fluff, tbo offshoot
The bracelet seems to pulse on Thandi’s wrist, in time with the opening and closing of his hands. He doesn’t think she’s looking, but she is.
It makes her want to laugh.
“Charlie…”
“Er. Yes, d… Thandi?”
“What’s wrong?” Thandi’s hand rests on his arm and she can see his face beginning to color. This man has delivered babies and replaced organs without a second thought, but when it comes to her, he seems nervous.
“Oh. Um. Nothing. Ha. Congratulations to us for making it through another fight, haha.”
She smiles at him and it pleases her to see him relax a little, that soft look that he gives her taking over his features. Wouldn’t it be funny if…
Charlie blinks at her and an embarrassed look tugs his smile sideways. She massages his arm casually, staring into his eyes.
“T-T-Thandi. Um. H…can I, ah. Um. Hug. You? As a friend.”
“Of course, darling.”
She’s swept up into a tight hug, her feet leaving the ground as he spins with her. She hears laughter and realizes it’s him. He’s ecstatic, and then he sets her down, squeezing her close for another moment. Even the bracelet squeezes her wrist gently.
Eventually, both relax their grip and Charlie laughs awkwardly. “Good job. On staying in one piece.”