Le's Soldier

Part 46

The next morning is painfully bright.

Snow still covers everything outside — thick white piled on rooftops, cars, the street, the trees. The whole world looks quieter under it.

Lilly wakes before Leah.

That's unusual lately.

For a moment she just lies there, staring at the ceiling.

Leah's arm is heavy across her waist, her breathing slow and warm against Lilly's shoulder. The memory of the night before lingers — firelight, kisses, warmth, the soft feeling of belonging.

Lilly turns her head slightly.

Leah's hair is a mess, flattened on one side of her face.

Lilly smiles faintly.

"Captain," she murmurs.

Leah groans.

"Too early."

"You have training."

Leah buries her face deeper into the pillow.

"Cancel it."

"You're the vice-captain."

"Temporary illness."

"You're a terrible role model."

Leah cracks one eye open.

"Why are you awake?"

Lilly shrugs slightly.

"Couldn't sleep."

Not entirely true.

She slept.

But her mind had been buzzing with something else.

Something she hadn't told Leah yet.

Leah squints at her.

"You're thinking."

"That's dangerous?"

"Usually."

Lilly huffs softly.

Then she says it.

"I want to try running today."

Leah sits up immediately.

Fully awake now.

"What?"

"Just a little."

"Lilly—"

"I know."

Her voice is calm.

Serious.

"I know it's early. I know physio hasn't cleared me yet for proper running. But I want to try... just a few steps."

Leah studies her face carefully.

The determination there is familiar.

It's the same look Lilly used to have before missions.

"You sure?"

Lilly nods once.

"I need to know if I can."

Leah hesitates.

Then sighs.

"Alright."

Lilly blinks. "That easy?"

Leah shrugs.

"You're stubborn. If I say no you'll just sneak out and do it alone."

"...accurate."