fragile minds

When he helped her up, she folded into him. She remained in that position for precious moments and, before long, she was reaching up to cup his face. She closed the distance between them, pressing her lips softly against his. I love you. She whispered the words against his lips then carefully trailed her lips along his jaw. I meant what I said about celebrating, by the way. If nothint else, she could always distract him from his thoughts for a little while.

She knew her absence would only make things worse but, for tonight, they could play pretend. You shouldn't put yourself out. I'm no stranger to sharing a bed with you and I think, tonight, I could use the company. How he took that was, of course, up to him. She tucked her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes. Her heart ached, knowing what was to come. As much as she tried not to think about it, it became all she could think about.

When she felt like she could stand on her own at last, she reluctantly pulled away from him. Lead the way. For now, she would follow his lead. As soon as she saw an opening, she would take it. She wanted to stay. She wanted to stay more than anything, especially now that she knew Chip was here and that he was safe, but she couldn't trust herself. She had to protect that which she held dear by any means necessary, even if it meant breaking her own heart in the process.