Happy Birthday, Betham!!!

A/N: Dear Betham, 
 
I'm so glad to have had the pleasure of knowing you over the past year or so through Rav and through your reviews. You've been a good friend, and a great cheerleader. When I asked months ago what people'd want to read, and you came up with these two boys, I never dreamed that they'd have this much to say. But I've grown to love them, so I figured who better to send you a birthday greeting with, than your very own Charlie and Carlisle. 

I hope you have a great day, and that you enjoy this glimpse into their lives. This scene is set after Carlisle returns to Charlie, and before Bella moves to Forks. 

Happy Birthday, sweets! *mwah!*

nae

Melancholy

I don’t need to look at the calendar to know what day this is. I just need to take in Charlie’s sorrowful mood to know that today is the day his parents died - a year apart.

Even after all these years, it’s still hard on him. He withdraws from the world, becoming quieter, gruff. Most wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between “every day” Charlie and who he is whenever this anniversary rolls around.

But I can.

It breaks my heart for him every time.

I’m the only one capable of getting through to him.

To pull him out.


Serenity

“Come with me, Charlie.”

I hold out my hand, smiling when he takes it.  He follows me out the door he just walked in after a long day at the station. He’d tried to get out of working but hadn’t been able to because two of his deputies were out sick.

Before long, we’re walking along First Beach, a place that’s become one of solace and refuge over the years.

Linking his fingers through mine, he squeezes, smiling tentatively.

We don’t speak. When we reach our favorite look-out, we sit down next to each other.

He leans into me, sighing.


Silver

We sit for a while.

I ask him to tell me about them, what it was like growing up.

As he talks quietly, he gazes out over the ocean, a faraway look in his eyes.

I listen as he shares stories about his dad and how they’d go fishing every month, just the two of them.

How his mother always had milk and cookies waiting for him after school, how she’d sit down with him as they talked about his day.

I smile when he says that she’s the one who taught him the gift of speaking well and wisely.


Lift

After a while, I can feel him start to relax against me.

His mood shifts as more pleasant memories take hold of him.

Taking my left hand in his, he brings it to his lips.

“Thanks, sweets.”

He smiles - a true one, this time.

Returning it, I comb my fingers through his hair. “Any time, love.”

His dark eyes study mine, shades of brown intensifying before he wets his lips.  He leans forward, tilting his head just so, and I sigh in anticipation as our lips meet.

Our kiss is sweet and gentle, a true communion of love and understanding.


Content

We stay at the beach long after the sun sets on this unusually warm October night, the Indian summer allowing us to linger longer than normal.

I’ve shifted to sit behind him, with my legs to either side of him and my arms wrapped securely around him.

Charlie’s eyes are closed, a tender smile on his lips as he rests his head against my shoulder.

His stomach growling is our cue to go home, where dinner waits. 

Before we leave, he pulls me close, holding me tight. He nuzzles my neck, breathing me in - humming softly as lips meet skin.