He looked down at her fondly, ruffling her hair. "I missed you too, my solemn friend." * * * "I do," she protested. "But I don't trust you when you're drunk."
He smiled too, but there was a twinge of sadness. He moved away from her again, returning to his chore. Dust swirled when he moved some of the books and he sneezed twice. * * * "No, you're drenk. Drunk." She laughed at her mistake, resting her head against his shoulder.
"Thank you," he said stiffly. "Dust. It's dusty." * * * She laughed in surprise, but she kissed him back, her hand coming up to cup his jaw.
"I need to sweep," he said slowly, looking down at the ground with a frown. * * * She gave him a small grin, raising one eyebrow. "So, what, you're okay with kissing now?"
She went to pick up the broom, giving it to him. "I could help, you know." *** He tilted his head at her. "I like it."
"No, you can't," he said instantly. "It's not your job." * * * "It's nice, right?" she agreed. "Kissing is really, really nice. You're learning."
He gave a small nod as the door opened. Catarina walked in, her gait powerful. "Charles, my dear, it's time for the sermon," she began, her speech dying as she saw Wren. "Oh. Are you not dead?" * * * "I'm glad you came with me, tonight," she said, letting go of his hand and gesturing towards the wall.
She looked over at Catarina, frowning slightly. "No, I'm alive." *** He started toward the wall. "I'm glad too."
She frowned, but said no more, turning to Charlie. "Come, now. It's time." He didn't seem to like this, looking over at Wren. "Catarina, I just found that my best friend is alive. I would like to skip today-" "That is precisely why you must go," Catarina interrupted. "God has granted you the ability to see your guard. You must thank Him or risk losing your guard all over again." Charlie pursed his lips before standing, intending to follow. Catarina headed towards the door and Charlie looked at Wren with a small smile. "Sorry, Wren," he said, too quiet for Catarina to hear. "I can't risk losing you again." * * * She watched him go, her gaze soft before she turned to leave, heading for the gate.
She gave him a small smile. "That's alright. I'll be around." *** He started back up to his room with a yawn.
The door opened and Catarina came in, her lips pursed. “Wren.” *** His father stood before him, raising one eyebrow. “Ezekiel.”
