Weaver of Shadows

She looked at Daniel, embarrassed and a little annoyed. He had ruined that perfect moment. Then she banished those thoughts. It wasn’t his fault, after all he had been through.

She was filled with an emotion she had never known before. Could this be love? Tayen…was perfect. How could he not see it? - - - Daniel glanced over at them and began weeping again.

She leaned forward and kissed him.

She grinned, pulling him closer, face just mere inches from his.

She seemed to get a little nervous. “And? Are you going to now?”

“Don’t be sorry. I’m just grateful that you’re here. With me.”

She stared into those eyes. “Thank you.”

I do. She left his body, entering her own and pulling him against her.

Will you come back with me? Back to the physical world?

I am happy with you. And I said don’t worry about me. Let me help you, if you want me happy then do that. That will make me happiest.

I don’t think you understand. If there is somehow better, then I haven’t found it. I don’t think I ever will. Don’t worry about what I supposedly deserve. What I want is to help you.

Just let me help you.

She pulled him closer. Stop talking about what you deserve and start letting me help you. You deserve it, but even if you don’t then I’m still going to help you and care about you. If you don’t deserve it then so be it, but at least accept the gift then. You told me that I didn’t have to do anything for you to care about me. Well you’ve done a lot more than nothing, and yet you still have this silly notion that you don’t deserve help. Well you’re wrong. - - -

Because you care about me, and more than that, you deserve to be cared for. You just have to let me do it. It’s easier to let go, to give up, but that’s not what either of us truly want.

Daniel sat stoically, ignoring his own exhaustion. - - - Because I need you, I want you, you are everything to me. I can’t lose you. @The Aspiring Archivist

Daniel seemed relieved and drew his hands away, his tears still falling. He would have to leave her at some point, right? - - - She grabbed ahold of that voice, pulling closer to it. Why what, Tayen? @The Aspiring Archivist

Daniel sat silently, wiping away her tears and ignoring his own. - - - She tried again. TAYEN! @The Aspiring Archivist

Ooh, nice, trial of the fool is fun! What’s your record on the eternal ordeal?

She entered his body. Tayen! Where are you?

“Tayen!” She laced her hand through his, then wrapped her other arm around him.

Using my power of understanding, I gain the sandwich.

“I promise,” he said, a tear running down his own cheek. Helda held him tighter. “Tayen, please, stay with me. I need you.” she begged.

“Yes you do deserve to not be in pain. And even if you didn’t, just because you don’t deserve something doesn’t mean it’s not good for you.” “You won’t be. I’ll be here right with you.”

“No you don’t,” she said forcefully. Daniel brushed it away for her. “What is it? Why can’t you sleep?”

She gasped, then slid down next to him, cradling his head. “What is it?” - - - “Stay still, let yourself heal,” Daniel said comfortingly. “Do you want to eat?” @Just-A-Stick