Quiet Moments

20 - Peace in the Storm

Octavia pushed open the door to their quarters, expecting to find Jade waiting for her. The room was empty, a stark contrast to the warmth and comfort she usually felt upon returning. She frowned, a knot of worry tightening in her chest. Jade was always here, especially given the tense atmosphere in the bunker.

"Jade?" Octavia called out, her voice echoing in the silent room. She waited for a response, but none came. Panic began to seep in. Where could she be?

She stormed out of their quarters and summoned her guards. "I need you to find Jade," she ordered, her voice firm but edged with worry. "Search the entire bunker. Now."

The guards nodded, spreading out quickly. Octavia paced the hallway, her mind racing. Jade had been her rock, her constant source of strength and love. The thought of something happening to her was unbearable.

Minutes felt like hours as she waited for any news. Finally, one of the guards returned, slightly out of breath. "We found her, Blodreina," he said. "She's on the top level, near the entrance."

Relief washed over Octavia, but it was quickly replaced by confusion. The top level was close to the bunker entrance, a place Jade rarely ventured. She thanked the guard and hurried through the maze of corridors, her heart pounding.

As she approached the top level, she heard the distant rumble of thunder. The bunker walls did little to muffle the sound of the storm raging outside. She rounded a corner and saw Jade standing by the entrance, staring at the thick metal door that separated them from the outside world.

"Jade," Octavia called softly, approaching her cautiously. Jade turned, a small smile forming on her lips as she saw Octavia.

"Hey," she said, her voice calm and soothing despite the storm outside.

"What are you doing up here?" Octavia asked, reaching out to touch her arm. "I was worried."

Jade shrugged, her gaze drifting back to the door. "I just needed some air, some space to think. The storm... it reminds me of the world outside. It's wild and unpredictable, but it's real."

Octavia stood beside her, listening to the rolling thunder. "I understand," she said softly. "But you scared me. I thought something had happened to you."

Jade turned to face her, her eyes filled with love and reassurance. "I'm sorry, Octavia. I didn't mean to worry you. I just needed a moment to myself."

They stood in silence for a while, the sound of the storm a distant but powerful reminder of the world they had left behind. Octavia slipped her hand into Jade's, finding comfort in the simple gesture.

"Do you miss it?" Octavia asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "The world outside?"Jade sighed, leaning her head against Octavia's shoulder. "Sometimes. But I miss the idea of it more than the reality. Out there, we were always fighting to survive. In here, at least we have each other."

Octavia nodded, her heart aching with the truth of Jade's words. "I just wish things were different," she admitted. "I wish we didn't have to live like this."

Jade squeezed her hand gently. "We're doing the best we can, Octavia. And as long as we have each other, we can get through anything."

They stood together, watching the door as the storm raged on outside. The sound was both terrifying and comforting, a reminder of the chaos they had escaped and the peace they had found in each other.

"Let's go back to our quarters," Octavia suggested after a while. "It's cold up here."

Jade nodded, allowing Octavia to lead her away from the entrance. As they walked back through the dimly lit corridors, Octavia felt a sense of calm wash over her. Jade was safe, and that was all that mattered.

When they reached their quarters, Jade turned to Octavia, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you for coming to find me," she said softly. "I didn't mean to scare you."

Octavia cupped Jade's face in her hands, her thumb brushing gently across her cheek. "You don't have to thank me," she said. "I'd go to the ends of the earth to find you."

Jade smiled, leaning in to kiss her gently. "I know," she whispered against Octavia's lips. "And I love you for it."

They settled onto their bed, the tension of the day slowly melting away. Octavia held Jade close, the rhythmic sound of their breathing syncing together. She felt Jade relax in her arms, the worry and fear dissipating.

As they lay there, Octavia couldn't help but think about the storm outside. It was a powerful force, unpredictable and relentless, much like the challenges they faced every day. But just as the storm would eventually pass, so would their struggles. And through it all, they would have each other.

"Do you ever think about what it would be like if we could leave the bunker?" Jade asked suddenly, her voice breaking the comfortable silence.

"All the time," Octavia admitted. "I dream about it. A world where we can be free, where we can build a life together without fear."

Jade nodded, a dreamy look in her eyes. "Maybe one day, we'll have that. A place where we can live peacefully, maybe even start a family."

Octavia smiled at the thought. "I'd like that," she said softly. "But until then, we'll make the best of what we have."

Jade snuggled closer, her head resting on Octavia's chest. "As long as we have each other, we'll be okay," she murmured, her voice filled with conviction.

Octavia kissed the top of her head, feeling a deep sense of love and gratitude. "Always," she promised. "I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

As the storm continued to rage outside, Octavia held Jade close, feeling a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time. They might be trapped in the bunker, but in each other, they had found a sanctuary. And as long as they had that, they could face anything the world threw at them.