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It was quiet.
Maybe the explosion ruptured his eardrums, rendering the world into a dreadful silence. Maybe he fainted from the blast and existed only in unconsciousness. Regardless of the reality of his situation, there was solace in that lull—a reprieve, something he had long forgotten, let alone fathom.
And maybe now, Britz didn’t need to endure the battlefield. After endless, torturous days stretching on like years, he could rest. Perhaps he could dream of a better life, one he failed to fight for.
Besides, wherever he resided now? It was also warm. His lips twitched as he recalled late-night baths as a child before bedtime stories with his mother. When had he last experienced that simple luxury? For the time being, the pleasant atmosphere sufficed. Britz nuzzled further into the lush patch of grass and released a breath he held since his father died.
Then there was another warmth easing into him—an added weight he almost mistook for anxiety, except it was genuine and tangible and—
“Britz?”
His eyes snapped open. Light blinded him. A wildflower field stretched past the horizon, marked by foreign trees adorned with spring blossoms.
All of it eluded him as he focused on the Felineko curled next to him.
“Sheena?” he murmured. “What... how did you—”
She lifted her head to meet his gaze. Neither vexation nor melancholy marred her features.
“You left,” she said and his heart plummeted.
Truth lingered in her statement, yet Britz evaded her stare to dull the reminder. “I did what was necessary.”
Soft hands cupped his cheeks and nudged him to center, to her. She smiled—something small, but bright enough to rival the daylight.
“You don’t need to do anything anymore,” Sheena said.
His brows knitted together. “But why are you here?”
She wasn’t supposed to be. He placed his life on the line to secure her safety. And if Sheena was here, then—
The smile ebbed. “I... couldn’t leave you all alone.”
Little space remained between them and yet Sheena snuggled into Britz, curling her tail over his thigh.
“I didn’t want to go on without you,” she whispered into his chest.
Tears welled, though no amount of blinking dammed them. He embraced her, perhaps too swiftly and tightly. A little brrrp escaped Sheena as her ears perked up.
“I’m sorry,” he said between sniffles, hugging her for emphasis—or maybe it was to convince himself more so that yes, she was there. This was real.
They were safe and free and together again.
“Don’t be,” Sheena replied. “This was my decision.” A pause, then, “I’m glad I found you.”
Britz laughed, or tried to; the sound broke past his lips, more contorted than the muscles lining his tense face. “I didn’t mean to worry you.” Not now or ever.
“Well... I was worried for a while, but not anymore.”
“No?”
She peeked up at him. “I’m just glad... we no longer have to fight.”
Who was he to argue with that logic? Even still, the indication plucked a thin nerve of his.
“Your family,” he breathed out.
“Hmm?” Sheena’s right ear swiveled. “What was that?”
“You found and saved your family and—” He winced and squeezed his eyes closed, yearning to burn the memories that haunted him. “You should be with them. Not with me.”
“Britz.”
A thumb smoothed over his cheek, banished the flowing tears, and teased the corner of his mouth. The terrible quakes within him relaxed. Had she always been so gentle?
When he dared to open his eyes, Sheena squirmed her way up to level with his gaze. Their noses bumped. He held his breath while his heart slammed into his ears, but at least her voice still reached him.
“I know they’re alright,” she whispered, “but I couldn’t say the same for you. I didn’t want you to go, so... I came to you.”
“You didn’t have to.”
“I wanted to.”
Damn it, I don’t deserve your kindness.
His sniffles faded and Sheena flicked away stray tears. Once he managed to breathe without each inhale being akin to swallowing glass, he noticed something.
“Bleuette.”
Sheena tilted her head.
Britz barely chuckled. “You... you don’t have your doll with you.”
“No.” Her eyes fell. “I don’t.” A slight pout emerged, but only for a moment. “It’s alright.”
“It is?”
Little prepared Britz for Sheena clinging to his frail form while nestling deeper into a tender embrace.
“I have you,” she said.
He had more to say—he always did—but Britz bit his tongue as Sheena drifted into a slumber. Or at least he believed that to be the case. Did all Felineko purr while dozing off? No, that wasn’t right, either. Back when he assisted Sheena with her harrowing escape, she had fallen into his arms, purring and trembling.
Part of him panicked—then and now. Was he causing her discomfort? Hard to say when she partially draped herself over him and buried into his body. Swallowing hard, he stroked her hair. Sheena simply purred louder.
The anxiety dissipated, though, and Britz smiled. Maybe it meant something else. Nothing to do with comfort or distress, but... trust.
Maybe she didn’t want him to leave her side.
And if that was the case? Well, Britz didn’t intend to let her go ever again.
