"How long?"
It really wasnt fair. Who would he have dinner with in the evening, make breakfast for in the morning, and who would walk the dogs with him? Well, he did manage on his own fairly well, had been doing it for years after all.
But the thought of going back to doing that alone, even if only for a limited amount of time…
He didn't realize his eyes were tearing until he was engulfed in a hug that smelled of bitter smoke and the almost too strong cologne used in an attempt to cover up said smoke. It was a smell that had gone beyond familiar and straight into beloved.
"Hey, its only for a week. You'll be ok."
It was always oddly endearing to hear that gentle, gruff tone, the slight hitch. It was a private mannerism, something reserved for the quiet moments at the end of the day or the warm instant they both woke in the morning.
It was the tone of voice that made Cain feel special.
Inhaling deeply he turned his face, pressing it tightly against Jean's left arm. "Take care of yourself." He muttered. "Don't forget to eat. You forget to eat when you're busy."
"How about you pack me a lunch?"
The wistful note in Jean's voice brought a tiny smile to Cain's face. A bigger smile blossomed as Jean pressed a kiss onto the crown of his head. "It's going to be a proper lunch. Someone has to make sure you eat right."
Jean heaved an all-suffering sigh. "No snacks?"
He had such a pitiful look on his face…and he was going to be away… "Fine. A snack." Cain relented. "But only one."
Jean emitted a triumphant whoop, and all but smothered the smaller Cain in another rib-crunching hug before ambling off to the kitchen. Cain followed, a bemused but happy look on his face.
i didnt forget about you all, just been posting mostly on lj, and a few of you have wandered over to visit. if you want to keep on top of my writing, check it out. name is fireun there, same as here. and things generally get posted on lj long before i get them up in there. -loves you all-