Ward paused and breathed deep before he stepped back in the kitchen door. The air smelled delicious. Sofia and Penny loomed by Eva as she pulled the pies from the oven with Jim and Daniel standing in the opposite doorway watching the ladies.
"Mm, we should break into the pie now and play a game before heading to the Hop." Sofia drooled.
Eva shot her a glance before bumping her sister out of the way with her hip and turning to set the hot pie on a pot holder. "No. We are saving the pies for tomorrow after dinner." Sofia and Penny's eyes widened with betrayal while Jim chuckled to the side. "But I'm down for a game," she glanced at Ward as the door closed behind him. "How about it, Ward? Up for a game?" She didn't meet his eyes.
Ward swallowed, "If any of you suggest Monopoly, I'm getting back in my car and going home."
Sofia turned on him, "Why?" She smiled sweetly. "Bad at money games?"
The corner of his lip tugged up a fraction, "You play, I'll watch." He leaned back against the wall as Eva frowned at the towel she was setting over the pies.
Daniel sauntered further into the room, "Maybe he's just afraid of losing. Whatever we play, we would end up playing couples and he knows they just couldn't handle us." He planted a light kiss on Sofia's temple and Eva turned her frown from the pies to Daniel.
Sofia straightened up, "Nah, we don't need him. Let's play that picture game! Where someone draws something and everyone has to guess what it is!"
"We need teams for Pictionary." Eva stated, leaning against the counter with the pies safe behind her. "Which would even out if mom plays since a certain someone never joins us." All three women turned a pointed look at Jim who shifted his feet and made a show of picking at a sliver in his hand. "Or," she went on, "one person could draw at a time and we can do individual points."
Daniel turned to Sofia only for her to bump him away, "You're all going down! I'll grab the paper!" Just like that, she was out of the room.
Penny grabbed the wine glasses and carried them to the dining table. Daniel grabbed three beers from the fridge and handed one to Jim and offered the third to Ward who took it with short nod and followed them to the dining room and reclaimed his positioning with the wall at his back. Eva and Penny sat to either side of Jim with Daniel claiming the next spot by Penny. Sofia came thundering down the stairs with paper and a pen, and sat next to Daniel, leaving an open spot on Eva's other side. "Alright, Switzerland," Sofia started, "bust out that phone and give us our topics." Jim rolled his eyes and dug his phone out while Sofia took her out her own cell and set up background music. Jim leaned over and whispered into Penny's ear and she pulled the paper in front of her.
As she began her sketch, the others leaned in blurting out answers until Sofia shouted "The weather channel!" Penny grinned and set the pen down. "One point to me! Let's play to- what?" she glanced at the clock behind her. "Three points?" Jim took the used paper and wrote names on the back, putting a tally by Sofia's.
Ward opened his beer bottle and took small sips as the game continued. Eva caught Daniel's "Jungle" and was tied with Sofia when Jim slid his face down phone to Sofia so she could see her prompt. Ward circled the table quietly and sat next to Eva who still hadn't looked him in the eye. As Sofia scribble away in broad strokes, Ward rested his chin on his hand and watched as a hunched over person took shape with ragged, old-fashioned clothing. His eyes narrowed and he leaned forward just a touch before smirking and looking at Eva next to him. She had her head cocked to the side and an eyebrow raised, but she was smiling at her little sister as Penny and Daniel howled out possible answers over the music. Ward tapped her elbow gently and was rewarded with her glancing over at him questioningly. He tipped his head towards her and whispered, "peasant."
A small laugh bubbled out of her and she looked back at the picture, "Peasant!" Her shout was more controlled than the others' but Sofia grimaced at her and set the pen down.
Jim marked down a second point for Eva and gave her and Ward a light, knowing smile.
Well that's progress, I suppose.
"Oh my god," Daniel leaned back in his chair, rubbing his face with both hands, "I can't believe I'm losing to everyone."
Penny cleared her throat, "It's not looking so good for me either."
The game ended when Sofia got her third point from Daniel, with Eva sitting at two points just behind her. "I'm so nice to you, letting you win all the time." Eva pat Sofia's hand across the table.
Sofia stuck her tongue out at Eva briefly before sitting back, "Don't you two think I didn't notice that canoodling with him whispering you words to try either! You cheating cheater faces!"
Ward sat back as well, raising his eyebrows and innocently looking to Eva who glanced over and made a drinking gesture with her hand in front of her face. He stifled a snort while Sofia slumped her face in her hands and Daniel rubbed her shoulders.
Penny slipped out of her chair, "Children, children, stop fighting. We played too long. The Harvest Hop is starting in 5 minutes and I seem to remember you girls said you had dresses you wanted to wear. You boys should be fine though." She waved at Jim, Daniel, and Ward as she wandered off to her own room to change.
Ward looked back at Eva as she stepped out of her chair, "Harvest Hop?" He really did try to keep the dread from his voice. An uncomfortable smile graced Eva's face as she rubbed her neck.
"Ah, yeah, it's a dance. A festival. There's a lot of food. And dancing. Just a little." Eva's eyes finally, cautiously made their way to his. Sofia said she loves to dance.
He nodded, "Sounds good."
Her smile brightened at his consent and she placed a hand on his should as she walked by him to run upstairs after Sofia. He ignored the loss he felt when her hand was gone.
He could not ignore the discomfort at being left with just Jim and Daniel so suddenly. He shifted straighter in his seat as wrapped his fingers around the bottle still in front of him. Moments passed in awkward pseudo-silence as Sofia's phone thankfully continued playing music. He watched Daniel from the corner of his eye shift uncomfortably in his own seat. I guess I'll start the conversation then. Joy always made it look easy. Ward turned to Jim, "So Eva said you work as a carpenter."
Jim glanced at Ward before returning his eyes to his own bottle, picking at the wrapper. "Yeah, going on about 32 years now."
Ward blinked at the table and hummed. He's been in that field longer than I've been alive. "What are your favorite projects to work on?"
Jim leaned on the table and smiled slightly looking over at Ward with the least hostility he shown the whole evening. "Out of everything? Including buildings and shit?" He looked out the window passed Ward. "I guess that would be furniture. My favorite piece is a bench I made a couple decades ago. I hadn't made one before and was determined to come up with the design on my own. It was a poorly decided mess." Ward gave slow smile. The bench in the woods. "Eventually I got it right and when we moved here, the girls were adamant that we bring it with. So it's sitting outside here somewhere now. Probably wanting to fall apart."
Ward nodded, "Yeah, I think it may be the one Eva and I walked out to it earlier. She seems to think it's going to last forever." He took a drink, silently patting himself on the back for the smile Jim now wore.He'll at least tolerate me soon enough.
"It seems to move every time the girls come out to visit." Jim smiled down at his beer and Daniel leaned forward cocking his head to the side.
"Ah, I'll have to ask Sof to show me later."
Sofia glided into the room, adorned with a low-cut, bright red dress with dark nylons, her make up less dramatic than usual. Her overall look less dramatic than usual. "Show you what?"
Daniel's shoulders visibly relaxed as she sat down next to him. "The bench your dad made. You are beautiful."
"I know," she smiled. "Yeah, Eva and I put it in the clearing down the path this time. I promise we didn't hide it." She smirked to her father.
Jim's smile grew wider, but it brightened even further when Eva, wearing a more modest, darker red dress with a scarf wrapped loosely around her neck and shoulders slipped into the room quietly. She took her seat back next to Ward and gave him a shy smile before grinning over at her father. "So, dad, your dance card all full or can you squeeze me in a dance or two at this deal?"
Jim grimaced and leaned back in his chair, "I don't know, the teller at the bank has been eyeing me every time I go in these days and I know she's going to-"
"My god, James! I can still hear you! And that secondhand money-grubber can find her own date!" Penny's voice cut through the air and Jim winked at Sofia as she giggled.
Still smiling, Eva leaned back in her chair. "So how are we getting there? Two cars or piling in to one?"
Sofia groaned, "We're not even leaving yet. Do you really have to have everything planned all the time?" She leaned her head on Daniel's shoulder.
Eva fidgeted with her scarf but glared back at Sofia, "Well it is kind of vital for getting from point A to B."
Well they sound tenuous. Siblings. "We can use my car if needed."
Daniel leaned back, "Alright! Dog pile in Ward's car!"
Eva's eyes widened as she stole a look at Ward, "Shotgun!"
Ward glanced back and forth between the two, "Wait, just my car?"
"Yeah!" Daniel was already set on the plan, "You two can sit up front, where we can keep an eye on you." He wiggled his eyebrows at Ward and Eva, "And us four will cuddle up for warmth in the back." Daniel grinned down at Sofia.
Eventually, they donned coats and filed out of the house into the cool night air before piling into the car.
Ward looked over at Eva beside him in the front. "I think this is the most people I've ever had in here," he quietly confessed. A slow smirk answered him as he turned the key. What was it that Glen said that other night? Oh, if he could see me chauffeur now.
"Of course," Eva gently pointed out, "this means you're the DD. Unless you want me to drive tonight." She smiled and looked at him from the corner of her eyes.
Jim's voice sounded from the back, "I'm the driver later tonight, you kids do your party thing."
Ward cringed inwardly at being referred to as a kid- with a party thing, but then, Jim and Penny were at least 20 years his senior so he decided to ignore his irritation and agreed that it would be okay.
Upon arriving at the pavilion, Ward pulled up in front and suggested they all get out and he'd park. Sofia and Penny purred at what a gentleman he was, but Eva said she wanted to go with him, joking that he could get lost on his own. That's how he soon found himself walking, arm in arm, alone with Eva. I'm not mad at this situation. They were silent for the most part as she kept by his side walking up to the large doors. Ward grabbed the door for her and she gave her shy smile, still avoiding his eyes. Shedding their coats at the front, they were assaulted by music and roaring laughter and the sound of dozens of conversations as soon as they handed off their tickets. Small tables around the parameter of the large room held a variety of foods creating a mesh of delicious scents that made Ward's mouth water. I forgot lunch again. He scolded himself. Did I eat breakfast even? He swallowed, eyeing the stands with want.
"Jesus, Ward." Eva laughed, "If you were hungry you should have said something!"
He looked down at her and gave a slight smile. "I just became painfully aware that I forgot food today. Can I grab you something too? What's good?"
He saw her giggle more than he heard it over the din, she stood on her toes, balancing by holding his arm as she spoke directly into his ear as he leaned down, "I'll take a hot turkey sandwich from the third booth down the line. I'll grab drinks and meet you at the table they got!" She pointed and his eyes followed to where her family had claimed a table. He nodded and made his way off to get the food.
There are a lot of people here. After waiting a couple minutes he finally got to order. He looked towards the bar where he'd last seen Eva only to find her missing from the line. His heart pounded in his chest until he turned to the table and saw her sitting beside her father.
Carrying the paper plates, he weaved through the sea of strangers until he got to the table and set the plates down, taking a seat, once more, by Eva. She turned to him and grinned, holding a glass already half empty. The corners of Ward's mouth tipped up, "Eva, you might have a binge drinking problem."
Eva's grin turned wicked, "My only problem is people. Don't be part of the problem, Ward." She clinked her glass against the one sitting in from of him. "A whiskey sour for you. And a whiskey kiss for me." She took her sip as Ward let out a short laugh.
"This guinea pig can drink to that." He nodded. Eva hid her smile behind her own glass as he took a brisk swallow of his own drink. Devouring his food, Ward listened to the others point out couples they knew and gossip. There, this is fine. Normal isn't so hard.
"Oh! Dad! The Jeffrey's are here tonight!" Eva twisted on the bench so that she could watch the dance floor. Jim smiled and followed her gaze over her shoulder. Glancing over at Ward, Eva smiled as well, "They are my favorite couple to watch dance. It's beautiful really! They've been together for ages and you can tell with how they each move." Her eyes, now vibrant, were back at the dance floor, watching an older couple twirl about in perfect rhythm to each other.
Two more drinks passed before Eva turned back to her dad and raised her eyebrows. Jim sighed, "I am a tired, boring, feeble, old man. Go dance with your date."
Ward choked on his whiskey and barely heard Eva over his coughing.
"Harsh, dad. Really rough there. You aren't that tired." Jim's eyes crinkled with his smile at his eldest daughter. "Come on, Ward," Eva took his hand as she stood up and lightly tugged for him to follow.
This time when they reached the dance floor, he didn't let go of her hand. The music was much louder closer to the small band and he smiled, patiently waiting for her to face him and take her position in front of him before placing his other hand on her waist. She smiled up at him as they joined in the dancing. It was a quicker beat than at the lounge, but they made it work. They danced passed Sofia and Daniel a couple of times, and even Jim and Penny. Soon Ward learned that Eva would laugh whenever he twirled her and they were rapidly getting dizzy. The last song they danced to was him spinning her non-stop as she laughed and they stumbled to a table to sit down panting. Eva's eyes were shining in the atmospheric light and Ward was laughing at her grin before leaning in and saying he'd get more drinks. Eva nodded happily and settled into the bench.
Ward continued to keep an eye on Eva from a distance, barely admitting to himself that he was having fun. It's nice to actually have someone to have fun with for a change. Standing in line at the bar, Ward watched as two young men approached Eva's bench, one of them sitting down next to her. He scuffed his foot against the floor, impatient for the drinks so he could return. She stood up and flipped them off. That was definitely not a happy gesture. The two guys tailed after her as she walked off and Ward left the bar, using quick, long strides he closed the distance and stepped in front of the two men, keeping Eva behind him. They all looked at each other before one of the men grinned at Ward and turned to his friend, "Look Sammy, the spider got herself some new prey."
Ward inwardly winced, noticing the glassiness of their eyes. Are they that intoxicated? Are they serious right now? Isn't there a drink limit at these things? "No offense gentlemen," his voice was low and even, "but I don't think she's interested in your company." He felt Eva's hand gently tug on his arm as she softly said his name at his shoulder.
Sammy eyed Ward a second longer than his friend did before smiling as well, "Oh we just wanted to ask if she knew where our buddy Keith has been these days. That was before we remembered he's dead." The two looked passed him with bitter smiles to where Eva shifted her feet, her light grip still on Ward's arm. Christ, what assholes.
"Ward, let's just go. They're just assholes." Yes, they are.
He eyed the two men, before nodding stiffly and turning to follow her. The second man reached a hand out and grabbed Ward's arm, smirking and about to say something but stopped when Ward shoved his hand away roughly, baring his teeth, and shoving a finger in the man's chest. "You don't touch me," he growled. "And stay the hell away from Eva."
"Ward." Her voice was firm and he turned to face her, her eyes went wide. "Wait, no!"
He spun around and was able to move just enough for the punch to glance off his jaw rather than landing solid. The man righted himself before moving to swing again, but this time Ward saw it coming and pushed the punch to the side before giving a sharp jab to one of the man's kidneys. He ignored how disturbingly similar it was to his father's favored move. I am not like him. He repeated the thought to himself as the man sagged against Ward with the sudden pain. Sammy swore and grabbed his friend's other arm, hoisting him up and guiding him to a nearby chair.
Ward turned to where Eva had been standing but she was already rushing through to an exit. He cursed under his breath and practically ran to the coat rack ripping his coat off the hanger and grabbing hers as well before flying out the door and chasing after her. He called her name and saw a figure turn around off in the dark. He slowed to a walk, finding her shivering.
"Why didn't you just leave it alone?" The tears in her furious eyes glittered in the moonlight.
Ward stopped, her coat in his hands. "I did- I was going to." He softly pointed out.
"We could have walked away!" She hissed.
Ward clenched the coat in his hand, "Well the guy punched me first! Remember? Did you want me to not defend us then?" His voice was louder than it should be and he didn't miss the way she flinched. Damn it all!
"After you yelled at him!" She soldiered on. "They would have left me alone eventually- they always do! And I don't need you defending me! That's not your place!" She was nearly shouting herself at the end.
Fuck, this was supposed to all be easy. He took another small step forward and kept his voice soft as she stepped back, "Alright, Eva. I'm sorry this happened. I know you don't need me to do anything for you." She glared back at him and he stopped walking and ran a hand through his hair. Just be honest, no need for lies here. "Look, Eva, my whole life- okay? It was my whole life." He could feel the tears in his eyes as he pushed his hair back again, struggling to keep his voice steady. "I don't cope well when people invade my space either, okay? He grabbed my arm and I panicked. Alright? I panic too! I'm human."
Eva stared back at him, eyes still guarded before she looked down and nodded.
Ward's eyes rested on her as they stood in silence. "So," he drew the words out after a few seconds, "can I give you your coat?" Eva looked up at him, shivering in the cold night air before nodding again. "Thank you," he said softly as he approached her and held her coat for her to slip into. He lightly rubbed up and down her arms once the coat was on before he let his hands fall away when she didn't look at him. They continued to stand there, not sure what to do. Ward glanced back at the doors, "Should I give your dad the keys and we can walk back to the house? Or did you want to go back inside?" I really don't want to go back in there. He looked back at the ground and kicked at a rock, then watched her feet shift as she thought about the options he had suggested.
"I think- maybe a walk could be good for us."
Ward looked up at her face and nodded in relief, taking a couple steps back towards the pavilion but slowing when she didn't follow. Taking in the look in her eyes, he nodded again holding his keys up, "I'll be right back." She just nodded and turned away.
Stepping back into the noise and crowd, Ward looked out over the mass of people for any familiar faces. He spotted Sofia and Daniel laughing together at one of the tables and made a beeline for them. "Hey Sofia, Daniel-"
"Fuck, Ward, what happened to your jaw?" Sofia leaned forward, brow furrowed with concern.
Ward winced. That bad, huh? "It met a fist. Eva and I are going to walk back to the house. Some assholes were being assholes and it just kind of killed the party for us."
Sofia drew her shoulders back, "What? Who was it? What happened?"
Ward shrugged, "One called the other Sammy? Anyway, you two take my keys so when you're all ready to leave you can."
The blonde's eyes flared, "Sammy? John and Sammy are here? I hope you fucking castrated those bastards!"
Ward and Daniel glanced at each other with wide eyes before looking back to Sofia. "Um," Ward hesitated, "I'm pretty sure my punch hurt him worse than his did me, but that's all I got," he offered lamely.
Sofia scowled and snatched his keys, "Get home safe, Ward. And you make sure she's okay."
He nodded and left the pavilion, finding Eva tucked into the same shadow as before. After a moment of looking at each other, they began the long walk back, hands stuffed in their pockets and space between them.
Punched in the face and kissed in the same day. I'm doing well. Ward glanced over at the woman walking next to him. She looked pale. Great. I ruined her Thanksgiving. I'm doing so well. Such a great guest. The walk was a silent one between Ward, Eva, and the plump, waning moon up above.
When they finally reached the house, Eva simply went to her room before coming out and heading into the bathroom without saying anything. Ward listened to shower start as he shed his clothes and donned sweat pants and a t-shirt for bed, trying not to think. The shower shut off and there was silence until he heard one door open and another close across from his own. It was still fairly early, but he brushed his teeth, washed his face, and pulled the quilts back to laid down. Normally at this time he would be consuming copious amounts of caffeine, or alcohol, or pills, but he had no drive tonight and sleep was a welcome thought. So he popped a single Valium and laid there waiting for his eyes to close and run away with his bad dreams. Ward steeled himself for sleep. Waiting to hear his father's voice, his sister's voice. Both insisting on how hungry they were. They were hungry most nights.
Instead he heard a light tapping at his door followed by Eva's voice, quietly saying his name. If he'd been asleep, he'd have missed it. He didn't respond but the door opened a crack anyway and she padded in quietly. "Ward?" Her voice was soft but he turned his head to her in the dark as something in his chest tightened.
"I'm awake." He said equally quiet. He watched her shadowed figure pause in the darkness before it closed the door and came closer, sitting on the edge of his bed. Ward slid up to lean against the wall.
For a few seconds they just listened to each other breathing in the dark before Eva finally spoke, "I'm sorry for how I reacted. I got scared and I shouldn't have put that on you." Her voice was still a whisper despite being the only two in the house.
Ward looked at his shadowy hands, considering her words. "And I'm sorry I ruined your Thanksgiving. I'll leave in-"
There was a scoffed "No!" before a hand reached out and took his. "You didn't ruin anything." A cool thumb stroked his fingers, back and forth, back and forth. "I'm sorry I made you feel like it was you." She drew a deep breath. "I was actually very happy you came here," she confessed to the dark, "I still am."
The tightness in his chest widened. "Me too," he murmured, returning the grip on her hand lightly.
Silence reigned for a moment before Eva let go and stood up again, padding to the door. "Goodnight, Ward."
"Goodnight, Eva." His voice was barely a breath as the door opened. He watched her stand in the doorway before she stepped back into the room, closing the door and once more approaching his bed.
"Ward?"
A smirk threatened his lips, "Still awake."
A heartbeat passed before she went on, "Can I stay with you tonight?"
Ward's lungs stopped expanding as he replayed her voice in his head.
"Not like," she began, "I don't mean as in- I just don't-" She sucked in a breath and started over. "I don't mean in a relational sense, I guess? I don't expect anything from you. I just... I don't want to be alone. And I want to be with you," she finished lamely, discomfort making a home in her voice. He was certain she'd be blushing.
Ward brushed his bangs back and forced himself to breathe again. Purely platonic. That's fine. He nodded before his mind caught up to the fact that it was dark. "Of course," he consented before shifting to the side to make space for her. He felt the bed adjust as she crawled in under the covers, keeping her distance. He laid on his side, facing her and allowing her distance, listening to her breathing. Soon her breaths evened out and deepened. "Eva?" He waited for a response that never came. Focusing on her breathing, Ward eventually drifted off to sleep-
Only to wake up hours later, panting, the room still dark and Eva's even breaths still whispering. He could feel the warmth emanating from her body. We must have gotten closer to each other while sleeping. He ignored the want in his head, but still reached in front of him until he felt a soft, thin fabric, different from the sheets. Hm, what does she wear to sleep? It was dark. He gripped a fold and stayed still, waiting, fighting the urge to toss and turn. Finally he let go and carefully slipped out of the bed, grabbing his phone from the table and using the light to look for his pill bottle. Once he found it, he took three, as quietly as he could before setting the bottle back on his table and sneaking out of the room.
First he went to the kitchen and downed a glass of water, hoping for the pills effects to hit. Then he moved to the dining room and sat in one of the straight-backed chairs, folding his hands and resting his forehead against them. Eyes closed, he waited for his father's voice to stop echoing in his head. I created you, you belong to me. It would repeat over and over. The insults Harold would hurl at him a soundtrack to his sleep deprived nights. Ward opened his eyes and hazily reflected on the day instead, culminating with Eva asking to stay with him, the tone of her voice when she said she wanted to be with him. He accepted that she had no romantic or sexual feelings for him, but he had to think of anything other than the voices of his family in his head. So he put her on repeat instead, and day dreamed about her smiles, how she looks so surprised when she laughs and strives to cut her giggles short. The way her skin would feel under his hands.
Ward sits awake, and waits for morning, dreaming of the woman upstairs in his bed.
–
Eva opened her eyes to the dark. It wasn't uncommon for her to not sleep for very long. My blankets feel- wait, no, I'm in Ward's bed. She froze her fidgeting and listened, but didn't hear his breathing. "Ward?" There was nothing as she built up the courage to reach out and feel for him before finding that she was the only one in the bed. She slid out from under the covers and padded to the light switch. The light confirmed that he was gone, but his belongings were still here and she spied the pill bottle on the bedside table. She walked over and picked it up. Lorazepam? Why does Ward have Valium? She set the bottle down and crossed her arms in front of her before rubbing them for warmth. The small clock on the dresser read 1:13. I wonder if he's okay. She turned off the light on her way out of the room.
The house was dark as she tip toed down the stairs. She turned the corner at the bottom to see Ward propped up by his arms at the dining table, his face covered by his hands and his hair falling forward. The man was still, shoulders rising and falling microscopically with each breath. "Ward?" Eva whispered, aware that her family would be home and in bed by this time. She crept up beside him and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Ward, come back to bed," she hesitantly commanded.
His hands slowly fell as he turned to her. The garden lights shining in through the window illuminating his morose eyes. "Eva." Her name was more of a breath again as he reached for her hand, a glitter of what looked like hope flashing on his face.
This close, with the light from the garden she could see the glassiness in his dark eyes, the red rimmed lids. She swallowed thickly. He's high? "Ward," she brushed the hair from his face until he released her hand to grip her waist and pull her closer. She ended up on his lap, his arms gently trapping her as he rested his head on her shoulder.
"Eva," he whispered again, raising his head and drifting his lips lightly against her neck and shoulder.
Her heart hammered between her lungs as she fought to keep her breathing steady. It's okay. He just wants comfort, that's all. It's not like he's kissing me or anything. He paused at the slope of her neck and gave a slow, soft kiss to her collar bone, sliding a hand up along her back, the other ghosting from her waist to her thigh. Shit. Oh boy. Okay. She took as steadying breath and leaned away. "Ward," she whispered firmly, using a hand to make him meet her eyes. God damn it, how can he be so sad? She took in the look in his eyes and the set of his down turned lips and rubbed her thumb along his jaw where a narrow bruise had blossomed. His hand at her thigh raised and gently cupped her cheek as he leaned towards her lips. Her breath caught even as she firmly set her hands on his shoulders and pressed him back. He stopped leaning forward and looked at her as though he was in a dream. Well he is high. Most definitely. And maybe still a little drunk. She forced herself not to acknowledge that he was trying to give her such attention. She also disregarded how lean and solid his body felt against her. Nope. Not thinking about that. "Ward, not right now. Not when you're like this." She maintained firm eye contact even as his eyes drifted in and out of focus. At least he's nodding.
He dropped his head back to her shoulder, and all his hands did from then on was help to support her sitting on his lap. She swallowed again. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "Everyone's gone these days."
He's lonely. A knot formed in her stomach. That's all, he's just lonely. He misses the assholes that left him. "I'm here," she said without thinking. "You have me," she wrapped her arms around him and held him loosely.
He made a sound somewhere in between a laugh and a sob before going quiet again. "I don't even know if I'm free or if they are all coming back. I don't know if I found all the cameras and microphones. There could be even more at home. And they're still starving. I hear them at night. They're still so hungry." He shivered against her and her hug tightened.
What the hell is he into? This is a bad trip. "You're safe here, Ward," she whispered into his hair. "You're safe with me." Another shiver racked his body and she leaned back, her hand tugging his chin up so she could look him in the eyes again. So broken. They could be downright beautiful. Like glittering ponds in the middle of the night- She cut the thought off, she didn't need to fantasize about his eyes right now. Especially while sitting on his lap with him clearly not having any inhibitions. She forcefully pushed the memory of his hands and lips trailing on her skin away. "Ward, are you going to be okay?" She tried to steady the quiver in her voice.
His hand reached up again and his fingers trailed from her chin to resting his palm against the back of her head. He leaned his forehead against hers, barely adding a nod before closing his eyes.
She let him rest like that for a moment before rubbing his shoulder. "Ward, let's get you back to bed." All we need is for mom or dad to come out of their room. She warily glanced at the door in the living room, just a few paces away as she felt another nod from him. She slid off his lap and watched him stand up, swaying slightly until she took his arm in her hands and slowly guided him back to his room, gently hushing him when he murmured her name in the hallway. She helped him back into his bed and hesitated before tucking the blankets up around his shoulders and turning away to leave.
"Eva!" A hand gripped her wrist and her finally settling heart gave more solid pounds. It's okay. It's just Ward. He's just lonely. I'm okay. He's okay. She looked back at him and questioned her own mind. He looked like shit. "Eva, don't?" His eyes were desperate, and his voice sounded as though he was drowning and couldn't finish the question. She swallowed a third lump in her throat before nodding.
"Okay, just let me get the light," she whispered, peeling his hand from her wrist. After flicking the switch she stood by the door, considering her options. The door is right there. But Ward's tentative voice drew her back to the bed and she slipped in beside him, shivering as his arms wrapped around her and pulled her back to his chest, him bending to fit against her body. He's just lonely. It's okay. It's okay because so am I. She felt him tuck his face close the back of her head and she begged her heart to slow down even as his breathing steadied and his body finally relaxed into sleep. She focused on the rise and fall of his chest against her back, her heart responded and steadied in turn, slowly letting her drift back to sleep.
