A need to save everything that was lost

[loadedparadox]

Who: Arthur and acleandive
What: Continued on from here
Verse: Love Stories

Arthur moved around the loft, ensuring all windows were locked, the bars still on the windows. It had been for his own safety before, but now there was the worry about what would become with Mallorie trying to leave, to return to Dom.

After a bit she curled up in the corner and he was okay with that. He could handle her if she wasn't near the door, wasn't fighting him. Yet even as she dozed, he couldn't. He'd fall asleep, wake with a start. Come to and then drop off again. I was going to wear thin quickly but he hadn't had time to think when he realized what was to come, only react.

He watched her, never once truly looking away from her, even when his eyes fell shut. Always he was oriented on her.

Comments

[loadedparadox.livejournal.com]

He knew the smartest thing was to leave her there, let her work on parts of this on her own and not let himself become lost in her. Instead he rose, offering his hand. "Come sit down with me."

[acleandive.livejournal.com]

She looks up, takes his hand automatically and rises, fingers curling tight around his like he's her anchor. "I do not wish to cause you discomfort."

[loadedparadox.livejournal.com]

"Mal, you're not causing me any discomfort," he said, offering her the kind lie. "I just want to make this as easy for you as I can."

[acleandive.livejournal.com]

"I can still tell when you're not speaking the truth," Mal tells him but stays close, watching him carefully, "I'm so very sorry. I hate hurting you."

[loadedparadox.livejournal.com]

"I am doing the best I can, Mal, but know I'm speaking the truth when I tell you this. You are not hurting me. You didn't do this to yourself. I'm hurting because you're hurting, but that isn't your fault," he assured her.

[acleandive.livejournal.com]

"I just wish I could stop, I wish I could know and then you wouldn't be so worried."

[loadedparadox.livejournal.com]

"We'll find a way, Mal. I promise. We'll find a way to make it right again." He didn't think, pulling her to him, holding her close.

[acleandive.livejournal.com]

She doesn't even think twice in seeking out comfort from him, cheek pressed against his chest like she's trying to listen to his heartbeat in her turmoil.

[loadedparadox.livejournal.com]

Strong arms go around her, cradling that seemingly slight form to him and resting his cheek against her hair. "I never should have let him push me away from you. He's your husband and I thought you would be all right with him. I'm so sorry."

[acleandive.livejournal.com]

"But I am with you now," Mal whispers against his chest, trying not to let it get too bad, holding back the tears.

[loadedparadox.livejournal.com]

Arthur's heart clutched at that, eyes closing tight. "Mallorie," He wanted to never let her go, to be a bastard and tell her how horrible Dominic had been to her and never bring her back. And yet he wouldn't. He'd give her back her life because he loved her enough to let her go.



"And I'll keep you safe until you can go home," he whispered.

[acleandive.livejournal.com]

Nodding against his chest, Mal listens to his heart beat. How can it sound so real in such a cruel world, fragile and lonely behind his ribs. She curls her fingers in his shirt and holds on, breathing deeply.

"When do you wish to leave?"

[loadedparadox.livejournal.com]

"Is it safe to,' he asked, stroking her back. 'Are you prepared to stay with me?" He knew he was pushing things and yet he was afraid to stay longer than they had to.

[acleandive.livejournal.com]

"Maybe if I get out of the city I will feel better," she muses, still not pulling away from him in any way, keeping still under his hands, "Maybe it will help."

[loadedparadox.livejournal.com]

"I believe it is possible," he whispered softly against her hair. "I just want to keep you safe.' Arthur sighed the words, closing his eyes. "We'll plan for tonight."

[acleandive.livejournal.com]

"I'm always safe as long as I am with you my lamb," she whispers, nodding against him, "Of course, whenever you think is best."

[loadedparadox.livejournal.com]

He truly felt the sooner the better. Eventually Dom was going to look for him. Why he had his phone turned off. "I need you to remember that, Mal. Remember you're safe with me."

[acleandive.livejournal.com]

She pulls back, nods meekly like a child learning a lesson. "Of course."

[loadedparadox.livejournal.com]

Leaning in, he kissed her brow softly. 'Thank you." Stepping back, he moved to get the dishes and clean up from their meal.

[acleandive.livejournal.com]

Curling back around the chair, Mal props her chin on the back of it and watches him, lost in her own thought sand feelings, keeping her hands firmly wrapped around the edge of the chair so she doesn't fidget.