Time Turner
Charlie tugs on Thandi’s sleeve, eyes already watering with tears. She pauses, pulling out his handkerchief and dabbing his face gently before cupping his cheeks in her hands.
“All right, darling. If you can get written permission to come with me while I use the time turner, then I will let you come with me. All right?”
Charlie’s bottom lip trembles and he pulls her into a hug. “But what will you do without me there to make sure no one bothers you?? Surely your grades will drop because it is entirely because of me that you can concentrate.”
Thandi simply smiles at him and plays with his sideburns before stroking his hair. “I’m sure I can manage. For you, it’ll be like no time passed at all!”
“But I’ll know it did!! Thandi why are you so stupid!“
She sighs and he buries his face in her before pulling back. His eyes are red and he straightens her–well, his–scarf, positioning it neatly and resting his hands on her hips as he frowns deeply.
“I guess I can trust you this once without me but don’t expect it to happen again!” He wipes his face on his sleeve before leaning forward, pressing his lips to her forehead. “There, that’s a charm, so you won’t get lost on your way back to me like some sort of…dumbass.”
“Thank you, Charlie. You take such wonderful care of me.”
He blushes hard, hugging himself, something he picked up from her early on. “It would be irresponsible of me to let you be on your own!! You’re mine, like. My. Pet or something!! So! Be careful!!! I’ll come with you next time!!”
Thandi smiles at him and walks away. Charlie sighs and drops his eyes, shuffling to his hiding spot in the library. He curls up in the stacks, reading quietly. He isn’t alone for long.
“Darling…” His face snaps up and he launches himself to Thandi, wrapping his arms around her, spinning her, burying his face into her. She laughs and strokes his hair. “Oh, I missed you, too.”
“Of course you have! I am obviously the best thing that has ever happened to you!!”
“Yes. Are you ready for me to tutor you?”
“You know I’m ready.”