Finally free.
19
TANK
Iwake to the weight of what I've done settling heavier on my chest than it did last night.
I killed a man.Deliberately.With my bare hands.I watched the life leave his eyes and felt nothing but cold satisfaction that he'd never touch her again.
It should bother me more than it does.It probably should keep me up at night and make me question who I am.
But it doesn't.
Because Enya's asleep beside me, face peaceful, breathing even.First time I've seen her truly relaxed.No tension in her jaw, no furrow between her brows and absolutely no fear.
Just peace.
Worth it.Everything I did last night was worth this.
I shift slightly, careful not to wake her.I need to see her properly.Make sure she's really okay.That last night wasn't some fever dream born of violence and adrenaline.
But she's real.Warm and solid and right here in my arms.
She told me she loves me and it was fucking everything hearing those words from her, knowing exactly what it means.The shit she’s been through, the fear and pain she’s felt at the hands of that bastard, it made it hard to trust, to let someone in, but she let me in and opened herself up.She fell hard, and fuck me, I fell harder.
I love her.And I killed for her.I would do it again without hesitation.
What does that make me?
Monster?Protector?Both?
I don't know and I can't think about it right now.Not with her sleeping beside me looking like she finally feels safe.
Enya stirs beside me, making a small sound in the back of her throat.Her eyes flutter open, unfocused at first.Then she sees me and something softens in her expression.
"Morning," she whispers, her voice rough with sleep.
"Morning."
She reaches up and touches my face, gentle, tracing the bruises that have bloomed overnight."How do you feel?"
"Fine."
"Liar."But she's smiling slightly."You look like you went ten rounds."
"Only went three."
"Still."She sits up slightly, inspecting my face more closely.The cut above my eyebrow.The swelling on my jaw.My split knuckles."You should ice these."
"I'm fine, Enya."
"You keep saying that."
"Because it's true."
She's quiet for a moment.Then: "I'm sorry I cried so much last night."
"Stop."
