Shattered Innocence

Embracing Unconventional Love

"Do you think he'll wake up?" Lily asks through the phone, worrying her lip. Even through the small screen, I can sense her anxiety. I'm sitting on an uncomfortable chair with my legs thrown over the side, watching over the unconscious soldier who is still sleeping soundly despite Ivan stopping the sedative hours ago.

We've decided to stay until he wakes, ensuring we can move him without causing harm. It means we're all on high alert, taking shifts for sleeping and patrolling. I refuse to leave the soldier's side, knowing he'll need a familiar face when he wakes up. I glance back at his peaceful form and let out a sigh.

"I'm not sure. He's clearly strong to have survived what they did to him," I reply. "Poor man."

Lily frowns, tears welling up in her eyes. "What are you going to do with him if he wakes?"

"I don't know," I admit honestly. "He'll need to be debriefed, but he's in no condition to be of use to us right now. He needs a safe place to heal, somewhere they can't reach him."

She nods, her eyes hardening as she straightens in bed. I notice her laptop and work spread out around her, and there are circles under her eyes. I'm worried, but she brushed off my concern for her well-being.

"You should bring him here. I can take care of him. After all, it's my specialty. I can help him heal and guide him through his PTSD," Lily suggests.

"Lily," I sigh. "It's dangerous. They'll be looking for him—"

"Then they'll have to go through me," she interrupts sharply before rubbing her face. "I need to help."

"You already are," I murmur. "More than this. I can't risk your safety. I know you can handle it, but it's too risky."

She scoffs, her eyes blazing with determination. "And you know what they'll do. He'll go missing." Her blonde hair flips as she glares at me. "Over my dead body."

"When you're angry, we're surprisingly alike," I grin, and she lets out a laugh. "God, I hope so."

We share a grin as I observe her. "How are you really, Lily?"

"I should be asking you the same," she raises an eyebrow at me.

"But honestly, despite the anger you're feeling, you look... good, healthy, and happy."

There's an unspoken question in her words, and I glance out of the glass door but don't see the others around. "I am," I hedge.

"Tell me!" she exclaims, flipping onto her stomach, and I can't help but smile. Is this girl talk? Sharing stories about love interests with my sister? Despite the circumstances, a surge of happiness washes over me.

"Come on, spill the dirt. Which guy is it? They are all very attractive, if not intimidating," she teases.

"All of them," I reply, making her eyes widen before she bursts into laughter.

"Fuck yes." She quickly covers her mouth, realizing the curse slipped out before grinning. "You never did anything halfway."

"I guess not," I grin. Her cheeks flush as she looks at me. "All of them... together?"

"Sometimes," I wink, making her blush. "But it's more than that, Lily. They fill a void inside me that I didn't know existed. I was lonely and scared all the time, always on the move, and they..." I trail off, searching for the right words.

"They complete you," she says knowingly. I nod.

"They make me happy. They make me laugh. They make me forget about my past, even if just for a moment. They wholeheartedly accept my skills and support me. They hold me through my nightmares and fight by my side. I've never experienced anything like this before, let alone for more than one person. It seems impossible."

"Who said it's impossible?" she snaps. "People have multiple partners, multiple loves. Do whatever the fuck makes you happy, Nora. You deserve it."

"I..." I look away, and she calls my name. When I meet her gaze again, she wears a determined expression. "Do they make you happy?"

"Yes," I reply without hesitation.

"Do you love them?" she asks.

"Yes," I surprise myself with the certainty of my answer, and she grins.

"Then that's all that matters. Screw what anyone else thinks. You all need each other. I saw that when I met them. They need you, and you need them. Together, you're stronger. Stop fighting it and accept it. Some love is meant to be unconventional. You might have been brought together by shared traumas, but it will be love that keeps you together. You'll have to fight for it, but you've always been good at that."

"When did you become so wise?" I croak.

"I always was," she winks. I lick my lips.

"What if they don't love me back? What if they leave?"

"You can't control how others feel or what might happen in the future, only what happens now. Are you going to let your fears and doubts prevent you from finding happiness, even if it may have an expiration date?" she reasons.

I shake my head, and she nods. "Good. Then stop doubting yourself and getting in your own way. You're brave, Nora. Be brave now. Besides, I've seen those men. They are head over heels in love with you. You're never getting away, so stop worrying and just enjoy it. Let your little sister live vicariously through you."

I laugh at her remark. "I've missed you so much."

Her eyes soften once more. "I've missed you too. Now go back to your handsome hunks and keep my patient alive. I'll talk to you soon, sis."

"Goodbye." I end the call, my gaze returning to the patient. She's right. Lily is the best place for him. And my best place is here, with my men. It's time to stop running so hard and embrace this unconventional love. It may be forever, or it may not, but it's going to be an incredible journey while it lasts.