[ It isn't the truth. It isn't even a reconciliation. But it is something, a chance to do something with the time she has left and with the resources she has. No more running, no more hiding. She exhales against his shoulder and holds him even tighter, even as some of the tension in her bleeds out. It's a start. She will have to accept it for the time being. Cullen cannot give her the forgiveness she wants, even if she wishes he could.
It doesn't occur to her that they are being inappropriate. Ten years have passed and they are no longer children; she ceased to be his charge the day Duncan took her from Kinloch Hold, and whatever there could have been has been left to rot over the years. But she needs this, needs his hold, and she soaks it up like a dying woman starved for water.
At last, she makes a sound that is almost like a sob, a wavering lilt of a laugh, and she pulls away to look at him. He's still so much taller than she is, and from this distance, she can get a better look at his face. Time has changed him, and yet he seems almost healthier now, a man full grown into himself. Commander is what he is called now, not unlike herself, and it brings a very small but sad smile to her face.
With some reluctance, she lets go of him and removes her gloves, casting them to the floor at their feet. As much as she wants to continue holding him - and still will, if he permits - she lifts both hands to his face. She cradles his face and looks at him for a long time, and then, she nods. ]
no subject
It doesn't occur to her that they are being inappropriate. Ten years have passed and they are no longer children; she ceased to be his charge the day Duncan took her from Kinloch Hold, and whatever there could have been has been left to rot over the years. But she needs this, needs his hold, and she soaks it up like a dying woman starved for water.
At last, she makes a sound that is almost like a sob, a wavering lilt of a laugh, and she pulls away to look at him. He's still so much taller than she is, and from this distance, she can get a better look at his face. Time has changed him, and yet he seems almost healthier now, a man full grown into himself. Commander is what he is called now, not unlike herself, and it brings a very small but sad smile to her face.
With some reluctance, she lets go of him and removes her gloves, casting them to the floor at their feet. As much as she wants to continue holding him - and still will, if he permits - she lifts both hands to his face. She cradles his face and looks at him for a long time, and then, she nods. ]
It is me, Cullen. I'm here.
[ Alive and breathing, she is there with him. ]