A/N: Thank you for all the reviews and follows. I am glad you liked the last chapter. Here's the next chapter. Red and Lizzie are on the road to recovery. They spend some nice time together in this chapter. I hope you enjoy.
Chapter seven
What it exactly was that woke him, he didn't know. He was disoriented though, not only due to the fact he'd been sleeping upright and his back was hurting, but more so due to the weight in his arms and against his body. Lizzie he immediately thought. She'd fallen asleep in his arms and apparently he'd fallen asleep too. Though her tears had dried a while ago the anguish on her beautiful face was still there. He hurt for her and what she was going through. He hoped though that their last argument would be a break through. She hadn't really reacted to his declaration of love and though he understood, part of him hurt. She was the only person in his life that could leave him feeling utterly exposed and vulnerable. She clearly didn't know the power she held over him.
Staying on the couch wasn't an option for either of them. He didn't want to wake her up. He wanted her to have a good night's rest. Securing her in his arms he carefully stood up. Sensing the movement Lizzie started to murmur in her sleep. "It's okay." Red whispered softly and she immediately settled down in his arms. Gently and softly he carried her through the living room, up the stairs and to her bedroom. Lowering her onto the bed Lizzie stirred again.
"Red." She whispered in her sleep. "Red." She said once more, this time a little distressed.
Immediately he stroked her hair, hoping it would reassure her. It did. She sighed softly and seemed to settle down. He was glad that at least in her subconscious he was a reassuring presence for her. He was reluctant to leave her, to loose the feel of having her in his arms. But he had to leave. "Sweet dreams." He whispered, allowing himself to run his hand through her hair one last time.
Lizzie woke up that morning and felt like she'd finally gotten a good night's rest. She didn't remember getting into bed. Last she remembered was crying her heart out to Red and how he'd held her in his strong arms. She groaned and turned on her back. He had bared his soul to her and she'd reacted by falling apart. Yet it was his confession of love that made it clear it was safe for her to let him in. She took a quick shower and pulled on some jeans, long sleeve shirt and a long vest. On her way to the kitchen she didn't see Red anywhere. Preparing a cup of tea for herself she didn't hear him join her in the kitchen.
"Good morning." Red greeted her as he walked closer and leaned against the kitchen counter. "How did you sleep?"
"Good." She said softly.
He observed her for a moment. He liked her casual look with those jeans and the long vest. She looked rested, her eyes showing no anger or sadness. It reassured him that last night had really been a breakthrough. But he also saw she was nervous and he understood. He also noticed something else in her eyes, something he didn't want her to feel at all. "Don't feel ashamed." He said acknowledging the shame he saw. "There's nothing to feel uncomfortable about."
"That's easy for you to say. You didn't break down like I did."
"It isn't any easier to see someone you care so deeply about fall apart." He gave her a pointed look and saw her small nod.
"How do we.."
"Proceed?" He finished for her.
"Yeah."
"One step at a time and trust in each other."
She nodded her agreement. She mirrored his position against the other counter and looked at him. He was wearing jeans and a thick sweater. She ignored the urge to cuddle up against him. She felt calm for the first time since their arrival.
He let her watch him and smiled at her when he saw her look at him with a soft smile on her face. "How about after breakfast we take a walk. It's beautiful here and you haven't truly enjoyed it yet."
"I'd like that."
"Go sit down. I'll make you breakfast. You need start eating well again."
Before she sat down she stopped Red from walking past her to the fridge. She grabbed his wrist. "Red?" She waited for him to look at her. She pulled on his wrist, leaned on her toes and wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you." Her words, though muffled by his chest, were loud enough for him to hear.
"You're welcome, Lizzie." He kissed her hair and tightened his arms around her for a moment. He was thrilled that she was seeking out his comfort once again.
Closing the cabin door behind them, Red turned to Lizzie as she waited for him. He pulled on his leather gloves and with her at his side they began their walk. It was cold but with already a bit of sun shining through the trees it was a nice day. He knew a good path that lead along the small lake and through the woods. He glanced at her as she walked next to him. Her hands in her pockets, her coat buttoned up and the collar upright to keep the cold away. She had a thick scarf wrapped around her neck and on her head a knit beanie cap. He liked the way it looked on her.
"It's beautiful here." Lizzie started. "How long have you owned this place?"
"A couple of years now. I like it here. I like the peace and quiet and the surroundings. It's my escape from the world. I feel comfortable here."
She nodded. She understood. This place was an escape from their daily hustle and bustle. "I bet it looks beautiful in summer too."
"It does."
"You go out on the lake with the boat to fish?" She asked.
"Sometimes to fish, other times I just like to get out there on the lake. I've always enjoyed being in or on the water. It has a certain sense of freedom."
They walked in silence some more. She was glad there was no awkwardness between them after last night. She had him to thank for that. No matter what he always seemed to be able to calm her down.
"I've never brought anyone else here. I've always been here alone." He needed her to know that he'd never shared his sanctuary with anyone else before. "I brought you here in the hope it would be as much as a sanctuary for you as it is for you."
"It is." She glanced at him and saw him watch their surroundings. She walked a bit closer to him and hesitantly reached for his hand. He looked at her, surprise written all over his face. She smiled shyly at him. "Thank you." She said acknowledging what he'd just shared with her and thanking him for bringing her to the cabin.
TBC...
