Holiday Tears: A Christmas Novella

Part Four: Sensation

Trigger warning for mildly suggestive sequences. As always, if you'd like the purely-clean version (not like I'm going to describe the occurrence, anyway), just shoot me a PM asking for it. c:

Also, this section is dedicated to @Awesomeneer for her support! Thanks again! c:

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         Charlie was broken. The Friend did not know the weight of his words upon her; if he did, well, then he was more of an ass than she had supposed prior. And that was a task, indeed, considering that she had already considered him the most asinine creature in the world for forcing her to relive those torturous experiences. Why the hell couldn't the memories he drug her into be good ones? This really was A Christmas Carol, wasn't it?

        She felt nothing when she was summoned to the hospital room; indeed, it seemed as though the journey had taken no time at all. It was interesting how she managed to fathom a possible connection between  the amount of journeys she took through the Nether and how long it took to get places; seemingly, the more times she traveled, the quicker she could travel.

        Charlie crashed into a line of chairs as she was released into the room. Gasping at the sudden -- however subtle -- pain shooting through her legs, she tumbled to the ground amidst childish chortles from the black-eyed little girl lurking in the corner's shadows. If it weren't for her red dress, the child would surely not have been visible; her gray skin and dark features blended into the shadows easily enough.

        Frowning as she got to her feet, Charlie's eyes fell upon another little girl, this one curled up at the foot of the hospital bed, black hair falling in gentle currents around her peaceful face. A contented smile graced her face, and as Charlie looked on, she sighed in her sleep. Charlie gave a strained smile toward the girl; of course, it was not seen by the one she desired to behold such a gentle look.

        "Good morning, Child."

        Without turning to face the Friend, Charlie sighed in slight aggravation. "Yes, whatever. What do you want this time? Who's here? What are you going to show me?"

        A small laugh rang in her ears. "Ah. Eager are we? Don't worry; I do not think that this memory will seem too painful for you, even when you relive the moment." He paused momentarily. "In fact," he admitted. "You might enjoy this one."

        Charlie bit back her retort, contenting herself to watch for the approach of today's visitor. Her heart leapt as a familiar leather-clad, muscular figure appeared in the doorway, black hair a mess and eyes filled with weariness. He did not seem fully conscious as he sat down next to her hospital bed and just stared down at her; he didn't say a word, didn't move a muscle. He just looked on.

        "Rider," Charlie whispered in a hush, reaching out to touch her lovely boyfriend. To her disappointment, however, her hand passed through him, and she felt nothing of the comfort that she so desired. Timidly, she pulled her hand back and cradled it to her chest, feeling hurt and betrayed, although she knew very well that it was not Rider's fault that she could not touch him. If only he'd touch her body; maybe she'd feel it then. Maybe. Just maybe.

        "Yes," she agreed quietly, now addressing the Friend. "Yes. I don't have painful memories about Rider. I am ready when you are."

        She saw nothing of the Friend before she was whisked off into the Nether, propelled fluidly through space and time in a weightless manner. She didn't look at the Friend, not wanting to break the enchantment that had come over her at the sight of Rider. To her appreciation, her companion said nothing of the disregard, seemingly content to think that she was content. Perhaps, she mused, he was merely relieved that she hadn't got violent. It seemed like a far more plausible explanation, so that's the reasoning she settled with.