taken. Or well, that's the plan anyways."

"What do you mean by that?" Charles asked, genuinely confused as Gene disappeared back into the dressing room. As far as he knew they were both single, and had been for years, so hearing those two little words has taken him back in surprise.

Now the implications could be many things. It could mean Gene was open to be in a relationship with him, or it could be he has kept a relationship a secret from him for whatever reason.

However something deep down within him hoped maybe this meant the former theory would come into fruition. It's no secret to anyone really that he didn't exactly hide his affection for the game show host on camera. One don't even have to pay that much attention with every interaction they've had to get the notion Charles has a crush on Gene since, well, the very first episode he was on.

"It means I'm hoping for a Christmas miracle," Gene said with excitement, albeit a little cryptically, behind the closed door, "Oh speaking of which, what do you say we stop by Hallmark on our way out?"

Oh that wasn't inconspicuous at all.

The more Charles watched Gene browse through the selection of sentimental cards meant for couples, the more he was nudged towards the theory he was about to be in a relationship with him. How can that not be the most likeliest of all likely theories? There was still a chance the other theory could come to pass, but since when Gene kept anything important from him. If he was in a long term relationship with somebody then he would've known by now.

Gene wasn't exactly a closed book of secrets. He likes to share more often off camera whereas he tended to be more on the quieter side in comparison.

Unless perhaps he had just met this someone very recently. Like last week or even last month recently, and he just simply forgot to tell him. That could very well be, the assumed timeline would've been placed right in the middle of the holiday seasons.

Aka the most stressful time of the year.

So therefore in between Thanksgiving, gift shopping and visiting friends and family, it probably just slipped his mind and forgot to tell him he started dating someone.

But the voice in his head just wouldn't shut up. It still gave him the notion Gene wanted to spend the rest of his days with him.

It was annoying in a way cause goddamn was he projecting. Charles didn't want to come off like a presumptuous little weirdo when it came to stuff like this. He wouldn't like it if someone decided they were dating without his say so. A romantic relationship is built on mutual communication and respect between the two parties, not lies and selfish bullshit based off of one's presumption of the other.

It wasn't until way later, specifically Christmas the next day, when Charles got his answer. When he opened up the envelope addressed to him and pull out a card, he realized it was familiar. It was because it was the same card Gene bought at the store, but what wasn't familiar was the writing on the left side of the card. It was covered in lines written in very nice cursive.

Charles had to read the whole thing twice before the words and the million dollar question asked of him sunk in. The day felt much more brighter, not that it wasn't already mind you. But he truly didn't expect it all that much honestly to be asked if he wanted to date Gene with the potential of marriage in the future.

"I would love to be your boyfriend," Charles smiled as he shifted his eyes from the card and set his warm gaze onto the man in front of him, "But so you know I'm taking your last name when we get married."

"Ha, I would be honored if you do."