↳ 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐑 ー 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐘

𝐗𝐗𝐈𝐈 ー 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭

◉

Breaths heavy, Kaden stands with his hands on his hips. Face contorted tight into a look of pure anger.

"It didn't work. The plan failed. I fucking knew it would. Now it could be months before we find him again."

"Come here." She beckons him over.

"No." He hunches over the table. "No you don't wanna be near me right now."

So she repeats her previous words, tone still gentle enough to encourage him to remain in control, but also firm enough for him to listen and obey.

"Come here, my love."

With a huff, he steps into her open arms which wind around his neck. Fingers run through his silky hair and drag along his shoulder blades to soothe him. It's a technique that conveniently works on Hope too, when school causes her stress levels to shoot through the roof.

"You'll figure it out. You always do."

"Doesn't make it any less tedious," he mumbles against her neck.

"I know." Her nails skate across his skin. "But Levi can't hide forever. From what I've heard, he likes to get on people's nerves, so I can only presume it won't be very long before he's back in the open again."

She feels a puff of air against her collarbone, assuming he's sighing because he knows she's right. Once again. Another not so rare occasion where she approaches the situation with logic and a clear head, telling him the facts because her temper hasn't snapped like his.

When his anger eventually subsides, he leaves her embrace to head into the en-suite for a shower. Just as the door closes and the shower is turned on, she hears glass smashing from downstairs and decides to investigate. Though he already knows what the problem is.

Checking Hope is still sound asleep on her way, she then noiselessly treads down the steps.

Palms flat against the dining table, the man spares a split second glance in her direction when she carefully approaches. Chest rising and falling from each deep breath.

"We were so close. I had him. I was so close to ripping his head off," he grits.

"You'll get him." He shakes his head, lifting another glass when she steps closer. "No." He stares her down. "Give me the glass."

Another small step and she holds her hand out, presenting him with unwavering patience as he contemplates the consequences of ignoring her soft command. Deciding it's not worth it, he slowly lowers it and she safely returns it to the surface.

"Come on."

He pulls a face and turns to the side, so she brushes her fingertips over his shoulder which tenses under her ghosting touch. Jaw still clenched and gaze burning holes in the wall, he overturns the palm of his left hand so it's facing the ceiling.

As practised a few times before, she slides her hand down his arm and curls her fingers around his wrist. He does the same with her smaller one, but with a grip much firmer than hers.

He's practically clinging onto her like she's a lifeline. The one thing holding him back from tumbling over the edge into the void.