A/N: it took me some time but here's chapter four. I wanted Red to tell Lizzie what happened, but this is where the story took me. I hope that's okay. Next chapter he will tell what happened. I still want Lizzie to take care of him, let Lizzie be the strong one, the one he can lean on. Thank you for those who review and follow. I realise this ship has lost shippers but I still love this ship.
Chapter four
She impatiently waited for him in the kitchen. Looking at her watch it had been almost half an hour now that she'd left his room. She was getting worried. She had everything ready for him. She'd set the table. Coffee was ready and so was the bacon and eggs.
"Morning."
She'd been so lost in thought she hadn't heard him joining her. She turned around and was momentarily at a loss for words. He hadn't shaved, his jaw and chin covered with a rough stubble. It looked good on him. Another surprise were the black framed glasses he was wearing. Add to that his casual look, jeans and a checkered shirt, and she had to admit she liked this look a lot. Not at the current circumstances though.
Uncomfortable with her staring he ran a hand over his jaw before sitting down at the table. Though the shower had made him feel a bit more human, he still felt so much pain. He was glad Lizzie was here with him. However short it might be, her presence comforted him.
Silently Lizzie placed the eggs and bacon on his plate and handed him a cup of coffee. Her hand lingered on his shoulder before she prepared her own breakfast and sat down opposite of him. She observed him while she ate or better said she watched him push around his food on his plate.
"I know I'm not the best of chefs, but surely my food isn't that bad."
He didn't acknowledge her words, but she was sure he had heard her. She'd seen it in slight pauze in his movement. She had his attention. "You need to eat Red. You lost weight." Standing up she walked to him and sat down on the chair next to him. Putting her hand on his arm she looked at him. He wouldn't meet her eyes though. "If you won't eat for you, do it for me, please." She knew how to get to him. When she first got to know him, she thought he didn't have any weaknesses. Over time she discovered his weakness: herself. She was his weakness. He would always do whatever it took to keep her safe and happy. In the worst of times that could also mean he was willing to walk away from her. That was still something she feared.
He looked at her then and once more the sadness in his eyes tore at her heart. She took his hand in hers and entwined their fingers. "Why won't you tell me what's wrong?" She squeezed his hand. "I'm worried."
He didn't answer her but he kept her hand in his and with his free hand he began to eat his breakfast. Every few minutes his thumb would caress the back of her hand. Was it to make sure she was still there or was it a certain kind of comfort? She didn't know nor did she care.
"How about we take a walk after breakfast?" She suggested. The fresh air would do him good and maybe the walk would make him talk. He gave her a slight nod before finishing his breakfast in silence.
"Good morning Raymond." Dembe greeted his friend. He was glad to see him.
"Dembe."
"Is there anything I can do for you today?"
"Please cancel my appointments. I will be unavailable for the rest of the week. Take the rest of the week off."
Dembe glanced at Lizzie who nodded at him. He knew that his friend wouldn't be alone. "Call me if you need me." He said to both of them and left them alone.
A little while later they were outside walking down the streets. If he wasn't going to start talking she would make him talk. She would give him time though. She didn't want to force him and hoped he would feel comfortable enough with her to talk. A few minutes into their walk he took her hand in his. They didn't say anything to each other, but the silence wasn't unpleasant.
It was a beautiful spring day. The trees were turning green again, the birds were singing their songs, and the flowers were starting to bloom. She loved this time of year. She lead him to a bench in the park and they sat down. She looked at him from the corner of her eyes and still saw the sadness, but he also seemed tense. More tense than before even. Maybe this walk wasn't doing him any good at all.
"Will you tell me what happened?" She turned her body towards him.
He stared into the distance. He didn't want to talk here. He couldn't. He wasn't going to break down in such a public place. The pain was still too fresh, it hurt too much. He did want to tell her, wanted to share this part of him with her but he didn't know where to start. She'd never seen him like this before nor did he want too. Yet he also couldn't hide from her. Not when he felt this weak.
"Please Red, talk to me." She held his hand in hers. "I just wanna help."
"You are." He whispered.
"Red?" She didn't know what to do.
"I can't. Not here, Lizzie." He swallowed thickly, hoping she would understand.
"Okay." She nodded. "When we get home then."
"Okay."
Accepting his reason she leaned against his side and put her head on his shoulder. His arm immediately went around her shoulder and pulled her closer. She felt the tension leave his body when she wrapped her arm around his waist. He kissed her forehead before he lay his head on top of hers.
"Thank you, sweetheart." He said, his voice rough with emotion.
TBC...
