365 Drabbles Prompt: song
Word Count: 434
The first time he had a nightmare after they were married, Regulus had been embarrassed. He was a man, after all. Nightmares were for little boys who didn't know how to defend themselves against the evils of the world.
Charity's hand was warm on his back as she sat up next to him. "Nightmare?"
Regulus bit his lip. He was too embarrassed to admit it, but he knew she'd see right through him. She always had. "Yes. But it's fine." It really wasn't, but he certainly didn't want her to worry about him.
Charity kissed his cheek and laid her head on his shoulder. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"No." Regulus still had a difficult time talking about things that made him seem weak. She'd changed him in so many ways and opened up his mind to so many new things, but the old Regulus still shone through from time to time.
"Okay." It was just like Charity to only ask once. He'd learned early in their relationship that she was quite patient. Her gentle ways and kind words made him feel more at ease than if she were to constantly ask him about whatever was bothering him.
Regulus curled an arm around her waist and pulled her closer to his side. Her hand slipped into his, their fingers entwining. Regulus closed his eyes, savoring her presence. Just being near her and experiencing the affection she bestowed on him had a calming effect.
Charity started to hum, her voice breaking the silence of the dark room. While this served to calm him further, it also confused him. "What is that?"
"It's something my mum used to do whenever I had a bad dream. She couldn't sing, but she would hum that song to me until I fell asleep again. She never told me what it was though, and I've never asked, but it's always made me feel better."
This was a totally new experience for Regulus. Love was something the Black family didn't show to each other. His mother had never soothed him after a bad dream or shown him any true affection.
But he thought he could get used to it in the new life he was making for himself.
Regulus laid back against the pillows, pulling her down with him. Her head on his chest and his arm wrapped securely around her, he closed his eyes. "I like it. Please, keep going."
Charity's voice lulled him back to sleep, this time thankfully free of anything bad.