InsaneJournal

It was a good thing, thought Charity, that she'd picked up a paperback in town. They'd walked back to the beach, where she'd spent the afternoon and evening reading while Severus sang Elton John songs to the empty sky.

Charity turned the last page and threw the book over her shoulder.

My stars might have been read on the planet Mars
Because I don't have foresight to see
If we'll still be together in the twenty-first
In the twenty-first century

She wasn't familiar with that particular song, but she'd have bet a year's salary it was an Elton John song.


* * *


The song faded into silence as the last light of the sun faded behind them. Charity stared out at the moonlit sea.

"Mars ain't the kind of place to raise a kid..."

The waves rolled, relentlessly, back and forth.

We don't have to go back. She was that close to saying it.

"I'm sorry."

Charity's head snapped up. Severus sat, knees drawn up to his chest, staring out at the moonlit sea. Under her breath, Charity sighed.

"Thank you," she said, softly.

He kept his eyes on the sea. The slightest inclination of his head indicated that he had heard.


* * *


Charity shifted sideways, inch by inch, until she was leaning against Severus.

He turned away. "I thought I wasn't any good."

She slid her arm around his back. With her other hand she cupped his face, turning him towards her. "You know that's not true."

Moonlight glittered in the darkness of his eyes. "And why should I believe you now?"

"Because--" She smirked. "Actions speak louder than words."

"Hm." His mouth quirked.

"I'm sorry."

He arched one eyebrow. "That Mars bar seems to be having a curious effect upon me."

"Dunderhead," she murmured as he leaned in to kiss her.