Phenomenal

18~ Love Me Like You Do

The next day, Monday evening after classes, Clarissa sat on a picnic blanket, leaning back against one of the trees, Adam next to her, a book open in his lap.

They had been like that for a couple of hours, drinks between them, books and music open and playing. Charlotte had arrived home an hour before but hadn't joined them, stating that she wanted a 'mega-bath' - should could last up to three hours.

The pair hadn't had time for just each other for a few months now and it was good to finally catch up - even if their catch up was more just being close rather than actually talking.

"How's your wrist?"

The question, breaking the silence, made Clarissa blink and she looked around. Adam hadn't looked up from his book and just changed the page as he waited for an answer.

"It's alright," she said, looking at her left wrist which was covered by a long flowing sleeve.

"Jason said there was a pretty nasty looking bruise there."

"Yeah but it doesn't hurt."

"No?"

"No."

Adam fell quiet again, turning another page and settling the book on his lap. An arm slid around the back of her then and he pulled her against him, hugging her tightly, pressing his face into her hair.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Just want a hug," he muttered and Clarissa then felt him shift as he noticed someone. He the one arm up into the air and shouted to get their attention. "Hey! Damien!"

Clarissa looked around and spotted Damien on the ground floor walkway, talking to Suzy. He looked around at his name, automatically waving a hand in reply then paused, his eyes locking on Clarissa.

They looked at each other for a moment, then he turned back to Suzy.

Clarissa looked down. He must have been so irritated. Ok, it wasn't like she'd been the one to throw the punch but it had been her boyfriend so she felt part way responsible. She'd have to talk to him, to apologise when she could. Chances were he wouldn't be asking for her to help with the aftermaths of any 'jobs' from now on though. Maybe that was why he was talking to Suzy, her being in medicine any everything.

A shadow fell across her and she looked up just as a hand settled on the back of her head.

She raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Damien stood behind her, bending towards her, one hand in his pocket, the other gently stroking her hair.

"Are you ok?" he asked just as Adam stood up.

"I'm going to check in on Charlotte," he said, stretching and gathering his books. He grinned. "Maybe she'll let me in the tub with her."

Damien laughed slightly as Adam walked past, clapping Damien's shoulder.

"Keep my baby-girl company for a while, won't you?" he said as he walked away.

"Sure," Damien said as he stepped over Clarissa and dropped onto the blanket beside her, leaning back against the tree trunk and picking up one of her books.

Clarissa glanced at him as he opened the book and leant back, flicking through until he was at the beginning.

She couldn't see the bruise Brett could have caused, his jaw was already a little too battered. But a punch on top of all that pervious damage, it must have killed.

"You're staring," Damien said and she blinked. He looked at her then grinned. "I know I'm handsome but wait until I'm all healed up before you stare."