Chapter Six

The comedown from the adrenaline rush of his panic attack left Poul drained and exhausted – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Although it wasn’t yet late in the evening, they both knew that continuing the night was pointless and decided to turn in. Lisa didn’t need the link to sense that he would sleep better if she was there beside him and Poul was now able to sense that she wouldn’t hesitate to offer the comfort of her presence. As they prepared for bed, she briefly went to her room to change into her nightclothes, while Poul tidied the living room and then also went to change.

When he signaled to her that he’d finished, she entered to find him already in bed, his face pale but calm. Without a word, she placed her glasses onto the bedside table and slipped into the space beside him, her wings folding comfortably as she settled down. She felt the tension leave his body as soon as she wrapped an arm around him, pulling him close. He buried his head in the crook of her neck, letting out a deep sigh. She pressed a gentle kiss to the top of his head and closed her eyes.

For a few moments, silence hung over the room, the kind of peace that had been so hard for him to find before. She stroked his hair, feeling the slow, steady rhythm of his breathing even out. Soon, Poul was fast asleep.

I’ll always be here for you, she thought as she too drifted off.

A full, unbroken night’s sleep was a rare occurrence for Poul so when he awoke the next morning he was surprised to notice that it was morning and not the middle of the night. For once, his mind didn’t immediately go to the shadows of the past. Instead, he felt…still. He was safe. And as he lay there, watching Lisa sleep beside him, he allowed himself to simply enjoy the quiet moment.

Careful not to disturb her, he slipped out of bed and padded softly to the kitchen. A sense of calm enveloped him, something he hadn’t experienced in years. The gnawing compulsion to check his locks, his traps, and every creak in the apartment was conspicuously absent. Lisa’s presence seemed to radiate a quiet certainty that all was well – a certainty he could feel through their link. It wasn’t just that she would know if something was amiss; now, through their bond, he felt he would too. The comfort of that knowledge wrapped around him like a protective blanket, allowing him to focus on something else for once.

As much as he relied on her presence, he was determined to do something on his own. A simple breakfast – something manageable yet meaningful. He opened the cabinets, scanning the small assortment of ingredients they’d bought at the market the day before. He settled on something easy: eggs and toast. As he worked, cracking eggs into a bowl and toasting the bread, he glanced toward the bedroom. He smiled to himself, thinking of how Lisa had been with him every step of the way since their reunion. Her presence had pulled him through the darkest moments, but he didn’t want to always rely on her.

When the food was ready, he placed everything neatly on the table and brewed some tea. For a moment, he stood there, proud of the small task he’d accomplished on his own. I can do this, he thought to himself, carefully trying to shield it so he wouldn’t wake her. I’m not helpless.

He decided to let her rest a little longer after everything that had happened; she was doing so much for him, it was the least he could do. Sitting quietly at the table, he sipped his tea, feeling the steady, comforting thump-thump of her second heart. Placing a hand on his chest, he smiled and closed his eyes, concentrating. Gradually, glimpses of her dreams began to emerge – a world of vibrant memories and past adventures unfolding softly in her mind.

He saw images of people she’d loved deeply: a fellow wearing a wide, pleated cloth wrapped around his waist that stopped just above the knee, leaving his legs bare; a wild-haired man in a lab coat, his eyes alight with both intelligence and kindness; a man with an intense gaze and half his face covered by a mask; individuals she thought of as the Doctor, some resembling the tall, curly-haired, scarf-wearing figure she’d mentioned, while others took entirely different forms – even women.

A strange warmth filled him as he took in her memories, along with a deep respect for the life she’d led and the strength she carried. He felt a quiet gratitude that she had deemed him worthy of her love. Though he didn’t want to pry, he was able to sense through the link that she wouldn’t mind. Before pulling away, he noticed something unusual: it was as though she could guide her dreams at will, weaving memories into vivid dreamscapes where she moved with ease and confidence. For her, it seemed, controlling her dreams was the most natural thing in the world.

He wondered if this ability was something that could be taught. Perhaps, with her guidance, he could finally learn to stand firm in the face of his nightmares and find the courage to confront them.

As the thought settled, another one rose to the surface. Why go back so soon? he mused, again focusing on shielding the thought so as not to disturb her. The safety he felt with Lisa here was something he hadn’t experienced in years. He had leave time stored up – more than enough. What was stopping him from using it now? The Company didn’t need a reason, and he didn’t feel inclined to give one.

Decision made, Poul quietly retrieved his comm unit from the kitchen counter and sent a brief message to his workplace: “Taking leave effective immediately. Will advise on return date.” Simple, direct, and final. It was his time, and he would use it however he liked.

Satisfied, he returned to the kitchen. Lisa was still sound asleep, and he wanted her to wake to something warm and comforting. He moved quietly, starting on her breakfast with care, grateful for this calm moment and the choice to do something thoughtful for her.

The soft hum of her dreams filtering through the link gradually faded as he sensed her starting to awaken. Her thoughts came through all muzzy with sleep but he did manage to hear, Mmm…mornin’…

Poul almost wished her a good morning when he realized that she was asking a question. Chuckling, he responded, Yes, it’s morning. He marveled at the fact that using his mind to communicate with her felt as natural as breathing. I’ve made you breakfast whenever you’re ready.

He sensed a warm happiness. Mm’kay, she mumbled and he could both sense and feel her yawn. Be there inna min’…

Poul smiled at how her sleepy thoughts all ran together, and moments later she appeared in the doorway yawning. Her hair was sleep-mussed, and she had slipped on her glasses. She paused for a moment, taking in the sight of Poul standing at the counter, his back to her, as he focused on arranging plates and cups.

“Hey,” she said softly, stretching out her arms and wings, the oversized sleeves of her sleepwear falling to her shoulders.

Poul turned, offering her a small but genuine smile. “Hello. Breakfast is ready.”

Lisa stepped closer, her gaze flicking to the neatly arranged table and then back to him. She tilted her head slightly, noticing the way his collar was askew. Without a word, she moved to stand beside him, her hands gently reaching for the fabric. “Here,” she murmured, her fingers deftly straightening the uneven collar with an ease that felt almost instinctive.

Poul stilled under her touch, caught off guard by the simple intimacy of the gesture. Her hands lingered for just a moment longer than necessary, the warmth of her fingers grounding him in the present. She stood on tiptoe and pressed a light kiss to his cheek, the affection so natural and unassuming that it left him momentarily speechless.

“That’s better,” she said, stepping back with a smile that reached her eyes. Looking down at the breakfast things set on the table, she asked, “You made this for me?”

Poul nodded, his voice catching in his throat as he tried to respond. He could still feel the ghost of her touch on his collar and the soft press of her lips on his cheek.

Her smile didn’t fade as she took his hand. “I’m so proud of you.”

His heart swelled and he couldn’t help the grin that appeared on his face. Ducking his head, blushing, he just gestured to the table and they sat down together. For the first time in a long while, he realized just how much these little moments of care meant to him – small but profound reminders that he wasn’t alone anymore.

End chapter six.

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