[right][h2]Charlie's Catharsis[/h2][@BaronOBeefDip][/right]

[color=808080]Air huffed through Birkin's nose at the dad bod comment.

Charlie wrapped her arms around him and his body went rigid, shoulders pulling back on instinct. He caught himself. Forced his muscles to relax. The angle was wrong to return the embrace, so he allowed himself to be held.

For a moment, it was just them and the warmth.

She pulled back to wipe his face, and his hand rose. Hesitated. Then his palm found her cheek, thumb brushing across her skin.

"You managed to say it," he whispered. "So you'll be able to say it again. When we meet again..."
The rest lodged somewhere in his throat. His jaw shifted, working around words that couldn't come.

"You will find me, right?"[/color]