All Lights On Us

C9: Wish You Would

Klara POV

My feet pad across the cold hard floor. It feels chillier than usual. It's still dark out, and the house is only softly lit by moonlight. The faint whisper of cries fill the house and my heart breaks. I track through the house and end up outside of Ana's bedroom door. Or what was her bedroom. 

Bishop sniffles from inside.

"What do I do now?" He repeats to himself over and over.

I rest my hand and forehead against the door – wanting to be here for him but also wanting to give him space. He cries, and I slide down the wall next to the door. I sit with my knees up to my chest and head resting back on the wall. I give him the time he needs and deserves, but I don't leave him.

The sun starts to peek in through the windows of the two-story house. I'm not sure how long has passed, but the door finally swings open to reveal a shocked Bishop. He eyes me before shaking his head. He obviously took some time to compose himself because his eyes don't look quite as bad as they should. 

"How long have you been here?"

My eyes droop for a moment, so I quickly stand to keep myself awake. 

"I don't know," I wrap my arms around him and squeeze tight.

He nestles his face into my shoulders and hugs me back tighter. When I pull away, it's to tug him back upstairs and into his room. 

"We both need to sleep. Come on," I get in on my side and pat his.

He looks unsure for a moment, but he complies and lays down beside me. 

"Turn over," I tell him and guide him onto his side, facing away from me. 

I big-spoon him, holding him tight to my chest. It's not as unnatural as I thought it would be, and it feels good to be the one holding him. His snores hit surprisingly fast, but the perfect pattern of his snore-breathing has me joining in on the symphony. 

When I wake up again, Bishop still snores in my arms and the sun is up and pouring brightness into the room. His blinds are up and I'm blinded. Gently sneaking out of the bed, I head to the bathroom and shut the door so that I don't wake him while pouring a bath for both of us. 

This is the only thing I know how to do. I'll do nice things, try to take care of him, and hope he winds up okay. I add bubbles to the bath and go on the search for candles while it pours. 

I'm able to find a couple, so I set them around and light them. I turn off all of the lights except for one set near the sink. The tub is wide and long, and I'm grateful for it. My stomach growls, probably because I've only given my body booze in the last twenty-four hours 

Remembering that Bishop also has an empty stomach, I turn off the bath tap and head downstairs to see what I can make for us. His shirt brushes my thighs and sadness pangs my heart. I wouldn't have walked around like this before. But now the house is empty besides us two. 

I put together a plate of meat, crackers, cheese, and fruit and head back upstairs and into the bathroom. Setting the large plate on the closed toilet seat, I undress and walk back into the bedroom. Bishop stirs and opens his eyes. 

He rubs his eyes groggily and sits up. His bare chest catches my eye but I scold myself for such thoughts at a time like this. When his vision clears up and he spots me standing next to the bed naked, his eyes widen slightly and his breath leaves him. 

"Damn," he sighs. 

I can't help the blush that creeps up my neck and into my cheeks. His gaze makes me feel more beautiful than I've ever felt.