The Way Things Are
Chapter 21
Disclaimer: I do not own Darksiders.
Julie paced on the porch, watching for Katie to arrive back from the glade. She was nervous because her friend never stayed the entire night out there and hadn't returned yet. Also she knew she would never leave without telling her goodbye. She gave a sigh of relief when she finally saw her friend break through the trees. Her heart soared for her friend however when she saw the rider following close behind.
He had not forgotten her and had come back for her. Her and her friend shared a knowing glance as she stepped up on the porch. Her friend would go with the rider if he couldn't stay. Julie inclined her head gently to the horseman and then took her leave and went back to her small house to give them some privacy. War watched the woman leave, thankful she had been here to tell him how to find Katie again.
Katie returned a few moments later dressed in blue jeans, a long sleeve tight fitting black shirt with the red fabric wrapped firmly around her neck. The change in her appearance was slight but noticeable. She was harder than she had been before and he knew it was his fault. However it was not a bad thing that she had learned to be harder, it would help her survive. Just as her softening him a bit was good for him.
She gave him an appraising glance, "When are you leaving again?" He bowed his head a moment, thinking of how to ask her to come be with him, in his home. "I cannot stay here in this realm Katie." She nodded and swallowed back the tears. She wouldn't beg to be allowed to tag along.
"When will I see you again War?" He kneeled in front her and took her hands into his while holding her gaze before she could start crying. "You can see me every day. Bring your horse, bring your things, and come be the lady of my home." She let her mouth drop open before closing it sharply. Anger flared to life within her and he saw it in her eyes.
She snatched her hand away from him before standing to pace the porch. He patiently waited for her to say something, it was clear he had said something to piss her off. "Am I your whore? You want me to come stay with you so I can be there when you want me?"
Then he realized his mistake, he had forgotten to tell her why he wanted her, these things mattered to humans. "Come live with me in my home, Katie, be the lady of my home. That means I wish for you to be my mate, be my wife, be my lady and I love you."
She froze and looked hard at him, "Say it again." He chuckled and smiled at the hope lighting up her face, "I love you Katie." Katie let out a cry and ran to wrap her arms around his neck, raining kisses all over his face. "I love you too!"
Finally she stopped and looked speculatively at the house across from hers and back at War. "You can visit whenever you wish." She smiled and took off in a flash to go tell Julie the good news. She came back a few minutes later with wet eyes but smiling.
She went inside to pack what few things she needed or wanted to take with her since she could always come back for more. War watched Julie saddle Katie's horse and bring it to the porch before joining him. She was quiet for several minutes before she turned to the horseman. "War I swear if you hurt her, I will hurt you."
He should have been angry at the blatant threat but found he couldn't and looked down at the older woman. "I plan to take very good care of her. You don't have to worry about that." Julie patted his arm lightly, "Forgive me, I love her like a sister and I want to know she is happy. I believe that you make her happy."
War regarded the woman with new respect and smiled at her. They both turned when Katie came back out with a loaded bag over her shoulder and a huge smile plastered on her face. She moved to strap the bag to Honey's saddle and turned to give War an expectant look.
Julie walked with them to the clearing where the gate was and War opened his own portal. Katie wrapped Julie in a hard hug before stepping back. "I will be coming back to visit, as often as you would like Julie. However I do still have duties as a Gate Guardian so I have something for you." She handed Julie a small milky looking stone. "If there is ever trouble, call me with that stone." Julie nodded curtly and stepped back to watch them leave, tears of joy and sadness coursing down her face.
Katie held War's hand in one of hers and led the horse through with the other. The portal shut with a flash of red light and they were gone. Sighing Julie looked down at the stone in her hand for a moment before turning to head back to her home.
When Katie and War reached his room they were met by the others, all smiling at their brother as they saw her accompanying him. Fury and Strife hugged her, crushing her between them until she was breathless and then they stepped back. Death approached her and placed his hands on her shoulder before looking at his brother and her with smiling eyes, "Welcome home sister."