If I can stop one heart from breaking
If I can ease one life the aching
If I can ease one life the aching
He lingers until her breathing has deepened, and waits even further beyond that to ensure any movement will not wake her. Only then does he maneuver slowly from beneath her to kneel beside the couch, taking her limp form into his arms to carry her into the guest bedroom. Taking the time to tuck her in and place a kiss upon her brow. While it is still called the guest bedroom these days, it has nearly become her own - made evident by the way she relaxes into it, clearly subconsciously recognizing the bed she has been placed in.
He stays at her bedside for an hour or two more, watching over her. Then he retreats to the front door with a pillow and blanket, and stubbornly sets up camp with his back to the doorframe. It is mostly performative, but whatever will make her feel safer is worth a night with a cricked neck and stiff joints.
- - -
He awakens the moment she opens the door, and groans quietly to himself as he stretches his sore body. Hearing Sohalia shuffling about in the bathroom, he catches a sparse glimpse of her as she ventures into the kitchen next. Brows furrowing, the Stalwart abandons his blanket and pillow to leisurely shuffle after her, ensuring she hears the sound of his feet so he won't startle her.
"Need some help kiddo?" he grumbles in sleep-gruff deep tones, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes and summoning his first smile of the day for her.
He stays at her bedside for an hour or two more, watching over her. Then he retreats to the front door with a pillow and blanket, and stubbornly sets up camp with his back to the doorframe. It is mostly performative, but whatever will make her feel safer is worth a night with a cricked neck and stiff joints.
- - -
He awakens the moment she opens the door, and groans quietly to himself as he stretches his sore body. Hearing Sohalia shuffling about in the bathroom, he catches a sparse glimpse of her as she ventures into the kitchen next. Brows furrowing, the Stalwart abandons his blanket and pillow to leisurely shuffle after her, ensuring she hears the sound of his feet so he won't startle her.
"Need some help kiddo?" he grumbles in sleep-gruff deep tones, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes and summoning his first smile of the day for her.
I shall not live in vain
HARPER
