Of Roses Red and Violet

Live and Love

Gilly awoke at midnight in some weird hospital room. She rubbed her eyes and felt the dried blood on her hands. "Gross..." Gilly sat up and spotted Jax sleeping on a couch near her. Taking in her surroundings, she observed that she was definitely still in wonderland by the card patterns everywhere.

She turned back over to Jax, now realizing he hadn't changed and still had the bloody handprints on his face. One of his arms was hanging off the couch and the other above while his legs were crossed. He always looked peaceful when he was sleeping but right now he looked tired. Gilly got out of bed but winced once she felt a stinging sensation in her stomach.

She felt through the bright pink hospital gown and touched stitches that went down the side of her. Pushing off slowly, Gilly padded over to Jax and touched his face. Memories of what transpired hit her and she opened a window for some fresh air. This whole thing was crazy. Crazier than normal.

Gilly still had a lot to learn, even after being a seasoned hero. She was considered a war veteran in Enchantasia and she probably was one in Wonderland too . Taking a deep breath, she stuck her hand out the window, as if reaching for something. The wind blew past her hand, cooling her body down as she smelt leaves.

She closed her eyes and took in the small, calm moment. It was one in sea of stormy days. An arm wrapped around her waist and her eyes fluttered open. She turned up to meet Jax's eyes and he smiled.

"Shouldn't you be in bed?" "Really? I feel like I've been sleeping for years." He rested his head on her shoulder and sighed. "Nice that you had a comfy bed. I slept on that couch covered in sequins for you."

Gilly laughed and tapped his nose. "Thank you. For everything. I- I mean it." She tensed and held onto the arm that wrapped around her shoulders.  Jax felt the warm tears fall into his arm and held her tighter. "What's going through your head?"

"Jax, I- I killed someone today." Gilly let go of his arm covered her face. "You did what you had to do, Gilly. It was the only way." He turned her around and lifted her face. "Jax, I'm so so sorry." "Gilly, stop apologizing, it's ok." Gilly shook her head and Jax pulled her into another hug. "Oh Gilly." He held her tight and she grabbed onto him.

She sobbed for another two minutes and then put her head up. "I need to wash my hands and face." Jax nodded and guided her to a small bathroom. She turned on the sink and put soap on her hands and scrubbed. Jax joined her and he helped wash her face off as warm tears rolled down her cheeks. Both now clean, they sat back on the bed and Gilly rested her head on his shoulder.

"What upset you about it?" Jax asked as he consoled her. "I'm a hero and I killed someone. I know that she would've killed me too but," Gilly sniffled and rubbed her eyes. "It feels weird. I've never had to kill somebody before and I honestly don't know how to feel. I'm happy that I can finally live without worry but it still feels uneasy."

"Don't stress about it. You had to kill her. Otherwise she would've hurt many others way worse than how you hurt her." He tugged her closer and pulled the blanket around them. "I just feel like a bad person" Gilly whispered into Jax's shoulder. "I can't say you made good decisions all your life because frankly, I've had to accept the fact that you make a lot of mistakes."

"But, one thing I will say is that you continue trying to change even if you end up reversing your progress. You do a lot for us even if you mess up. Everyone does. Don't beat yourself up for it." Jax wiped her eyes, squeezing her cheek a little to get her to smile. "I just want to tell them how sorry I am." "You can in the morning. For now, get some rest."

Jax kissed her forehead and leaned back while Gilly laid her head on his chest. It wasn't the first time they slept in the same bed but it was different this time. It felt natural to be next him now that they had understand each other's hearts. Gilly felt herself drift to sleep as Jax's breathing adapted a steady pace.
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Sunlight beamed in from the curtains of the meeting room the crews were currently sitting in. The furniture was white fur with gold and the rugs were red velvet. The walls were themed after playing cards. It was all very wonderland.