Change the Future

*Charlie*

Rory and Charlie were sat with James and Lily.

"So you're my daughters husband" James says looking at Charlie.

"I am" 

"Thank you" This takes Charlie by surprise. 

"What for" Charlie asks a bit confused as Rory links her hand with his.

"For being there whenever she needed someone and not believing her when she lied about being okay" James says looking at Rory. "I'm glad she has you" Rory smiles at her dad. 

"I'd do anything to make her happy" Charlie says smiling at Rory as Lily and James send each other a smile. 

Charlie and Rory head off with the others to their rooms. The moment the doors shut Charlie turned, wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her flush against him. His lips met hers with a tenderness that was both desperate and grounded.

“I’ve been wanting to do that since I got here” he whispered against her lips, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek before kissing her again, slower this time. Rory rested her forehead against his, breathing him in.

“I love you, Charlie”

“I love you too, Nova” The nickname made her smile, but it faded quickly.

“Charlie” Her voice was soft, uncertain. He stepped back just enough to look into her eyes.

“What’s wrong?” She hesitated, then spoke barely above a whisper. “I’m scared. About what this all means” Charlie furrowed his brow.

“What do you mean?” She swallowed.

“What if us changing the future… what if it means there isn’t an us in the future?” Silence lingered for a beat.

“Rory” he said gently, cupping her face in his hands. “The way I feel about you? That doesn’t just disappear. I’ve felt it since I met you. Even when we were just kids and didn’t understand what it meant yet. If everything changes… if somehow fate takes us on different paths” He paused, his voice thick with emotion, “then I’ll still be grateful. Because I love you enough to want you to have everything. Your best friend and parents. I'd prefer you to have never gone through even half of whats happened to you than for me to be happy. Even if it means I lose something” Her bottom lip trembled and she blinked hard.

“Charlie” He pressed his forehead to hers, eyes closed.

“I’d choose your happiness over mine every single time”

“I love you, Charlie Weasley” she whispered, “You’re one of the best things to ever happen to me”

“I love you too, Aurora Weasley” he smiled, brushing his thumb along her cheek. “And I swear I’d find you in any lifetime” She let out a soft, tearful laugh.

“We have one thing on our side, at least”

“What’s that?”

“Our mums” she smirked. “No way they’d let us stay apart for long” Charlie chuckled, a quiet, warm sound.

“That’s true. Destiny’s got nothing on Molly Weasley and Lily Potter.” He kissed her again, soft and slow, before pulling away. “Alright. Come on, love. Let’s get you to bed. I know you haven’t slept properly in days” He pulled back the covers and guided her in, wrapping her gently in his arms once they lay down. She curled against him without hesitation, cheek resting on his chest. “I’ve got you” he murmured into her hair.

“I know,” she breathed, already half asleep.