DOOM SAGA I - I'll be home tomorrow

Day 160

The Fortress

His back was leaned against the bed, his head laid on it. He was fading in and out of sleep. It was not unusual for him to stay awake for days or go on without food and water, fighting endlessly. But he felt weak and hungry. His stomach was hurting already and he was sure that it wasn't his lost powers that made him like that.
A hushed mumble woke him from his daze. He saw her face grimace in sleep, her head and the fingers of her right hand twitched nervously. A nightmare? He took her hand in his and laid his other one on the crown of her head, his thumb caressing her forehead which was sprinkled with cold sweat. This was the first sign of life she had given him in three days, and the only one for the rest of this day as well.

He was feeding her the next day as she silently opened her eyes. She only stared at nothing, a hazed mind trying to understand reality once more. She couldn't focus on him or anything else but whenever he leaned in closer, their noses touching slightly, he could feel the smallest sigh, her eyes closing again in relief. He caressed her cheek and chin, outlining the now greenish and yellow bruises. The crust of blood on her lip had fallen off as it was finally healing.

The door to the outside was held open, and he held her in his arms like so many times before. The bright and warm sunlight poured inside and onto them, and he could swear to see a tiny smile in the corners of her lips as they bathed in it. He couldn't stop looking at her and without knowing he started rocking her softly, yet even humming some tones. A shiver suddenly ran down his spine and goosebumps covered every inch of his body uncomfortably. A disgruntled noise came from her chest as she huddled even closer to him, her body shivering throughout. He watched her keenly for a moment if it subsided, but it was steady. He was delighted. Her body was gaining strength and self-consciousness, fighting against the cold again. Now he could leave her for at least some time to look for supplies and his stolen armour.

Orbit of Mars

Without his suit, it was much harder to get around. Only an old helmet and some left-over gear was assisting his path. Without his jump-boots getting from one piece of the base to another was a gamble, let alone knowing where he should look. He was already out for over an hour and had merely found any useful loot. The destruction he faced was immense, way worse than he had imagined. Boulders of martian rock silently floated in between torn-apart rooms and hallways, whole sections crushed into unrecognizable clumps of metal.
He finally reached some living quarters with dorm-like rooms to each side. Rummaging through chests and boxes, even grabbing stuff from the void of space, he gradually filled the duffle bag and a blanket knotted into a sack. Anxiously he peeked at the little screen on his left arm, spiked lines and calm waves transmitted her current state. She was awake but still drowsy it seemed. For a few long moments, he watched her heartbeat, and he could hear it oddly drumming in his head like an ultrasound. She was waiting for him, and it didn't make him feel good to be away from her.

The Fortress

He ripped the old helmet off his head as soon as he saw the command room. He laid the bags near the wall to the next room, close to where he had left her asleep. If anything would happen to her while he was out he could at least get to her quickly that way. She was huddled into her cocoon of warm blankets on the floor, her sleepy eyes had kept watch over the room while waiting for his return. She pressed the little plush to her cheek that he had made for her so she wouldn't be all alone. Just a misshapen bulb for the head and the rest of the fluffy cloth for the body. Yet she held it tightly as if she would never let go of it again.
As soon as he stepped closer her blue eyes gleamed in excitement. He knelt down and snaked his hand under the sheet to feel her feet which were still cold like ice, but her legs were warmer than the day before. He rubbed them firmly to encourage their blood flow, and she shivered briefly at his warm touch.

The hot steam cloud from the pot rose up above their heads as they sat near the window. He had put three bags of ramen in, knowing she would not eat nearly as much as him, and his stomach growled at the delicious strong smell of it. The dried meat was thawed from being frozen in space and then softened in the liquid as she was too weak to chew something that tough yet. Her gums were still sore and easy to make bleed by touch. When it was ready she hesitated, her hands fidgeting. He cocked his head, waiting patiently for her to eat her share first. She folded her hands like praying and her lips moved as if she wanted to say something, eyes closed for a moment. Unsure she lifted her gaze to him.
"Thank you... Slayer..." she hawked, her genuine and shy smile making him blush a little. He patted her head, tousling her hair a little. Nobody had ever thanked him for what he had done. They all had prayed and begged him for his help, praised him to the skies, and created legends about his work done, yet nobody had ever thanked him sincerely. And he only noticed now. It would not have changed his path by any means, still, it made him feel... right.
As they feasted on their first hot meal in a long time they made a true mess, not caring about the stains and drips they left everywhere. She ate slowly, chewed carefully, but smiled like a Cheshire cat. This was all he wanted from her, being happy and healthy. Everyone else could wait for him.