Chapter Ten- All of the Things That Make You Who You Are

Achilles and Pat shared many traits. Even at one year old, his father's nature showed itself. He was stubborn sometimes, wanting not to do as his parents or nurse directed. He never threw temper tantrums, but sat; staring at the person, he deemed his opposition. The green eyes of the child cut through almost everyone, even Achilles. All save Briseis.

She could stare him right back, dead silence between them for hours. The baby always yielded, the swirling brown of her eye rock hard then suddenly soft and kindly. He'd giggle at first, then slowly but surely, walk over to his mother's arms. He just started to walk, holding onto everything to reach his destination. His favorite support of course being his father.

Achilles sat, arm extended as Pat gripped his hand and walked from one point to another. He moved with a confident step, wobbling with each movement. But his father was always right there, preventing his fall. You could see the pride and happiness in Achilles' face whenever his was with Pat.

Achilles lay in bed, watching the moon slowly ascend the sky. His fingers twisted in Briseis' hair. Her head was on his chest, warm breaths floating across his bare skin. They hadn't seen much of each other that week, negotiations, and meetings between nations causing the rift.

She was asleep when he entered the room, her pink nightdress covering her side of the bed. She shivered slightly from the breeze but found warmth as Achilles wrapped his arms around her. Now she held tight to him, recognizing his skin, scent, and heat even in unconscious sleep.

His thoughts drifted in and out. He realized how much time he had spent with just his son and not her. Although she made no complaint, he felt as if he neglected her. It had been since before Pat was born that they spent time together as a husband and wife. She shifted against him, hand sliding down to his abs. He turned his head and kissed her forehead, inhaling the scent of fresh jasmine off her curls.

But it wasn't just the meetings that put a time constrain on them; it was Achilles himself. The negotiations weren't going as well as thought and war was imminent. He didn't want to fight, but he made a truce with many nations and if they went to war, he went to support. Briseis knew of the negotiations being harsh, but to his knowledge, she hadn't heard of anything else.

The soft skin of her lips pressed against his neck. She was awake and watching him as thoughts ran through him. He smiled and leaned in, cupping the side of her face, kissing her with gentle possession. Briseis pulled herself closer, savoring his heated breath and kisses on her neck. He pulled back and stroked her cheek.

"What is it?" she asked, seeing something behind the steel shield of his eyes.

"Nothing," he said softly, letting his gaze follow his fingers. He stroked the column of her neck with a feather-light touch. "I haven't seen you in a long time."

"I've always been here," she smiled quietly. He smiled as well, happy to see she wasn't bitter or upset with him. They sat for a second in silence, and then kissed again. As she leaned back, she felt his hands slowly push the hem of her nightdress up, rough fingers on her silky skin.

Briseis sat watching the sunrise alone. Achilles was still asleep. They made the decision for war the night before, keeping him away until the early morning. She watched as he lay, Pat on his chest sleeping as well. Their son stayed up all night, stubbornly refusing to sleep. When Achilles returned, however, he snuggled close and was soon fast asleep. Tears crept into the corners of her eyes, realizing how long Achilles might be away.

The heat of the sun touched her back, making her turn and look out. The water sparkled and shimmered under the new day. The city was waking up, the market already alive with early shoppers. Briseis leaned against the wall were it met with the balcony. She felt tired and dreary, but with Achilles leaving in the late morning, it was understandable.

"Briseis?" She turned as Achilles came out on the balcony, Pat in his arms. She leaned against him, touching her son's face sweetly.Achilles kissed her forehead, combing the hair out of her face. He knew she was worried about his departure. He told her after the night they spent together about the negotiations. Automatically, sadness came over her features.

"How long will you be gone?"

"A month, maybe two. I will return as soon as I can." He felt her nod against him, pressing her face into his forearm. Achilles shifted his arm up and pulled her into a hug. Briseis snuggled close to him, closing her eyes tightly. He pulled back slightly to look into her face. She didn't look up because of the tears slowly falling down her cheeks. He cupped her chin, pulling it up gently and locking eyes with her.

"Promise me one thing?," she whispered, not wanting to wake their child.

"Anything."

"Come back to me."