Photophobia

The Rescue

As expected, she was again very quiet in the morning. She held her silver medallion so firm that her knuckles turned white. He decided to leave her be and boiled water for his morning tea. He thought about offering her some but perhaps that was too ... intimate? Too familiar? Strange, after what they had done, to think that there was still something too intimate.

What would happen if they were rescued by the resistance? Would she tell them about his obvious affection for her? They would laugh of course, mock him ... no, she wouldn't do that. She was too good.

Specialist Tico, 26, skilled survivalist, tenacious soldier, poor shot, pretty and kind. Rose Tico ... what a fitting name. Well-fortified, beautiful and vibrant.

He glanced over his shoulder and saw that she was looking at him with her mesmerizing dark brown eyes. He smiled at her despite himself. Yes, he was pathetic, but all that mattered was her. The time he was allowed to spend with her.

She got up and came over to him.

"Do you want a cup of tea?" he asked hesitantly.

"Sure, although I'm still a little disappointed that you haven't managed to find caf beans." She took the cup and sipped.

"Sorry to disappoint, but perhaps you've started to appreciate tea?"

She handed him the cup back and he also took a sip. "You wish, but it's the only thing with some taste."

He gulped. "Yes, it's better than nothing out here."

When the night approached he got nervous and watched her closely to see if she wanted him to be close.

She yawned and stretched herself until her joints clicked. "Time to nap."

His breath almost stopped when she casually crawled over to him and lay down before him. It was not raining and it wasn't cold. Still she had come, allowing him to be close to her. He quickly lay down and put his arm around her as if she could leave if he wasn't fast enough.

He snuggled closer, still wondering what it meant. She wasn't pressing herself against him like the night before. If he read the situation correctly she- she just wanted company.

The thought made him happy and he snuggled even closer, burying his face into her hair. Accidently he brushed her neck with his lips.

"Not tonight." Her voice was a little drowsy.

He could feel himself blushing. Stupid. He should've taken more care – what if she left? "I didn't mean- yes of course. I'm sorry."

She chuckled softly. "What for?"

He relaxed a little. "I didn't want to make you uncomfortable."

She was silent for a moment, then she shifted a little. "Do you have somebody back in the Order?"

He almost scoffed. The very thought was ridiculous. When he realised that she was serious, he said: "No. You?"

"Not really."

He had never thought about the fact that she could be in a relationship. Now he realised that he was taken aback – how was it possible that she -- who was she thinking about when they were together in the dark? Or was it only about not having to see him? The words tumbled out of his mouth: "Then why can't I look at-"

She interrupted him right away: "I just don't want it, okay?"

Her sharp tone made him flinch a bit. It actually hurt hearing her say it.