Guard Dog
Thandi runs her fingers through Charlie’s hair. The boy is asleep against her once more, breathing steady as he nuzzles up. He’s a needy one, but he also repays it in absolute loyalty.
Absolute. A little guard dog that would follow her anywhere, at any time. Certainly he would argue at times, but he would always come back. No matter what she’s put on his plate, he would pick at it until he solved the problem to his own satisfaction… but he would stop if she voiced her own satisfaction.
She is careful not to use this power for evil. Thandi has always had the feeling that if her precious Charlie were to feel that she was well and truly in danger, he wouldn’t hesitate to hurt… maim… maybe even kill. She’s witnessed firsthand how far he could go and it’s… terrifying. Equally terrifying is her influence on him. Calling him back.
The boy clings tighter to her.
For now, she uses this power for good.
Little things, here and there.
Like asking him to hold hands with her, which became such a point of interest for him he ended up lacing their fingers together and kissing every knuckle on her fingers.
Like asking him to restrain himself around people who disrespect her. It makes him hover and glare from just behind, his height imposing and his eyes fierce. It usually does just fine.
And… like asking him to remember that he needs protecting, too. His real strength comes out when he stands in front of her, snarling and threatening until their adversaries leave them well and truly alone. It doesn’t matter who, from the Defense from the Dark Arts teacher to the Headmaster herself: Charlie will put himself between her and harm no matter how scared he is.
And he’s always scared.
Thandi kisses the top of his head and closes her own eyes. She recalls his helpless terror when she left from winter break in their first year. The tears on his face when an animal rejected him. The agony of his inability to understand other people.
For some reason… the two of them worked together. Solitary children who seemingly found their soulmate and clung tightly to their other half.
Charlie nuzzles her again. A reminder. Sleep.