day ten
prompt: Chocolate
setting: Set during Series 16
rating: K+
She's been staring into the mug of coffee for the last five minutes – at least the five minutes Charlie knows about. He's watching her, trying not to make it obvious, not that she's know. She's so lost in her own thoughts, he could be naked, and she wouldn't notice.
He stirs the sugar into his mug and places the spoon on the side of the sink. He sits down next to her. She still doesn't look up and he gently places his hand on her arm.
She jumps and glances up, meeting his gaze.
"You gave me a fright!"
"Sorry." He pauses for a second, "Penny for them?"
She sighs and takes a sip of the coffee. Only to pull a face when she realises the coffee has gone cold. She wonders how long she's been sat staring into it until Charlie interrupted her.
"I'm just tired."
The tired defence, Charlie knows it well. Then again, she is a single mother to three boys so there is an element of truth in her words. He smiles sadly as he goes into his pocket and takes out the small chocolate bar he brought for her.
She instantly bursts into tears at his small token of appreciation and he laughs a little awkwardly, "I only brought you some chocolate." He whispers as he pulls her into a hug.
"I know, I'm sorry it's just—"
"Ssh," he whispers to console her as she sobs into his chest. He doesn't speak, just holds her, wondering what caused her to cry.
"Did I buy the wrong chocolate?" He whispers, jokingly.
He's almost certain he hears a small laugh and then a whisper, "Don't be an idiot."
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