Even when writing Stella's thoughts I knew I was going to end up writing Mac's perspective. I have a hard time writing Mac so I don't feel as if this one is as good as the other. You know I love reviews! Those of you waiting for more "Again and Always" it's coming...eventually...PROMISE!
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That blanket.
I walk to my office and notice its use before I even get to the door. Stella, sitting sideways on my couch, wrapped in the blanket she gave me, sleeping. There is worry on her face. Even were she not in my office, on my couch, using that blanket I'd know the reason: me. More accurately: me on the top of that building. I've never had anyone worry about me the way Stella does. Even Claire, though she was quite capable of taking care of herself, preferred to let me take the role of protector. She was so proud of my military background. Stella though, seems to think I need protection and when she cannot protect me I know she comes here; to my office, to the blanket. I now have solid evidence of this. But I knew before now. There has been a lingering scent after certain stressful events. She smells of pomegranate. It is not overwhelming but every time I smell it, it causes me to stop what ever I'm doing and just breathe. I have to work at not getting too distracted when I'm near her. The scent has not been on the blanket too often. The most recent time was when I returned from that case where the man on the plane was killed. I had stayed late to get some work done and when I went to use the couch and blanket the scent came over me, relaxing me. I slept well that night, feeling as if she were near.
Deciding to let her sleep, I enter my office, intending to get some work done and allow her to wake on her own. I sit at my desk and look at her for a moment. She is wrapped very tightly in that thing.
I know she checks the blanket every morning. Shortly after she gave it to me, I noticed her eyes straying to it daily and finally realized she was checking to see if I had slept. So when I use it, I now intentionally leave her small clues to alleviate her mind. I will also admit that it is also a tiny bit out of self-defense. When she knows I that I haven't slept I'm lucky to get only a "look". We've never discussed my use of that blanket but she knows me well.
And I know her. She is unaware that I know of her fear of heights. She hides it well. I'm not sure if anyone else knows; she's never even told me. But I know: I've seen her in high places, she controls her breath and looks down only when necessary. It's the heights that drove her here I'm sure. I can't imagine how she reacted once she found out where I was. No, that's not true. Knowing her, she maintained her composure until she finished what she was doing then came here and just sat, wrapped in the blanket until exhaustion and worry overtook her.
I realize that I have been staring at her for some time now. I guess if I am to wake her I ought to soon. Otherwise I might not get anything done. Knowing she startles out of her sleep easily I approach quietly, kneel before her and softly touch her face as I call her name.
The scent of pomegranates envelopes me.