Hearts at War (AlanxJeff) VI

31

Jeff

The first thing I noticed, even before opening my eyes, was his scent. Just from that, I already felt that everything would be alright. His fragrance filled my heart with a warm sensation, making me feel safe and protected.

I slowly opened my eyes, feeling my eyelids incredibly heavy. I gently turned to see Alan, who was sitting next to me, sleeping with his head resting on the edge of the bed. That image filled my heart. Ah, everything was so wrong, but just seeing him made my heart race and filled it with a warm sensation. I looked at the ceiling, decorated with delicate silhouettes of stars.

Everything had turned out well, but I felt... sad. It was a strange sadness. It was like a huge sorrow that emptied me inside, as if a fragment of my soul had been lost, causing my eyes to fill with tears. I felt a lump in my throat, a tightness in my chest that made it difficult to breathe. After all, before thinking that I liked him, I considered him my friend. My only friend, before Way.

I turned to see Alan again. Alan had slowly broken down the barrier I had built around myself. Even though it was painful and couldn't completely erase the anxiety and confusion, maybe I could open up a little... at least little by little. His gestures of tenderness, his infinite patience, gave me hope.

A long time ago, I read that if someone is not meant for you, the universe will send you signs. But I... I resisted seeing them. In my defense, I will say that he was kind. And that I was happy. It also said that if something didn't happen, it was called divine protection. So, I imagine that when I met Alan and lost the stone I was going to give to Bank, it was his way of preventing me from making that mistake. It was his way of pushing me towards Alan. If I hadn't met him... if we hadn't been forced to marry, I now... I understand. I understand very well, but I can't help feeling sad. Bank... he wasn't entirely wrong. Alan is a future king. The separation is approaching with giant steps. And it breaks my heart.

I can see him move a little before slowly opening his eyes, and our gazes meet. His eyes widen, and he smiles tenderly at me, while he reaches out his hand to gently caress my hair. His touch was delicate, as if he feared breaking me, and his smile radiated a warmth that enveloped me completely.

"I'm so happy to see your beautiful eyes again," he said in a soft whisper. "How do you feel?"

"Sleepy, but it's normal. Antihistamines make you very drowsy, especially when they're intravenous," I said, still groggy.

His gaze darkened and lost its brightness. I could see the worry in his eyes.

"You told me before that... this isn't your first time, right? That you have a reaction like this?" he asked cautiously, his voice trembling slightly.

"Well, I'm allergic. Somehow they had to find out," I smiled, trying to ease the tension.

"And you still smile," he said in a complaining tone. "That was so dangerous. I've never been so scared in my life. Never," he said, looking at me, seeming so vulnerable. "I thought I would never see your sweet gaze again, and just thinking about it made me feel like my heart was breaking."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have..." I tried to say with a trembling voice, feeling tears accumulate in my eyes.

"It's not your fault, that guy already confessed. You're safe, everything is fine," he assured me, still gently caressing my hair. His voice was a balm for my wounded soul.

"Confessed?" I asked, confused.

"He was hired by the Darnays. Pete and Charlie are taking care of it."

"I see..." I muttered. I could be practically unconscious, but I know very well what I saw, I thought, before letting out a yawn.

"You should rest a little more. I won't move from here while I watch over your dreams," he whispered tenderly, his warm breath brushing against my skin.