malboro+

Sure, you were technically in your mid twenties and had just graduated college. And yeah, Charlie was forty-two with Bella (your future niece-in-law) kinda weirded out by your crush, but was it really a sin to admire what laid in front of you?

You adjusted your tie in the reflection of the car window. You needed to play this carefully. Charlie was Forks' Chief of Police. A man who dealt with creeps and lowlifes daily. Overt flirting would likely get you a restraining order, not a date.

Subtlety was key.

Taking a deep breath, you smoothed down your suit and followed the lingering scent of Chief Swan's cologne into the auditorium. Your enhanced senses picked up on notes of pine, something distinctly masculine, and the faint smell of gunpowder that clung to him like a second skin. God, that was doing things to you.

You spotted him near the side aisle, looking slightly uncomfortable as people mingled between each other. His eyes were scanning the crowd, probably looking for Bella, but you were determined to redirect that attention.

"Charlie?" you called out, your voice smooth but respectful as you approached.

He turned, his brow furrowing slightly as he tried to place you. The Cullen family resemblance was unmistakable, but you weren't one of the kids he usually saw around Bella. "Can I help you?"

"I don't believe we've had the pleasure," you extended a hand. "I'm Y/N Cullen. Carlisle's brother."

Charlie shook your hand, his calloused fingers warm against your unnaturally cool skin. His eyes widened slightly at the temperature difference, but he didn't comment on it.

"Right. Nice to meet you." he said, his eyes already starting to drift away, searching the crowd again.

You tightened your grip just enough to keep his attention. "It's an honor to meet Forks' finest. I've heard so much about your dedication to this town."

Charlie's eyes snapped back to yours, and you watched with satisfaction as a faint blush crept up his neck. "Just doing my job."

"A job you do exceptionally well, from what I understand. It takes a special kind of person to protect a community, day in and day out. That kind of commitment is admirable."

The blush deepened, spreading across his cheeks. Charlie Swan, Forks' stoic police chief, was blushing like a schoolboy and it was divine.

"I should find my seat." he said, pulling his hand back as if burned.

"Let me help you," you offered, placing a hand on his arm. "This place is a maze, and I'd hate for you to miss seeing Bella walk across that stage."

As you walked, you made sure to brush against him "accidentally" more than once. Unbeknownst to you, this caused Charlie to have a mental breakdown.

What the hell was happening to him? He had never looked twice at a man before, but there was something about Y/N Cullen that was messing with his head. The way those golden eyes seemed to see right through him, the smooth voice that made his skin tingle, the confident way he moved...it was doing things to him he'd never believed he would experience again.

"You must be proud of Bella," you said, making conversation as you navigated through the rows. "Edward speaks very highly of her."

Charlie's expression softened slightly at the mention of his daughter. "She's a good kid. Smart. Takes after her mother in that regard."

"I would be as bold as to say that Bella gets that from you."

Charlie snorted a little at that, shaking his head like you’d just said something ridiculous. “Yeah, no. She definitely didn’t get the brains from me.”

“Come on,” you nudged lightly, tone easy now and less polished. “You’re the chief of police in a town where nothing ever happens. That means paperwork, patience, and dealing with the same three people causing trouble over and over again.”

Charlie let out a short laugh at that despite himself. “Hey—”

“I’m serious. You don’t get that position by accident. You’ve got to be sharp. Observant. Probably annoyingly stubborn too.”

“…I’m not annoyingly stubborn.” Charlie muttered.

You raised a brow. “You’re arguing with me about it.”

He opened his mouth, paused, then huffed. “Okay, maybe a little.”

“And Bella’s the same way. Quiet, but she notices everything. Doesn’t let things go easily. That doesn’t come from nowhere.” And wasn't that the truth? Even after continuous warnings from people, she was stubborn about wanting to be with Edward forever. "Here we are," you said, stopping at a row near the front. "Perfect view."

"Thanks." Charlie said, quickly sitting down. You leaned down, your lips close to his ear.

"Anything for Forks' finest."