↳ 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐑 ー 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐘

𝐋𝐗𝐈𝐈 ー 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬

◉

Soreness runs up and down Sierra's neck as she sits forwards. Unbeknownst to her, wrinkles gather around her face from the tightness in her shoulders.

A warm hand slides beneath her hair and slight pressure is applied to the back of her neck. She passes a grateful smile to Grayson, barely able to keep her eyes open now that he's easing the tension from her body.

Hope brings the phone to her ear, quietly travelling to the door. "I told you I'm okay. I know you are..." Her voice fades once the door is closed and she wanders away from the room.

Grayson glimpses his brother again. No change since he was declared stable. He can't quite see how no change is a good thing. His breaths are steady and following a peaceful rhythm, his eyelids occasionally flutter but only for a moment. A glimmer of hope that soon dims.

"Saw you talking to Rogue," he speaks softly.

"Yeah."

"About?"

"They uncovered the identities of the people responsible. This is who Victoria was running from, Rogue confirmed it. Said he'll make a start on ending this. I gave him permission."

A slow nod. "What else?"

Sierra slowly drags her gaze away from the sleeping man. "Hm?"

"I saw your face." His thumb presses a little harder on her neck, locating a knot that he easily works away. "I know there's more."

She sighs. "I wanted to wait until the time was right. Suppose it'll never be a good enough time..." Sierra meets his curious eyes, feeling his hand cease to move. "She's alive."

He looks down. It was uncertain whether she survived or died. They chose to bury it with the rest of their troubles and move on. Living blindly was easier than questioning and wondering all of the time.

Her hand finds his knee. "Are you okay?"

He blinks, seemingly exiting from his thoughts. "Yeah. She's the least of my worries." He faintly shrugs, inching his fingertips into her hair.

"Won't stop your head from getting loud though."

A light smile at her caring heart. "She can't hurt me anymore. 'S just in my head."

Sierra's widening smile bursts with pride. She removes her hand to lay it on his arm instead, running it over the ink there. His thumb strokes over the curve of her neck.

"I'm glad you're okay," she says earnestly.

"I have you to thank."

"You did the heavy lifting."

"I think we can both agree it was all you this time," Grayson replies.

○ ○ ○

Grayson leans forwards, squinting at his brother with suspicion on his face. Both women watch him place a hand on Kaden's forehead.

"He's burning up."

Just as Sierra is about to leave her seat to fetch someone, Marie enters with her usual friendly smile. Before her mouth can open wide enough to form a single word Grayson is interjecting.