How I Wish

Chapter XIV

Chapter XIV

I slowly became aware of the scent of oil and charcoal which was so familiar and soothing to me that I couldn't help but smile and press further into the warmth it offered.

A chuckle had my eyes flying open where I found a smiling Brandon, his blue eyes tired and warm as he watched me.

Warmth threatened to darken my cheeks, but I didn't care as for the first time in forever I had woken feeling warm and safe, protected by the arms of my Captain.

My best friend.

"Good morning." He whispered, and I smiled in return – revelling in the last verges of sleep that still clung to me. I didn't think I had ever felt this cosy before – not even as a youngling.

"Morning." I whispered back as I rolled over onto my back and stared at the unfamiliar ceiling. Light trickled in from the edges of the room, giving the space a lazy glow. It was obviously morning as the sun was yet to reach its peak through the window to my right.

I smiled at the sight of the lulling waves, the crystalised blue shining so beautifully against the backdrop of the rising sun.

Looking around, I spotted almost burnt-out candles dotted around the open space and frowned. Something about the sight was urging me to wake up fully, and I frowned as I sat up – stretching my arms above my head as I did so.

Pain faintly echoed from various points of my body – but it was easy to ignore as I turned to face my best friend, who was staring up at me with a sad expression.

My brow furrowed at the sight, and the remaining dredges of warmth and sleep faded as memories invaded my mind, washing away the brief moment of easy happiness I had felt upon waking.

At the reminder of Brandon lunging across the bed, I frantically searched his face and neck for signs of injury and finding none, I grabbed the bedsheets and tore them away to search the rest of his body. The sight of his bandages had guilt once more pressing on my chest, but the lack of new injuries of blood had me sighing in relief.

A blush worked its way from my cheeks, down my neck at the sight of all his golden skin in display – and I squeaked, dropping the bedsheets like they had caught fire before I accidently saw something I wasn't supposed to see.

A chuckle had my eyes darting up to find Brandon smirking up at my dishevelled, flushed state. I fake growled at him which only made him laugh harder.

Folding my arms across my chest, I pouted.

"God Sang. You are such a breath of fresh air." He whispered, reaching up and pulling me down until I was lying beside him again. I just shook my head, embarrassment holding my words prisoner as I gently bounced on the bed.

His laughter was quick to disappear as he searched my eyes, and I knew he was thinking about what had happened before I passed out. I was proven correct when he spoke.

"Sang..." He sighed. "I don't know where to begin, other than last night was a complete disaster." His words hurt when they registered, and I tried not to show it – but when it came to Brandon he missed nothing. His eyes widened, and he quickly pressed a hand against my cheek. "That's not what I meant, and you know it. Seeing you again... God Sang, I never thought I'd have the chance. But I could have managed everything else a lot better." I bit my bottom lip as he rolled over onto his back and stared up at the ceiling.

My face tingled from missing his warmth – but I didn't say it out loud as the feeling confused me.

"You mean what happened with Nathan." I whispered into the growing silence. My question made Brandon flinch and I felt immediately felt guilty for it.