Charlie took what she was handed, grimacing as she wrapped her fingers around the pencil that looked like it was made for someone who had hands twice her size. She hadn’t noticed how close she’d gotten to Luke when she’d leaned over to look at the pictures but she absolutely noticed the contact to her knee. They were too comfortable together, but that wasn’t anything new. Why did it now seem so much more heavy? Was it just Sam’s death, or their admissions last night? 

“I fucking hate the winters here,” she said softly, pulling her legs up onto the seat and towards her chest, wrapping her arms around them. Sam had ensured that they had a working fireplace the first year they’d been here, and he hadn’t touched another thing on the farm until he was sure they would be safe if the snow drifts or winds knocked out their power. Of course, there was a generator that came later, but there hadn’t been anything like curling up with him on the couch and listening to the wood burn.

She went about her usual tasks in the most mind-numbing way, attempting to pet the animals every now and then when she felt herself reminded of their present reality. Charlie didn’t talk much while they worked, though she did steal glances towards Luke as he moved around. Recalling the episode of pain he’d experienced last night, her worry grew. Was he going to be able to help? Would he be able to handle it if he was too limited to do what was needed?

But soon enough, the two piled back into the truck and moved back to the house. Sweat pooled in her hair, between her breasts, the small of her back… she needed a fucking shower. There was even a sheen over her arm as she reached out for the proffered water. A smirk appeared on her lips when Luke spoke. “Just being a bitch.” Her eyes lingered on his face for a moment too long before taking a swig. “You stink. You need to shower, and so do I.”

Her door popped open and she quickly moved, not willing to be in a confined space with Luke for more time than she needed to be. She didn’t bother waiting for him to tell her it was something he was willing to wait for and entered the house, immediately going upstairs. It was a quick shower but she could now feel confident she wouldn’t cause people to stay outside of a five foot radius from her. 

She dabbed some concealer under her eyes, which ended up being a stark contrast to her still red cheeks, and slid on another Army shirt before parading downstairs. When she saw him again, Charlie crossed her arms. “Where do you want to go first? I imagine you want to see Anna first, get whatever ‘personal effects’ you have.” It didn’t go without a little roll of her eyes, but it was the first time since Sam died she had felt a little bit more normal.