Clockwork Love

Photograph

Photograph (Charlotte/Henry)

You can fit me

Inside the necklace you got when you were sixteen

Next to your heartbeat where I should be

Keep it deep within your soul

Charlotte hesitated. She was on the stairs that led down to the crypt where Henry was instead of in bed like everyone else at the Institute was. She didn't want to disturb him but wanted him to notice what was going on and her. It didn't take long for her to descend the stairs and peer inside to see Henry tinkering with something, his flaming hair stuck upright.

"Henry," She called loudly, "Henry."

It took a while for him to respond and tear his gaze from what he was working on.

"Hello darling," He smiled childishly, "What is it?"

"Its late. Everyone's in bed," Charlotte explained.

She moved closer to his desk, seeing a flash of bronze as he swept something up in his hand.

"What are you working on?" Charlotte asked.

Henry's face lit up with delight. It wasn't often she asked him since he went off into speels that she didn't understand or he did a demonstration which ended up with his sleeve on fire.

"It's a surprise," He grinned.

Charlotte was mildly taken aback as she was expecting a detailed speech on what he was designing for the Shadowhunter's to use. Henry was smart in his ideas but they didn't all carry out precisely how they were meant too.

"Well then," Charlotte righted herself, "I'm going to bed," She announced.

Henry nodded absentmindedly.

"Do get some sleep," Charlotte muttered as she took the stairs, feeling a pressure on her chest.

Henry seemed to care for her but his laboratory and inventions seemed invaluable to him in her eyes.

Charlotte sighed as she got to the top of the steps and walked down the passage, heading for their lonely room.

~

Henry opened his hand to reveal the bronze object he had just managed to hide from Charlotte. As he had said, it was a surprise. A surprise that was almost finished.

Part of him knew he should go upstairs, to bed, lying next to Charlotte but the dominant, typical Henry part of him kept working on the project until it was finished and he was slumped, asleep on the desk in the laboratory.

~

Charlotte was reviewing files at her desk when Sophie came in.

"Mrs Branwell, Master Branwell wants to see you," Sophie told her.

Charlotte looked up, "Henry wants to see me?" She questioned, furrowing her brow.

"Yes m'am," Sophie nodded.

"In his laboratory?" Charlotte checked to be certain even though that was Henry's permanent home.

"Yes m'am," Sophie repeated.

"Thank you Sophie," Charlotte said as she got up, lifting her skirts and hurrying out of the room.

Charlotte went through the Institute quickly and took the stairs down to the crypt.

"Henry?" She called, "Sophie said you wanted to see me."

"Darling!" Henry examined, emerging from behind a crowded shelf, "I finished my project."

"Oh," Charlotte mumbled, "What is it?" She asked.

Henry smiled and began to walk towards her, "Shut your eyes."

Charlotte wearily shut her eyes hoping not to get permanently blinded. She could sense Henry moving around to her side, warmth radiated of him. A cool object hit her as Henry placed something around her neck and fiddled with it at the back of her neck.

"You can open your eyes now," Henry said.

Charlotte opened her eyes to the light and glanced downwards to see a bronze locket around her neck. It was cool on her bare skin. Henry's eyes landed on her as she fiddled to open the locket. Once open, two pictures were visible.

"Henry," Charlotte gasped a little, "It's beautiful."

Henry grinned shyly at her before his eyes flitted to the locket. The first picture was on their wedding day where smiles appeared on both Henry and Charlottes faces. The other picture was of the Institute family. Everyone Charlotte loved was accounted for.

"I wanted to make something especially for you," Henry said quietly.

"Thank you," Charlotte felt her chest lighten with her earlier worries gone.

"You deserve it Lottie," Henry took a step closer to her.

Charlotte smiled. He so rarely called her Lottie, affection wasn't his thing.

"Now you can keep us all close to your heart," Henry added.

When Henry wrapped his arms around Charlottes petite form, she was a little surprised. She loved the affection though and embraced him back. Henry's lips pressed against her forehead for a second before he straightened up and smiled.

"Thank you," Charlotte muttered again.

"I'm not good at many things Lottie," Henry mused and held up a hand at Charlottes open, ready-to-object mouth, "A lot of things actually but I want to get better. I want to be a better husband who shows you affection and is there for you. I want to make you proud." Henry smiled slightly at his words.

"You are a good husband and do make me proud," Charlotte objected, "I could also be a better wife."

Henry scoffed,"Charlotte darling, you're perfect the way you are."

Charlotte moved towards Henry and as if they had the same thoughts, he lifted her up around the waist to kiss her. When Charlotte was back on the ground, Henry's fingers held the bronze chain.

"I think I may have to add more picture sections since we will have plenty more photographs for the heart," Henry mused over his ideas once again, making Charlotte laugh.

"As long as I get to wear it forever," She smiled.

"Of course, by your heart where it should be," Henry gave a impish grin.

All doubt was erased from Charlotte. She loved Henry. He loved her. It was picture perfect like a photograph.