the ties that bind // joshua rosfield

chapter viii - second chances

     How long had it been since you had fallen into your coma? Joshua had lost count on purpose. He sat in a chair next to your sleeping form, you looked so peaceful. The bruising and injuries you had endured during your fight with Odin now were faint though Joshua knows that you'd be scarred physically and mentally. He ran his slender calloused fingers through your hair brushing your hair out of your face, his fingers caressed your cheek then jaw. The sound a door creaking open made him look up, it was Jote standing there with a tray of warm food.

     "Your highness you must take care of yourself also." The brunette spoke softly setting to tray beside him. Joshua sighed he gaze returning to your sleeping body. He had been by your side for almost every second since you came to the Undying hideaway. He was so scared that if he took his eyes off of you, you'd disappear again. This time he wouldn't let you go like he did last time. "Jote will she ever awaken...or was I too late?" He asked his voice was raspy no doubt from the countless silent tears he shedded for you when he thought no one was looking. "Your highness please don't blame yourself. The nurses have said she'll make a full recovery we must just give her time to heal both her mind and body. Barnabas did not hold back on her but his intention also was not to kill her." She tried to reassure him. Joshua swore if ever saw Barnabas he'd kill the King himself for what he did to you, he knew not why Odin didn't kill you but regardless he was somewhat thankful that wasn't his intention.

     "I'll eat later Jote thank you." Joshua said dismissing Jote. She quickly bowed her head and left the room leaving you two alone. The quiet ticking from a mechanical clock, a flame from lantern flickering, and your labored breaths was all he heard it was sound he came accustomed to though he only wished your strained breaths were replaced by your laughter instead.

     Another week has passed when you had finally awoken in the late hours of the night. Joshua's head laid asleep in his arms on the corner of your bedside, a pen and journal sprawled beside him. You stirred awake eyes fluttering open and close as your mind tried process what was happening then suddenly you jerked awake panic beginning to set in as you scrambled off the bed falling down onto the wooden floorboards with a loud thud a panicked scream left your mouth as you begun to crawl backwards into a corner after only realizing you had no strength to get to your legs. "_______! _______! It's okay!" A voice shouted but your eyes were squeezed shut arms placed defensively in front of you as you huddled in the corner. The door to the room slammed open multiple people rushing in just as Joshua rushed to your side. he was terrified to touch you not wanting to frighten any more.

     Your mind raced you were captured by Barnabas and you were going to face no doubt endless torture by him. You curled into a ball tucking your head into your knees arms placed on top of you. "Your highness!" A female's voice shouted. Joshua was on his knees beside you he wanted to hold you but the moment his hand touched your shoulder you flinched letting out a cry. He had never seen you in such a state before not even when you were children. You were always so brave...bold and to see you cowering in a corner sobbing uncontrollably it broke him. He snapped his head in the direction of the Undying members, "Out! You all are scaring her even more." He shouted uncharacteristically. The Undying quickly bowed leaving the room to only you two.

     "_______, look at me please. I'm not Barnabas. You're safe here." He tried to soothe you but to no avail. "It's me Joshua, ______. I'm here." He spoke softly this time you looked up hesitantly. Your grey bloodshot eyes meeting his comforting ocean blue gaze. Then you saw the tufts of blond hair that sat messily on his head, his lips were formed into a gentle small, brows furrowed ever so slightly in concern. I'm dead. It was the first thought that came to your mind, this person in front of you was no doubt Joshua albeit much older then when you had last seen him but it was him. He was greeting you in death. No, you knew you weren't dead you were just trying to process who you were seeing in front of you so with hesitant shakey hands you reached out to caress his face. Joshua leaned instinctively in your palm before he couldn't hold back anymore and he brought you into his warm embrace. Your neck was wet from he buried his face and you realized he was crying—no sobbing his body shook with every sob. You then wrapped your arms around him sobbing into his shoulder. Your nails dug into the fabric of his shirt holding so tightly as if he would disappear and you'd wake up from this dream.