Chapter Text
Pim certainly liked Charlie. More than most of his friends. Discounting the fact that he didn't have very many to begin with. But he was Pim's friend. Maybe. He wasn't really sure where they stood after the previous night.
Trying to shake the thought out of his head, he fidgeted with his keyring. It wasnt often he'd be scheduled as an opener, but he welcomed it. As an early riser, it made him feel more productive. Without work, he'd likely be sitting at home and festering.
Click.
Click-click.
Click.
Pulling an ornate skeleton key from the ring, Pim turned it in the final lock and the door swung open. Mist creeped from the floor onto the pavement outside. He shook condensation from his pant leg, stepping inside and dragging his feet across the welcome mat.
He'd be in and out today. After he swept the office and turned in his logbook, he'd be free to leave and sulk over a cigarette. Or two. Or three. Depends. At least Allan would be here soon. He really needed to talk to someone who wasn't Charlie.
Pim flicked the light on and semi-illuminated the supply closet. Balancing on his toes, he yanked the broom from its hook on the wall. As it tilted down, the dustpan fell and hit him square between his eyes.
"Fffudge..." Rubbing his forehead didn't do much to dissipate the sting. Collecting his things, he made his way to the main office. He hoped Allan had remembered to put a pot of coffee out - he felt zombified.
"Hellllloooo and good morning! Oh," Pim stopped in the doorway, nearly dropping the broom.
"Hey, Pim! Morning little buddy!" His boss sat at the table adjacent to him, legs flung across the surface of it. He was wearing a pair of those traditional Japanese blocky shoes and a flowy kimono. It was clear from where he stood that there was nothing beneath it.
"Um. Hello Mr. Boss. Is Allan here?" Pim shuffled in place.
"No, the little scamp ran off and had Charlie here take his shift." He pulled a few sugar cubes from his pocket and dropped them into the tea beside him. "Nobody wants to god-damn work anymore..." He muttered.
"That's... great." Pim turned to look at Charlie, hunched over the counter and trying his best not to be seen.
He didn't blame him, not really. The previous night had ended so strangely, it wouldn't be unreasonable for both parties to never speak to one another again. Pim had eventually been able to wake Charlie, who immediately attempted to remedy the situation. Being physically lifted off a flaccid penis was #1 on Pim's bottom 5 life experiences of all time. His hips had ached as he sprinted to the door, shouting a hasty 'goodnight' over his shoulder.
"So, I doooo have an errand for you two special boys."
Pim wasn't listening. The yellow critter beside him had just finished the final cup of coffee. The carafe sat empty, save for a few dots of condensation.
"Yea, wassup Mr. Bossman?"
"I need y'all to run and get me some file dividers. I'm plum out."
"Oh, that's..."
"Thats really bad."
"Yeah, that's terrible."
"Do we both have to go?"
"'Fraid so." Their employer shifted in his seat, exposing his bare chest in the process. "Can't lose track of any of my little darlings today. Pim, you can go home after. I know you're an eager beaver and you wanna get outta here."
"Yes!" He'd answered too quickly. He could feel Charlie's eyes on him. "Yep. Mhm." The keys to the company car were burning a hole in his pocket.
"Well, what are you goofs waiting for! Chop chop, I'm not paying you to warm my heart."
Not waiting to see if Charlie followed, Pim turned heel and beelined back to the parking lot. When the sound of shuffling feet followed behind him, he quickened his pace.
He'd be home before noon.