tbo offshoot, fluff
Thandi holds her hand out to Charlie, smiling at him gently. He blinks down at her hand, then up at her. Does she…
“Come on, Charlie! It’s all right.”
He shakes her hand and Thandi bursts out laughing. “What? What is it? I did it correctly.”
“Nooo! No, darling. Hold my hand!”
“H-h-hold your hand?” Charlie reddens and looks at his palm and up to her. He could stand a handshake with her—he likes her touch, and it’s brief. Not overwhelming. Thandi sees him thinking it over and her laughter dies down. She leans forward and links pinkies with him, prompting him to gasp.
“There. Is that… easier?”
Charlie nods, angling his head away to hide a smile. There’s a feeling in him he can’t really name, and… he likes it. He loves it. Loves it? He swallows as they walk back to the camp, hands swinging between them. He loves…