It's late at night when he returns to their home. She knows she should be in bed, but she had to stay and wait for him. She couldn't stand not knowing. He gasps when he sees her, and she understands. Her eyes are red from crying, dark circles surrounding them. Her long blonde hair is a mess of tangles.
He opens his mouth to speak, but she's already flying at him, burying herself in his arms as she breathes in his scent. He staggers back for a moment, but slowly moves his arms around her, too, clutching her. "Celes," he mumbles, again and again, burying his nose in her hair. The two stand there for a moment, Locke murmuring Celes' name, and Celes shaking, willing herself not to cry.
"You were gone for weeks," she whispers when they break apart. "Weeks, Locke. I thought... I wondered... You can't do this to me anymore, Locke!" She breaks down, tears streaming down her pale face as she pounds at his chest.
"I'm so sorry," he chokes out, not knowing what else to say. "Is the baby...?" His hand drifts down to her stomach, rubbing a gentle circle there.
Celes nodded. "F-fine," she manages to say in between small sobs. She pulls herself together, and continues to speak, her voice still shaking like a leaf in the wind."What if you didn't return, Locke? What would I do then? You can't keep going off like this!"
Her sadness mingled with relief is being replaced by anger. Anger at him, anger at Edgar (The one who keeps sending Locke on all the stupid missions, she thinks bitterly), and even a bit of anger at herself.
Locke's eyes grew a bit dull, grief shining through his gaze. "We need the money, Celes," he tells her gently, cupping her cheek. Celes slaps his hand away, and storms up the stairs to their room, slamming the door. He would sleep on the couch.
"I need you," she whispers softly, leaning against the door. Shaking her head, she curls up on their bed, closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep. They would reconcile in the morning. They always did.
Fin
Okay. This one isn't a new story. I posted it on my tumblr a few months ago, I just... never really got around to posting it on here. I know it's pretty short, but I was satisfied with it when I wrote it. :)
Reviews are always appreciated!
