Tomorrow
Inspired by the song Tomorrow by Daughter
Light poured in through the open window of the cottage, bathing the room in a hazy, white wash, much like a great deal of exposure in a photograph.
The room was chilled from the crisp autumn air, and it smelled of wood fires and the damp forest. It was invigorating.
She stood at the window, clothed only in his previously discarded t-shirt. Her eyes scanned the surrounding scenery, her red hair swaying gently in the breeze. She took deep breaths, willing the over-bearing worry to be exhaled along with the air in her lungs. It didn't work.
He awoke moments before, studying her meticulously. He loved moments like these; when she thought nobody could see her. She was unguarded. She was beautiful.
"Hey" he murmured.
She turned her head to look at him, smiling.
"Hey" she returned.
She turned back to the window.
He slipped out of bed, embracing the cold. Clad in only his boxers, he crossed the room and wrapped his arms around her waist. She relaxed against him.
"You must be freezing," he noted as they swayed side to side.
She turned in his arms to face him. He brushed her hair out of her eyes, and they kissed. Their breath could be seen, and it floated up above their heads, swirling and fading into nothing.
She pulled away first, and he continued down her jaw and along her neck.
"We have to go back, don't we?" she breathed, eyes still closed.
He paused.
He so badly wanted to say no. That they could keep going, and never look back.
They could settle down in a little cottage much like the one they were in right now, and stay there forever. But he knew that the world outside would follow them, and they'd try their whole lives to leave it behind. Wasn't much of a happy life if you were constantly running from something.
He knew that they could never do that, even if they wanted to. They were just too damn heroic. They couldn't pretend everything was all right while others were out there, fighting.
"Not until tomorrow" he compromised, and continued to kiss her.
She sighed. "That's too soon."
He stopped and looked at her, and she opened her eyes in confusion.
They held the gaze for a moment. Her eyes were bright and lit with adoration as she stared back at him. The world seemed to grow quiet.
"Then don't think about it."
She kissed him with urgency, and he reciprocated.
And they forgot. And they didn't think of tomorrow until the sun had risen the next day, and insisted that they leave.