Calloused

30

I woke up screaming. My body felt cold and clammy. I looked around, confused. We were on a plane, not at the hospital. 

"It's just a nightmare, love." H whispered beside me. I looked over to find him reclined back in his chair. I sniffled and sat up. I found the strength to stand. I climbed onto H's chair with him. I snuggled close to the side of his body. He wrapped his arm around me, grumbling. 

"I'm sorry." I apologized quietly. He shook his head.

"Don't. It's not your fault." He kissed my forehead after he had pulled his blanket up, so I was covered. 

I looked around, Niall was passed out with a bottle gripped tightly in his hand.

My father was asleep with his arms crossed over his chest and a frown on his face. We had all been exhausted, burnt out. The legacy my father had was no more. The family would be so disappointed, ashamed even. All of the work they had done to be on top in NYC was now wasted. Generations of sacrifice, blood, sweat, and tears. All gone. 

"I hope they forgive us." I whispered to H, fear showed in my voice.

"I'll be here for every step." H promised as he held my hand.

"Thank you." I was grateful to have him here with me. Even if there were secrets, I had kept from him, one's I wasn't ready to share yet. 

"I have something for you." H said, going into his pocket. I watched as he pulled out a small black box. I stayed quiet as he continued to speak.

"I wanted to do this after the mission but... everything went to hell." He laughed nervously. 

"Is that...?" I asked, my eyes going wide.

"You think I'd be experienced in this, since I've already asked you." H smirked as he opened the box. It was the original wedding ring he had given me years ago. It was a simple design, a sterling silver band with diamonds set in the metal. I felt my eyes water as I looked between the ring and his face.

"Will you be mine, through Heaven and Hell?" 

"Through Heaven and Hell." I smiled, kissing him. 

He took the ring out and held it as I brought my left hand closer to him. He slid the band down onto my ring finger, it still fit perfectly. I coiled against his side as he rubbed my back soothingly. 

We laid there, enjoying the quiet hum of the plane and Niall's soft snores. We felt content and peaceful. We fell asleep shortly after.

                                                                                ~~~~~~+~~~~~~

I woke up to the sound of the pilot's voice coming through the speakers.

"We will be landing in Venice within the hour, please be ready to land." He said.

"Almost time. Are you ready Mi Amor?" My father asked before he took a sip from his glass of orange juice. I looked around to find Niall and H sitting across from him. They had changed into suits, ties, and dress shoes.

I raised an eyebrow at them.

"Am I dead? Did we crash?" I asked as I sat up slowly. I regretted it as a sharp pain cut through my chest. I gasped in pain.

"Easy, love. You're not dead. We just used some of the extra clothes your father had kept on board, there's some for you to change into as well." H reassured me as he came over to help me up. I nodded, trying to block out the agony I felt. 

"Here, let me help you get ready." He smiled as he led me to the bathroom. 

"Why do we even have to dress up, we're on the run and injured." I complained once the door to the tiny bathroom was shut.