Book Club, The Blue Man: exotic, blue, freak

Character Appreciation: Hogwarts

Disney: "What do you want me to do? Dress in drag and do the hula?"

Shannon's Showcase, Belarus: magnificent, rose

Sophie's Shelf, Detective Durpin: "Its not cool to disagree with me."

Word Count: 443

"Tonks? Hey…"

She looks up, scowling. Ordinarily, she wouldn't mind Charlie's company, but she can't stand the thought of being around anyone right now. "Hey," she echoes, the bitterness clear in her tone.

And yet part of her wants to melt. No one else can intrude on her secret hiding place without getting hexed into oblivion. Charlie Weasley has always been special enough to be the exception to the rule.

Tonks bites the inside of her cheek, tugging nervously at her turquoise blue hair. She had always feared she would be considered a freak for her ability. It didn't matter how many people used lovely words like exotic, she still felt insecure. Charlie had helped her through that. He's the only one she's allowed to break down her barriers and try.

"Rose, chocolate," he says, holding each item up in turn, a grin on his lips. "Tried to sneak some wine, but the house-elves weren't cooperative today."

Tonks can't help but to smile, the smallest of laughs spilling from her lips. Only moments ago, she had been eager to drown in her misery and curse David Ogden for cheating on her. Now, Charlie has made things feel a little better.

"What do you want me to do?" he asks, sitting next to her. "Dress in drag and do the hula? Because I look damn good in a skirt."

Her laugh is louder now, stronger. "That would be a glorious sight," she snorts. "Absolutely magnificent."

She takes the rose from his hand and lifts it to her nose, inhaling the sweet aroma. "Why are you so nice to me?"

"Because you deserve it."

Tonks rolls her eyes. "I don't," she says. "I'm not special."

"You are. And it's not cool to disagree with me," he counters, smirking.

"No one ever accused me of being cool," she laughs, shaking her head. "What's the real reason? Everyone deserves to be treated nicely. Why do you make such an effort with me?"

Charlie wraps an arm around her. "Maybe I fancy you," he says. "Maybe I have for the past four years, and I don't know how to tell you."

"I think you just did."

Charlie grins and leans back, pushing his free hand through his red hair. "Yeah," he agrees with a chuckle. "I did."

"Good. Because I fancy you too."

For several moments, neither speak. Finally, after what feels like an eternity of comfortable silence, Charlie leans in, kissing her cheek. "Wanna try to steal some wine? I think if you distract them, I can manage."

"You know me too well."

And, as they often do, her problems seem to fade away with Charlie around.