Pairing: Bill&Charlie
Prompt: concern
For the one character comp. Write about Charlie's childhood (ages 3-10) and use at least three prompts. I used shadow, pretend and mess.
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Nine year old Charlie lies in bed the night before September first. It's far too late to actually be awake. But to his right, Bill is pretending to sleep because he's too anxious. Charlie, however, is concerned about how the house is going to be without Bill there.
"Char?" Bill questions. His voice is low, as if their mother would bust through the door any second and give them a stern lecture about getting a proper night's sleep. "You still awake?"
"Yeah," Charlie replies, just as quietly. He turns over and makes out his brother's shadowy figure. Even in the dark, he can see his brother lift his blanket, and that's all the invitation he needs. Slipping out of his bed, he makes his way to Bill's bed, careful to miss all the mess and the creaky floorboards.
It takes a little wiggling to get situated, but they finally get comfortable, lying on their sides and facing each other. It's the comfort that Charlie needs and the support that Bill has been craving. And no words are actually needed, but Charlie hates silence.
"You'll write, won't you?" he asks. It's a foolish question because he knows Bill will; he just wants him to promise.
Bill nods. "Of course," he murmurs with a roll of his eyes. "'Sides, it's not really that long. You've got Percy –," he starts to reassure Charlie, but he's interrupted by Charlie's snort, "– Fred and George, too. You won't be lonely. I bet you won't even miss me."
Charlie snorts again. "Like that would ever happen."
"I'm trying to be serious here, Char," Bill mutters, sounding slightly offended.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Go on," he replies, grinning. But his grin disappears as he yawns.
Bill mimics him. "It's only a few months. And when I come back, you can tell me all the terror the twins got into and I'll tell you all about Hogwarts," he says. He yawns again, and closes his eyes. "Then in two years, you'll join me."
Charlie nods. His eyes flutters shut. "Sounds good." After a few seconds, he adds, "Night, Bill."
Before he slips into sleep, he hears, "Night, Char." And he knows everything will be alright.
A/n – So many thanks goes out to Paula, who is not only a wonderful beta, but a lovely wife. If it wasn't for her encouragement and support for this particular piece, I doubt I would've posted it. Thanks, love!