She fell silent, closing her eyes, relaxing in his arms as she took the first deep breath she had taken in a while. * * * "For the time being?" he asked, his brow furrowing. "What's that supposed to mean?"
He quieted, relaxing as well. *** "Indefinitely," he replied quietly. "We will let you know first thing."
She sat up in a minute, looking down at him. “I should leave. I’m just glad you’re okay.” *** He nodded slowly. “Thank you.”
He looked up at her hopefully. "Will you visit again?" *** He gave a nod and dismissed himself, leaving.
She looked down, raising her eyebrow in an expression that was becoming endearingly familiar to him; she was about to tease him. “Nah, probably not.” *** (Zooo??
He squinted at her before rolling over dramatically. "Leave me to die, then!" *** (Yoop!) Some time had passed after this. The war ended in good favor. About a week after the news of victory, there was a firm knock at Charlie's door. Snow had begun to pile and silent snowflakes fell onto dark hair.
She laughed, reaching over and running her fingers through his hair again. "I'll be back tomorrow," she promised. "Get some sleep." * * * Charlie opened the door. The absence of friendly company had done a number on him; his blue eyes, normally bright and warm, were sunken. Dark circles plagued the skin under his eyes and his previously untidy hair was now a mess. He squinted in the gloom to see whoever it was.
He nodded. "I will. Thank you." *** It was a strangely familiar figure, a small, pained bow before standing. It was Wren. She had a few bandages here and there and her arm was in a sling. She looked like she was holding back her excitement to see her, searching his face.
She let her hand drop to her side before heading over to the balcony. She gave him a wave before climbing down, disappearing from sight. * * * His eyes widened and he watched her for a moment, clearly speechless. Tears filled his eyes and he moved forward quickly, pulling her into a hug, taking great care to not be too rough with her. He didn't seem to be able to say anything, staying silent for the moment.
He smiled at her as she left, lying back. *** She laughed slightly, hugging him back tightly as she buried her face in his shoulder.
She rubbed his back slightly, realizing how much she missed him as she began to get a little teary as well. "It's a long story.."
He pulled away slightly, looking down at her. There were definite tears in his eyes and he cupped her jaw gently, his hands shaking. "I can't believe you're here," he said. "I can't believe you're here. Come in, please."
