Souls Through Time (EzioxOC/DesmondxOC)

Chapter 25 - Claire

Claire stirred awake, her eyelids fluttering open to the muted light filtering through the cracked window panes of the sanctuary. A gentle haze of morning enveloped her, and she took a moment to gather her thoughts, still tethered to the remnants of yesterday's adrenaline-fueled escapade. The echoes of Amelia's pain and triumph reverberated in her mind, but it was the warmth beside her that truly held her attention.

Desmond lay sprawled in the cot beside her, the military blanket they had pulled over them barely covering their bodies. His features were softened in sleep, the lines of tension that usually marked his brow eased into a serene expression that made him appear almost boyish. The steady rise and fall of his chest created a comforting rhythm, grounding her in the present moment. Claire felt an inexplicable sense of peace wash over her as she watched him, the shadows of their shared history dancing across his features like fleeting memories—a reminder of the bond they had forged through pain and triumph.

She couldn't help but smile, her heart swelling with warmth as she studied him. His dark hair was tousled, a few rebellious strands falling across his forehead. Claire felt an overwhelming urge to reach out, to tuck them behind his ear and trace the outline of his jaw. But instead, she let herself bask in the tranquility of the morning, watching as the early light played across his skin, illuminating the contours of his face and casting gentle highlights along the slope of his nose and the curve of his lips.

They had pulled their cots together in this cramped space, just a short distance from the main room of the sanctuary, a makeshift arrangement that spoke of their closeness. Though they lay in separate cots, they had fallen asleep holding hands, fingers intertwined beneath the blanket. The simple act felt like a lifeline in the tumult of their lives—a shared connection that transcended the chaos around them.

Desmond shifted slightly, a soft sigh escaping him as he buried his face deeper into the pillow. Claire's affection surged anew at the sight, mingling with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this moment of stillness amidst the chaos that often surrounded them. It felt surreal to share this space with him, cocooned in the quiet of dawn, and she wished she could freeze time, to linger in this perfect stillness forever.

But eventually, the call of their mission tugged at her consciousness, gently urging her to shake off the remnants of sleep. They had work to do. With a soft sigh, she pushed herself up onto her elbow, taking one last moment to appreciate the sight of him before they returned to the weight of their reality. She brushed her fingers against the fabric of her sheets, savoring the softness as she contemplated the journey ahead. The warmth of his presence lingered in her thoughts, a reminder of the strength they found in each other, even in the face of uncertainty.

"Hey," she whispered softly, nudging him gently with her shoulder. "Time to wake up."

Desmond stirred, a low groan escaping his lips as he blinked against the light, his eyes struggling to adjust to the brightness. For a moment, confusion clouded his features as he took in their surroundings, but then recognition dawned, and a slow, sleepy smile spread across his face. "Good morning," he murmured, his voice still thick with sleep, sending a thrill through her at the sound.

"Morning," Claire replied, feeling a warmth bloom within her at the sight of his smile. It was the kind of warmth that enveloped her, wrapping her in the comfort of their shared space. "We need to get back into the Animus. There's still so much to uncover."

Desmond rubbed the back of his neck, a habitual gesture that made Claire chuckle lightly. "Right. Back to the grind," he replied, his eyes sparkling with the remnants of sleep. He sat up slowly, stretching his arms above his head, and Claire couldn't help but admire the way his muscles flexed under his shirt, the familiar sight stirring something deep within her.