A/N: Angsty one-shot that happens when I stay up way too late and my brain takes one thread of inspiration and spins it into a whole story before I know it. Like literally, this story feels like it wrote itself at times. I wanted to finish it in one go, for best "consistency" but my brain started futzing around 2:30am and so I was forced to go to bed. Exploring more of Adam's feelings, and his guilt, of hurting her in order to save her, and Sio's reservations at that guilt. Takes place shortly after Sio's promotion. Starts angsty but it has a happy ending…
Warnings: It's R-18, but it won't be quite as explicit as my usual smut. In fact, I'd hesitate to call this smut…more like, mature content?
He doesn't look at her anymore.
Well, that isn't entirely accurate–they encounter each other in the hallways, during the battles, and when she's giving orders and commands to which he always responds with a nod and 'of course.' What she means is that he no longer looks at her that way. The way when his emeralds smolder and darken, even though he never says a word she knows that he is secretly undressing her with his eyes, and the second they get a reprieve they will retreat to one of their rooms to fulfill that hunger, that desire they have for each other. Sometimes it's easy to tell, other times it still takes her by surprise, the passion that they have for each other.
He no longer looks at her like that.
At first she doesn't think too much on it; so many things have happened–Asao's death, her return, and the dreadful advancement of their alien foes. Of course there isn't time to focus on their personal lives–not when the fate of the planet comes first.
But then she convinces him to share her room, if only so she won't be all alone at night, suffering her own fears by herself; he agrees immediately of course, that is hardly a surprise. In the beginning it is nervous and exciting and overwhelming all at once; they no longer have to keep sneaking around, finding excuses to go somewhere. They have their own retreat now, a place only for each other, and she relishes the ability to be held in his arms, night after night.
Of course they make love–as often as every single night, at least in the beginning they did. Soft, hard, fast and slow…it feels like no matter what position or mood they try, it always ends up feeling amazing. But lately it hasn't been like that, or at least not like that.
He still waits up for her every night, that is for certain. She's amazed at how steadfast he's been, making sure to never fall asleep before she returns from her exhausting schedule, sometimes lasting well until nearly dawn. But then again he's always been stubborn, so it shouldn't have come as a surprise. The surprise is that he doesn't seem to be as enthusiastic anymore; most of the time she initiates it now, and though he unfailingly obliges, his eyes are different now; the emeralds are duller, no longer rich and sparkling. She can't remember the last time he actually looked at her straight in the eye. Most nights he seems only focused on satisfying her as soon as possible, nevermind if he is or not–'I'm fine, just tired'–is a common excuse these days. It's not that she isn't satisfied–for he is a kind lover and knows precisely how her body works–but somehow, even the strongest orgasm still leaves her feeling hollower and emptier than when she first settles into bed.
She knows something is wrong; yet neither of them have the courage to say it. Their relationship having already narrowly survived a literal death sentence, her own excuse is to 'wait until things have settled down', but it's a flimsy excuse and deep down she knows it. The war is only getting more serious and involved from here on out; their chances of having a quiet moment to digest and reflect on their own feelings will simply have to wait. For now, she manages to convince herself that at least they are together and mostly safe, and even if things between them have been getting more and more strained lately, well, it's better than having nothing at all. Her mind blames it on the increasing levels of stress they are experiencing, her as the new strategist and he getting sent off to every corner of the world, fighting against monsters that never seem to stop spawning; on the death of her best friend, and countless others that they were unable to save.
Her heart knows these are just convenient lies, though.
One day she happens upon the rare occasion of Newton having tea by herself, and the older woman naturally invites her to join. One word, then two spill out, and before the scones are even finished she's choking out her fears, her insecurities of this relationship possibly not lasting before the war ends. "I don't understand–but, I feel like he's so…distant lately. What if, what if he…no longer loves me?" She cries and cries for what seems like an eternity, the blonde very sympathetically lending both ear and shoulder as the sniper sobs, until at last no more tears are to be had.
"Oh Sio…there there. I know it feels like the end of the world, but I don't think so. It's natural for relationships to hit a plateau after a while. Especially given the circumstances…normally I'd say this is a sign for you two to take a nice getaway to some tropical country, but we both know that's not exactly an option…" The blonde winces at her own answer, but they both know it's the truth. "Think of it this way; the beginning of anything is always the most exciting–it's new, it's fresh, there's so much to explore and learn. And after a while, things become…well, more settled. You get used to it, you fall into routine; surprises become fewer–though trust me when I say this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Think of it as, um…well, like, wearing a comfortable shirt and fireworks." The statement is met with a stare of pure skepticism, but Newton pretends she doesn't see it and continues plowing through.
"In the beginning, it feels like there's fireworks all the time; as time passes, you start trading the fireworks for a comfortable shirt. Perhaps it's not as flashy nor exciting, but it's familiar and comforting. And you still get the occasional firework, here and there, which makes those moments even more special."
The sniper doesn't really understand any of these analogies, but she appreciates the blonde's efforts. Her teammate doesn't stop there, however; instead she whips out the digital calendar, and lets out a squeal of joy when they discover that the upcoming weekend is miraculously free of tedious meetings and scheduled skirmishes, and sends a request for a quick shore-leave (fast tracked for approval to the commander), some girl time for just the two of them before she knows it.
"I know this isn't exactly a romantic tropical vacation, but I think a bit of change will do you good, Sio-chan."
And this is how she ends up being pulled along the streets of Toronto, the closest city the A. Logan happens to be flying over. She's never been to Canada, but they speak English here (and for some reason, French) so Newton navigates them flawlessly through the busy downtown. For the most part, people don't really seem to recognize them–though they do get a few curious stares, and one person even runs up to them and asks for a selfie–which she firmly but politely declines.
"Anything you want in particular? Anything to eat, some new clothes–oh, I've just the idea–" And the next thing she knows, they're stepping into what appears to be a high-end lingerie boutique. Under normal circumstances, she would be blushing and protesting and demanding that they leave right away, but what the hell–it's just Newton, and frankly, at this point she can hardly think about what kind of underwear he'd might like to see her in.
She can tell everything is very high quality though, even without the price tag. Newton assures her that the sky's pretty much the limit when it comes to cost, and urges her to try out a couple of items she thinks will bring out her lithe figure. "You complained that Adam hasn't been as responsive in bed lately, maybe you two just need some new things to spice it up a little~" At least the blonde doesn't insist on going into the changing room with her, although it is a bit irritating to hear her ask every five minutes if assistance is needed.
"Oh, don't be so shy Sio, let me take a look! Trust me, I was a model–I know my way around a fancy pair of knickers," and before she can even launch another protest, the curtain opens and the blonde invites herself in after all. "Ooh la la, this one's a real winner–the sheer lace, barely-there-coverage, the tie-only knickers–there's no way Adam's going to be able to take his eyes off of you when he sees you in these."
"B-Beckham-san…" She hugs herself slightly and blushes, not used to wearing such…purposefully erotic underwear. "W-Well, if you say so…"
"If he doesn't go for it, I'll stomp him on the head myself," Newton deadpans, before turning the girl this way and that. "Yes, it fits nicely as well…you know Sio-chan, I actually envy your petite figure. It's so adorable." Her face must have shown a great deal of surprise, for Newton only smiles wryly at her reaction. "Ah ha, you must be one of those girls who think that only big busts matter? Tsk tsk tsk, think again. While I do like my curves, they are a terrible bother at times…there's so many cute outfits I can't wear, and if it weren't for DOGOO's training regimen, I'm sure I'd be having back problems by now…" As the sniper starts undoing the delicate lace straps, she hears a small gasp from the other woman.
"Beckham-san? Is something…wrong?"
"A-Ah? Sio-chan…ah, nothing…just…" It doesn't take a genius to figure out that the blonde is clearly troubled by something, and luckily she's smart enough to know that the sniper won't take excuses for an answer. "It's just…I'd have thought that scar would've healed by now. I guess it'll take a little longer, huh?"
She looks down at her left breast. A jagged line of scar tissue, some of it still pink and tender, cutting straight across her breastbone and then roughly juts underneath the slight curve, matching up with an equally uneven line of flesh across the corresponding shoulder blade on her back. "Oh…yeah. The doctor said honestly, it might never go away. I mean, they offered me the option to get it fixed cosmetically, but…" she puts on her regular clothes again and shrugs. "It doesn't really matter anymore. I mean, it's…not like it hurts or anything."
"…I'm sorry." Newton looks somber all of a sudden, even as they finish paying and walk out of the store. "I didn't mean to bring that up again."
"It's fine; I…don't really think about it anymore."
But that's a lie and you know it.
Their little day trip seems to have ended all too soon, and to her surprise she is just a tad disappointed as the appointed chopper comes to pick them up, right on schedule. She returns with a bunch of small gifts for the rest of the platoons–some small snacks like ketchup-flavored crisps, cheese curds, and of course a bottle of organic maple syrup. The excitement and cheerful chatter from the other holders asking about her trip cheers her up slightly, and it is because she is so engaged with retelling her first taste of poutine to Gaudî that she nearly misses him coming in.
"So…sounds like you had fun today, squirt." He looks about the same as always, cool and detached, especially when the others are around–but this time she is more observant, watching just exactly where his eyes are looking, what he's doing. "Thanks for taking her out, Newton. I owe you one…"
"Aw, Jack! It was a shame you couldn't join us, but sometimes, we girls just need to have a little 'girl time', you know?"
"Ah, Adam! I, here…I, got this for you…" She grabs the potato crisps and hands them to him. "I…think you'll like them."
He raises a white eyebrow, a small grin as he reads the label. "Ketchup flavor? Must be one of those weird Canadian things…thanks, Sio."
He's about to leave, to retreat back into whatever little corner that he undoubtedly holed up in while she was gone, when she grabs his arm and he blinks at her in confusion. "…Sio?"
"A-Ah, uhm, t, tonight…y-you, don't have any plans…right?" For once her heart is pounding nervously, palms sweaty–as if this was right when they first kissed.
He stares at her curiously for a few seconds, head tilted with lips pursed, before he answers at last. "…No, not particularly…? Oh, well there's just a small thing with Capa–but it shouldn't take long."
"Th, then, come back as soon as you can…" And then she takes his hand, which surprises them both, especially since it's in plain view of everybody else in the room. "Actually, I…know this is selfish of me, but…try to leave early? Please?" Given her rank and the severity of the situation, she rarely tries to wheedle him with childish pleas anymore, but for some reason she feels that now is a time to use it.
"…Heh, tryin' t' make me play hooky 'ey?" A rare, true smile flashes across his emeralds and her heart skips several beats, a feeling she hasn't experienced for a long time now. "Well all right, must be…important, if yer usin' those eyes…" She blushes as he slowly runs his fingers over her palm, as if trying to memorize each digit and knuckle. "I'll see what I can do. It's been a while since I've had to utilize Jack's cunning for this type of stuff…I'll be back by 21:00. Latest, I swear."
Then he gives her just a slight kiss on the forehead, innocent and light, and he's off to do whatever it is Capa wants. She remains standing there, cheeks a faint pink as everybody else disperses, though Newton and Gandhi remain behind, murmuring to each other about no doubt their leader and his sniper.
"So Sio-chan, sounds like you've got something special planned for tonight?" The Indian teases her just a touch, but she knows it's all in good humor. "Newton gave me the basics; and all I have to add to that is…" he gestures her closer, until he's whispering right into her ear, "go for it, and show that stubborn idiot just what it is he's missing out on." He winks playfully as her cheeks burn, before he too, bids them a farewell for now.
"Ah, before you go Sio, I just wanted to tell you: regardless of what you may think Adam feels, just remember that men are morons when it comes to emotions and subtleties. If he's not getting the hint, then just bloody tell it to him straight, or better yet, show him. Men understand actions more than words. And if that still doesn't work, then come find me and Gandhi and we'll beat some sense into him." Newton gives her an encouraging thumbs up, though she sincerely hopes that it won't have to come down to physical violence.
Before she knows it, the clock is reading 20:30 and she's standing in front of the only full-length mirror in the cabin, feeling a bit odd at preening herself and taking a more critical eye to her appearance for a change. The lacy bralette barely cups her breasts, though it's not like they're particularly large to begin with–only a single line of silk ribbon covers her nipples, and only if it's placed correctly. The panties sit just below her hipbones, the ties hanging off in her best rendition of a bow, the sheerness of the lace fabric not doing much to hide anything–she cringes a little as she realizes her pubic hair is peeking through the sides a bit, and regrets a little at not having taken Newton's offer to go to a salon and getting it trimmed, at least. Her hair has gotten white and long again–a dye job would be necessary soon, and probably another trim, but there hadn't been time for that today and besides, it contrasts surprisingly well with the all-black lingerie. She nervously glances at the clock, which now reads 20:41–Adam had said he'd be back by 21:00 at the very latest, which means he must be on his way, soon.
It's been a while since she's felt like this, all excited and a bit nervous, even. Lately, sex has become more of a routine rather than something special–almost like a sleep aid, since it makes them more tired and generally speaking she tends to have less nightmares on those nights. Tonight though, she wants tonight to be special; to take their time, instead of simply going through the motions in the most efficient manner possible. Her palms are sweating and she realizes her heart is racing at the anticipation, and when she unconsciously crosses her thighs, she feels a bit of moisture between her legs, her body already preparing itself for the inevitable.
Just before the clock is about to hit 20:59 the door slides open and a cool gust of air comes in, followed by his groan of relief at having come back at last. "Heh, made it back like I said I would–swear to god it took all of Jack's instincts to weasel my way out of Capa's orders, I think he needs another assistant or something." She hears him taking off his shoes, then jacket, loosening the tie after a long day. "So, what's so important that you had me take off early–" his voice stops as she comes into view at last, standing nervously before him in her new lingerie, cheeks pinking a little at his scrutinizing view. His eyes are indiscernible, but he is definitely staring a lot longer than he usually does, emeralds widening a bit, and she swears there is a glint that she hasn't seen in a long time.
"You, uh, y-you…wow Sio, that's…" He laughs nervously a little, his face blushing a bit as he comes to the realization of just why she wanted him to leave early, before letting out a low whistle. "Christ Sio, that's…wow."
"D, Do you…like it?"
"Oh, yeh–you look, good–no, stunning," and though is voice is nervous and she can hear that tinge of boyish lust, still something is not quite right; the odd, nervous energy that is not from the anticipation, but from something else. "It's…very lovely. And you're beautiful, love."
His words are sincere, she knows it; but his continued lack of eye contact is starting to irritate her. Something is wrong; and no matter how messy or uncomfortable this will be, she's determined to get to the bottom of it.
"If that's true…then how come you won't look at me?" His face is a stunned mixture of surprise and hurt, but she can't stop now. "I don't mean that in the usual sense; of course you're looking, but you're not really looking; you're not seeing what's in front of you. You haven't for a while now." Her voice is trembling a bit, but she doesn't let it stop her. Even as she slowly backs him against the wall, his eyes nervous and guilty with shame, her maroons are even and just a bit hardened.
"Adam, what's wrong? What's bothering you?" He just shakes his head slowly, mouth open but no sounds come out. "Don't lie, Adam; we both know something's wrong; what is it? Are you dissatisfied with me? Are you…are you ashamed of me?"
That last line is what shakes him from his fear, and in an instant she's the one who's up against the wall, looking at last into tortured emeralds that are dark with shame and lust. "No; it…it isn't that. It isn't that at all." She doesn't say anything, only gently stroking his cheek, to encourage him to continue speaking. "…You are right; something is wrong, Sio. And I've been a coward because of it…" He answers softly at last, his hand slowly fingers the single-ribbon strap, right where it covers her left breast and as soon as it reaches the end he stops, as if touching fire, and suddenly she thinks she knows why.
"…It's not your fault, Adam. It never was."
"No, no you don't understand–" She grabs his wrist before he can make his retreat, and firmly places it on her left breast, where that scar is now. "Sio, please, it's not–" His eyes plead with her, but she refuses to let go. "It's, it's not…that–"
"Why are you so ashamed of this? You know I don't blame you; I never have…! If anything, you saved me–so why are you so–"
"–because I hurt you, that's why–even though I promised to myself, the number one thing I'd never do is to hurt you, I did–I was supposed to protect you, not hurt–" And the man who's always been her pillar of strength, of warm support crumbles before her very eyes, brows deepened with furrows as he goes off into a stream of all the wrongs he's wrought and should'ves could'ves would'ves.
"Adam Muirhead. Stop this nonsense, and look at me," the commanding tone she uses as Nobunagun surprises her, but it works; he stops babbling, if only just long enough for her to grasp his chin and pull his head up. "Listen to me for once, you idiot. That day, when I told you to take responsibility for your actions, to fix what you did wrong, instead of moping about…I meant every word of it. You know I don't blame you for what happened; nobody did, or does, regardless of how they might have responded. Even if you left this scar…to me, it's proof of our trust…that I trusted you with my life, to do the right thing, even if it's painful…because I love you, you stupid moron." A tear streaks down her cheek, but she refuses to wipe it away. "When you avoid me, or look away each time…it hurts. It makes me feel like I'm doing something wrong…that I'm not good enough for you…"
She has to stop talking for a bit, because a sob hiccups up and she just can't stop it. Crying was not in the plan at all, but saying these thoughts hurts more than she thought it would. "I-I…I don't care about some stupid scar, o-o-or wha, what other people might think…I just want to be with you! I've already lost Asao-san…please, don't leave me too, Adam…"
His body trembles, and it takes her a second to realize that he's crying too, though he's much more restrained. Still, he can't stop his tears anymore than she can hers, and in that moment he can say nothing, only burying her in his arms as they both sob.
"I'm sorry…I'm sorry…! I didn't mean to make you feel this way…it's just, each time I see it…all I can think about, is that day," he pants out, fists clenched in her hair as he holds her tighter, "that…look you had, then…it haunts me, you know. Always, whenever I dream about that moment…the outcome is not what it was." He takes a breath, and exhales slowly against her strands.
"In my dreams–no, they're nightmares for sure–I…I never get it right. I never restrain myself, or cut the correct place, or, or something… There's no Nightingale guiding me or telling me what to do. In the end, I always end up with blood on my hands…and I wake up knowing I've failed."
So. It's not so much a matter of trust between the two of them–but rather, his lack of trust in his own self. She pats his head gently, placing soft kisses against his cheek, though they don't seem to help much.
"That's why…I'm always scared, now. You don't understand just how close I came to actually killing you; one wrong move, just one millimeter off, and you would've died instantly. Even though I know it was the only way to save you…that kind of responsibility in your hands…not just anyone, but the one I love…"
"…Even now?" She whispers, stroking his face as one would a child.
"…Yes. Always. My greatest fear is losing you," he whispers back, finally looking at her again with wet eyes. "I know I've been a coward in avoiding it; no amount of apologies or admissions will change that."
She draws a deep breath, before pushing him back gently so she can look at him squarely. "No, we can't change what's in the past. But like I said, that day when I entered your soul; you can change the now, start by taking responsibility for your actions." As if to emphasize her point, she takes his hand, and uses it to gently cup and squeeze her own breast. "It doesn't hurt, you know. Not anymore; I'm just fine."
"…You are right, Sio. Heh, in the end, you'll always have me beat, when it comes to words," he gives a small, resigned half-smile, though his expression is still somber. "Truly though, I'm sorry; I didn't realise you were so hurt…I'm sorry for being selfish. But on that note, I'm glad I made the right choice; that I chose you, because you're the only one who could possibly have pushed me to grow, to be better about myself, and become a better person." His hands are moving on their own now, actually tracing the scar, instead of avoiding them like he was. "I want to become a better man for you, Sio."
Her heart squeezes warmly, and there's a few more drops in her eyes again, though this time it's from joy. Though it's not perfect, and she knows that such emotional wounds will take more than just a single conversation to heal, at least he's more open about it now. It feels as if the's let out a huge breath that's been held inside all this time, and even if it makes things a little awkward between them–at least she knows why, now.
"Then let's start now, Adam. If you're really sorry, and you want to do me right…then prove it to me."
There's a moment of awkward nervousness, neither of them sure who should make the first move or what to even do after all this. Usually, the routine is natural and low-key; once they're both in bed, she'll start touching or kissing him, and it doesn't take long for him to get the idea. But this situation is far from the norm–nevermind finally addressing the elephant in the room, but her wearing lingerie that's designed only for one purpose–seduction–it's actually very new.
He's just standing there, hands fumbling around his belt and glancing at her nervously but not actually moving, and she remembers Newton's words–"men understand actions better than words"–and pulls him into a heated kiss, taking his hand and firmly placing it around her slim waist and he responds instantly, perhaps a little too eager which results in some clumsiness as they nearly trip while heading towards the bed, but it's the kind of eagerness that hearkens back to the beginning of their relationship.
"I do love you, Sio; truly and honestly. And if it takes me the rest of my life to prove it to you, then so be it." He's looking at her straight in the eyes now, a fierce, determined sort of look in his emeralds and her heart swells with emotions, but before she can even say anything he's untying the delicate ribbon of her panties, takes a single breath to inhale her musk and then he dives straight into her moist core. Her hips buck instantly at the sensation and she whimpers slightly, having already been wet at just waiting for him to arrive.
"A-Aahhnnnn…nnnng…A-Adam…" She sighs and lets out the occasional cry, but mostly she's focused on his touch; fingers that gently slide up her hips, then waist, and this time he doesn't hesitate anymore, stopping briefly to help her out of the bra. It's a shame that she has to take them off so soon after putting them on, but she doesn't want to risk damaging the delicate material.
"You're beautiful Sio," he pants breathlessly, the moonlight making her skin glow with an un-earthly hue as he takes a second to admire her sleek body, her hair snow-white like his again but it makes her look like an otherworldly being. He groans as she palms his erection and struggles to undo his clothes, before finally kicking them off the bed.
Her breathing gets heavier as she gets closer, his tongue now working together with his finger inside her, her legs spread wide over his shoulders as she is propped slightly on a mountain of pillows, gently threading his hair while whispering her approval. It's different now, even though is actions are basically the same, she can feel the difference–his intentions, his feelings, and in turn that makes it more pleasurable than it has been in a long while. So it's a bit of a surprise when she suddenly comes, her back not even fully arched before that lighting bolt of heat hits and she is quivering, trembling with small shakes and then it's over and he's blinking at her with slight surprise, a bit of fluid still dripping from his lips.
"Oh…did you come already?"
"I…think so? I guess I'm just more sensitive today…" She gives him a weak smile, maroons hazy and hooded from the afterglow.
"But I take it you're not satisfied yet, are you?" There is a grin on his face, slightly mischievous but loving, and she can't help but smile back because it's been so long since he's given her that look, the old Adam coming back a little bit.
"Noo…but I know a few ways we can fix that," she smiles suggestively, beckoning him with a single finger and he mirrors that smile back, before climbing on top and they lose themselves in each other for the rest of the evening.
Sometime later, she is not sure exactly when–it must be at least midnight by the time they settle down–when they are both considerably calmer and he's spooning her and they're just lying there amongst the sheets, she remembers Newton's words of trading fireworks for a comfortable shirt, and she chuckles quietly to herself, of how it turns out to be quite true.
"Hmm? What's up, squirt?" He stirs a bit behind her, hands now gently cupping her breasts and she relishes the warmth.
"Ah, nothing…just, thinking about today. With Newton."
"Oh. Speaking of which, somehow I have a feeling this whole thing was partly her idea…" he responds dryly, nodding towards the lingerie. "No offense, but unless I specifically said so, there's no way you'd willingly walk into a lingerie shop and drop a couple hundred quid just for a set of nice underwear."
She giggles, because it's true that usually she could care less about what she's wearing, nevermind what's underneath it all. "Yeah…you got me there. What can I say, it helps to talk to others…plus, I actually liked that set a lot. More than I thought." She turns around in his arms, until they're facing each other. "Did you…like it?"
"Of course! I wasn't lying about that part," he pouts slightly, until she kisses him on the nose. "I am a guy, I do like seeing you look beautiful…and sexy…it was almost too sexy…" He frowns suddenly, turning the situation over in his head. "Wait, if Newton went with you, then does that mean she…?"
"Ah, ha hah…ah, yeah, well, I mean I had to show somebody, right? I can't trust myself with fashion, let alone underwear," she smiles sheepishly, Adam still frowning slightly. "Oh come on, don't tell me you're jealous? It's like she said, sometimes girls just wanna have fun."
"Yeh, I know I know, but still…" he grumbles a bit, pulling her tighter until she's practically buried in his arms. "What can I say, I'm the possessive type who gets jealous easily; if we're going to be honest and all that." He leans down and kisses her deeply on the lips. "I don't exactly like sharing; I'm greedy and selfish, and I want you all to myself."
"You're also kind of insecure," she comments wryly, though when his face sinks a bit she feels a little bad. "Oh come on, it's not a big deal; tons of people are insecure, me included. You think it's easy for me to get up in front of all those old dudes and boss them around?" She sinks a little more into his arms, until her head is resting against the crook of his neck. "But that's why we have each other; to keep going forward, even when it's painful…"
"…Yeh, I know. It's not going to be perfect, and I don't make promises I can't keep, but…I can promise that I won't stop trying." He nuzzles her and she laughs because his hair is ticklish, especially along the new skin growth near her scar. "If I'm ever being a moody asshole again, just call me out on it. I'll know you mean well."
"Good, because I don't think I can afford buy sexy underwear each time I want you to spill your guts…" there's a squeal of laughter as he nips the curve of her neck, but his eyes are soft when she finally stops laughing. "I know, Adam. I trust you. So I want you to trust me, too," she responds softly, holding his face in her hands. "And trust yourself."
He takes her hand and kisses them, first the palm and then every single finger, and then a final kiss right on the scar. "Will do, love. That…is a promise I can keep."
She nods sleepily, a happy and content smile on her face. "Thank you…" Then, as if not knowing what else to say, she simply throws herself at him, holding him tightly and nuzzling against his chest until he laughs and hugs her back.
"All right…let's get some sleep, 'ey?" She yawns and quietly tucks her head against his shoulder, eyes already drooping. "We've a long day ahead tomorrow…and I also owe Capa for bailing early…" He groans at the thought, the old man was not pleased about him dropping the ball at the last minute.
"It's okay, just say that I demanded you back because I hadn't been getting any lately and you had to return early to satisfy my raging lust," she dramatically postures, much to his bewildered amusement. "Well it's true–if I'm going to be honest, tonight was probably the best sex I've had in a while…emotions make all the difference in the world."
"While I do agree, I think I will spare Capa those details. He's already a perverted old man, no need to give him any more ideas," he shudders at the thought of the photographer learning about the new lingerie, those swimsuit shots were bad enough already. "Sorry. I will do my best to satisfy your raging lust from now on, Sio."
She can't help but laugh at his outrageous statement. "I'll hold you to that, then. Oyasumi, Adam."
"Good night, Sio."
