Simone Valentino

~~~24~~~

He stood tall, the hall light backlighting his silhouette. His jawline was sharp, and his dark hair frazzled. He was the purest definition of dishevelment. His white shirt was only half-buttoned and his coat hanging off of him. His hair was in his eyes. He leaned on the door staring at me. A five o'clock shadow growing in.

"How did you find me?"

"You're safe." He said. His voice was rough and deep.

"I- Simone, you have to-"

"Don't tell me what I have to do! I've been looking for you for weeks! I.. What if you had been killed? I couldn't just..." He walked forwards and I fell onto the ground.

"You can't let your family know I'm here."

He froze. His expression softened"Don't worry. I understand."

"You're not here to-"

Simone walked over and sat next to me, and I can tell he's muffling a pained groan. "No Nora, There isn't anything you could do that would make me want to kill you." His arm wraps around me and pulls me against him. I lean my head on his shoulder. "What happened?" I ask, not expecting a response

"Oh. Just the expected." He chuckled and I closed my eyes.

"If you get yourself shot again I'll kill you."

"Wouldn't that defeat the purpose?"
I pause, pretending to ponder the question. "No."

"Alright, Nora."

"Simone?"

"Yes?"

"I think I love you." I whispered. There was a long stretch of silence.

"That's what I was going for." He finally mumbles and kisses my head.

I turn and trail my finger on his small beard.

"I'm sorry to say but you have to get rid of this."

"Aw, that's a shame. I like it." He sounds so tired but his eyes sparkle and follow my every move.

"Seriously?"

"No! I feel so dirty!" He says, After a moment he kisses my temple and rests his head on mine. "I missed you." He says and I can tell he's about to fall asleep. I get up, hoping to get him on something more comfortable. He looks up at me and gets up with a grunt. I take his hand and sit him down on my bed. He lays down sideways and I sit in the space next to him. He pulls me into his arms and hugs me. I press myself against him and take a deep breath. The scent of wind and cigarette smoke that always lingered around him made me feel a little sleepy. I listened to his breathing grow deep and even, slowly I felt myself drift off.