tbo offshoot, fluff
Thandi’s hands trace along the lines of scars on Charlie’s chest, pouting. He tilts his head in question as she looks up at him.
“Why did you never heal these?”
“Practice, most of them.”
“Practice? Darling, no!”
Charlie blinks at her. His brow furrows as he tries to justify it. “You know. A doctor is only as good as his experience. And it’s good to see natural healing firsthand.”
She pouts at him and he pinks.
“It also gives you an excuse. To. Um. Touch… me.” His face reddens with every word, and Thandi’s hand drifts to the center of his chest, tracing the dip down and up. Charlie’s breath stutters, and he lets out a shaky breath. He loves when she sweeps her hands over him, petting him. “Mmmm…”
“I’d touch you anyway, Charlie.”
“You… you would?”
Thandi’s gentle smile grows sly. “Does my kitty like being pet?”
“Y-y-yes!!”
She kisses his jaw, his neck, his collarbone, enjoying the noises he makes. He’s breathing hard. And then he panics and Thandi is squealing in the paws of a panther, purring as he licks her. “Charlie!” She laughs and he huffs as he purrs, a form of laughter she knows well. She buries her face into the velvety fur of his chest, squealing as he squeezes her with his forepaws.
His purr is soothing. He’s strong and warm and she curls against him, yawning. His cold nose presses to her face for a moment before he gets comfortable. They fall asleep happy.