Chapter 10: Waking

Chapter 10: Waking

When I awoke, the room was filled with the early sun's gentle light; it must have been around eight. I had shifted a bit onto my back, and it took me a moment to realize that I wasn't the only one in that bed. I turned back onto my side and glared into the light to find a pair of considerably bright/awake eyes fixed on me- he had been waiting for me. "Good morning," I half-giggled, half-groaned. "You're up awfully early."

"Ja, I know," he returned too quietly and continued, "I was waiting for you to wake up. Couldn't sleep anymore."

He was being so quiet, and I grew concerned that his healing was regressing. "You alright?" I questioned.

He must heave read into my worries, so I was rewarded with the 'sexy smile,' which immediately chased away my fears.

I shook my head and turned to sheer bluntness. "How in hell have I managed to keep my hands off you, hmm? You know you 'had me at hello!'"

He laughed quietly, "I don't know. How have you managed, huh?"

Well-played, sir…I mused…you're a pain, but I have to admit that being teased has never felt so fine.

"Well, suffice it to say that I'm not going to keep them off anymore…if that's alright with you…"

I didn't even wait for him to answer. Nor did he even bother trying to. We erased the modest position we'd somewhat maintained through the night, and with a soft groan, he flipped onto his back and drew me close with his good arm. I propped myself up on one elbow while my other hand drifted from his cheek to defined jaw and on to his neck. He was practically begging with his eyes for me to go in for the kiss, which I gladly did. Too sore to move, it was up to me to do most of the work (I know he was a little frustrated about that- Mr. Control). Nevertheless, the kissing grew more passionate than it had the night before (if that was utterly possible), and it did so quickly. I had just begun to savor the newfound glory of his neck when I realized that he was fighting for his lungs to keep up with desire- the lungs were losing.

"Shhh, it's ok, try and breathe deep," I tried to soothe. Good job, Maddy, you've killed him, I thought glumly. When he'd settled down a bit (but still clutching his chest), I stroked his temple and whispered, "Sorry, love. Just tell me when to slow it down, hmm?"

He smiled wryly, "But I don't want you to slow down, huh? Ah, hell, I'm useless," he sighed, referring to his inability to match my…effort.

I gave him an understanding smile and leaned down to kiss his nose. "I have to disagree with you there." Pillowtalk with Danny Archer- who would have thought?

I thought back suddenly to the morning we headed to Guinea to find Solomon's family. It was one of those days when, during the few moments I had to myself, I questioned Danny Archer's merit. To any reporter, his 'good' intentions were about as fake as could be imagined. At that point, I could see right through him, and it was obvious that he could have cared less about Solomon's family.

There was something remarkably different, though, between that trip to Guinea and the trip back.

On the way there he slept; he was clearly unaware of the roar of the helicopter as well as Solomon's pain (or immune to it), so he dozed with ease after having arranged himself among sacks of food for the refugees. He was such a paradox: amid all that suffering, here was a man who literally slept easily atop the little bit of comfort those refugees lived for. He was a white African king there, with an air of strength in his jaw even in sleep, as if to say, "Don't fuck with me, or I'll shoot you." Little did we know, then, that although he portrayed such a stern image, it was his own suffering that stole the ability to feel for anyone else.

After quite a scene at the refugee camp, we were back in the helicopter (sans Solomon's family and hope for retrieving one of the many children kidnapped by the R.U.F.). This time, Archer sat awake and quiet, likely contemplating how far away from there a single rock could take him. Suddenly, Solomon spoke, and Archer raised his eyes for the first time en route. "What you are looking for, Mr. Archer, is down there beyond those hills." His eyes curiously followed Solomon's forlorn gaze. I didn't bother looking out the window. I just glared at him, and it must have been quite a glare, for it made him lean back further into his corner. His eyes were certainly full of mixed emotions ("Maddy hates me for this. Wait, why should I care what she thinks? Why the hell do I care?") I, on the other hand, was at war with myself. Sure, I was furious that he had indeed used Solomon for his own selfishness, and poor Solomon wasn't exactly getting his side of the deal. The bulk of my anger was due to this fact.

However, there was something else. What he wanted was beyond those hills…along with staggering heat, thick wilderness, steep inclines, lack of provisions, and (oh yeah…) bloodthirsty rebels that would love to skin a white boy with pretty blue eyes...

Would he really subject himself to those dangers for a diamond? Stupid question; he did, and he paid the price. I was angry with him for blindly risking everything. How can he be so stupid? Why do I even care?

It wasn't until later on at Benjamin's that I actually figured out why he made me so mad.

I couldn't lose him. That was why.

"What are you thinking about, hmm?" He must have sensed that my mind was elsewhere.

I wasn't sure if he was ready to see my vulnerability or how much his near-death experience really hurt me, but he had to know. "I…um…I just don't want to let you go."

He took in what I said; I could see the wheels turning. Then he replied matter-of-factly, "Then don't let go," as he hesitantly touched my cheek. "I'm not going anywhere…unless it's with you, huh?"

That made me smile. I was still partially in shock from waking up with him (did he really tell me he loved me last night?) so my choice of words was still driven by emotions that couldn't possibly settle down. I think he understood my fear- I could see it in his eyes, and I think that's why his response was meant to lighten the mood.

I kissed his forehead. "Then do you want to come have breakfast with me?"

"Ja, alright. Maybe it'll give me some energy, huh? I could use some of that."

And with that, we began a new day.