A/N: Response to The Tattoo Challenge in HPFC. 5. He had a tattoo for every personal death, every loss. Every single one. Kind of modified to fit my story, but hopefully it'll make sense. Real short. Charlie/Fred.
The Black Heart
Two weeks after the funeral and he was still drunk He couldn't face the real world yet strictly sober, but the idea made perfect sense when he proposed it to his siblings. Their private tribute to their fallen brother. They were enthusiastic about the idea; even Ginny. Actually, especially Ginny.
The appointment was already made and he waited patiently for his brothers and Ginny to show up, if they would show up. The shop door opened and there they were: Bill, Percy, George, Ron, and Ginny. Smiling nervously. Ready to stand united.
They had argued about the design, but finally decided on the perfect tribute. A black heart tattooed over their hearts. It was to represent their own personal heartbreak, the grieving for a lost brother, and remembrance of the ultimate sacrifice.
A black heart, a symbol of the pain that would take a lifetime to heal.
Years later there was speculation that the heart represented a broken heart, a love lost. Charlie just smiled and touched the spot and remembered.