Cursed Love (closed)

[silvertongue217]

He was running always running through a forest, over snow, across a dessert. All across the world he ran each time as hard and as fast as his legs could carry him. He pushed through people and some times he was completely alone. He stumbled through history paying no attention to the events unfolding around him as he continued running. The revolution, civil war, countless events unfolding around him…… yet nothing more important than what he was running with all his strength to. Yet he could never run fast enough, he was always late always running out of time.

And he could never save her

Sachiel eyes ripped opened a startled gasp coming out of his mouth as he shot up in bed. His hands reached out blindly searching and groping for some thing that wasn’t there. Countless centuries and memories flashed before his eyes he chaotic mess of the immortals mind creating white noise inside of his head.

“My name is Henry Whitaker” Sachiel murmured to himself squeezing his eyes tightly shut and rubbing his temples “The year is 2015, I’m in New York City, I work at a book store”

He repeated these simple facts using all his will power to live in this time and life and not drown in his countless others. The white noise began to fade, the memories locking them selves back into his mental box as the world became more manageable. He waited a few more minutes breathing evenly before he slid out of bed. He ignored the angelic runes burned all over his body and the dull pain in his shoulder blades that served as a constant reminder of his exile and what he lost. Instead he reached for the silver flask on his bedside table and drained it letting the liquid burn down his throat as he made his way into the bathroom.

He quickly did his business showering, shaving, and making himself presentable. He didn’t pause to look at his body instead downing another swig from his flask and letting the burn of the liquid propel him out of his bathroom and into his closet. He moved even quicker than he did in the bathroom pulling his black boxer briefs, matching black slacks, and white button shirt into place he completed the look with a black vest and did a quick once over to make sure he was presentable. His eyes didn’t linger on his short-cropped hair, clean-shaven tan face, or shocking gray/blue eyes instead he focused on the button of his cuffs his nimble fingers dancing and quickly fixing the buttons.
He was out the door in seconds joining the throng of people going about their day-to-day life. He towered over most of them yet he kept his head down letting the dim noise of humanity comfort and surround him. He refused to think about how his love of humans got him in trouble, refused to think about how much he still loved and admired them as well as their life. In this life he didn’t think about any of those things instead using every fiber of his being and will power to BE human.

To be Henry Whitaker

He reached his favorite coffee shop and walked in flashing a rare smile to the barista Joe. He nodded in kind even putting Henry’s usual on the stand as he juggled the demands of a thirsty and in much need of caffeine New York. Henry mouthed his thanks and scooped up the hot drink making sure to slide a little extra in tip towards Joe as he sipped his drink. The scalding hot liquid didn’t bother him so he took a more generous gulp as he situated himself in his favorite seat looking out on the street. He shifted his arms giving his silver Rolex a quick glance before settling in. He was a man of precision and even though he didn’t necessarily need to check h liked to make sure he had exactly fifteen minutes to enjoy his coffee and people watch before he had to get to work.

And so the immortal sat sipping his coffee and ding every thing possible to forget he was immortal, to forget about his curse, and to forget about her.

Yet still running

 

[wideeyedone]

The streets were bustling with people. The sounds and smells of traffic clogged the air. She missed her quiet life, she missed her home. Charlotte Murphy sighed deeply. She needed respite. She didn't know where to go. Her mind was reeling. She had only been in the city for a few days. She had left Darren and she was making a new life for herself.

The bruises on her upper arms and wrists were fading. She hoped the bruise on her jaw was hidden successfully by her makeup. She looked at herself in the reflection of a coffee shop window. She passed her quick inspection.

She still had enough money for a few weeks. The woman at the shelter had helped her find a cheap hotel in this city so far from home. She had only taken a single bag. She had left behind everything. She didn't realize how attached she was to her things. She wanted to find something familiar, something comforting. She tucked her dark hair behind her ear.

She wanted a book store. Books, a good leather chair, the smell of paper. Those things would give her comfort. She wandered the streets looking for such a place. She wanted to curl up with her favorite book for a while and forget. Would she ever get to forget? Would she ever stop waking up terrified that he had found her?

Charlotte shook those thoughts from her head and got back to her wandering.

 

[silvertongue217]

It happened as it always did with no fanfare or reason, no matter how hard he ran they always found him and there was always her. How many times had this exact scenario happened? Him sitting somewhere enjoying himself trying his best to forget his past to enjoy his miserable life as best he could. It never ceased to amaze him how soft the moments where when they found him how they managed to figure out the exact time when he would be at his most vulnerable. The Angels of fate were a particularly devious lot and Sachiel had long since realized how much they enjoyed giving him his punishment.

He watched his eyes widening as he saw her moving through the streets. He winced as countless other streets and versions of her bubbled at the forefront of his mind.

“Henry Whitaker” He murmured gripping his coffee as tightly as he could “I am Henry Whitaker” He repeated even as his eyes tracked her.

She looked relatively the same in this incarnation if not a little worse for wear. His sharp eyes quickly caught sight of her disheveled appearance and bruises. Some one had attacked her recently in the last week and judging by how lost she seemed she was currently on the run from this person.

So this was there game now? They did this before and in truth she always came to him in some form of distress. They knew how much he felt for her, they knew how much he wanted to protect her. In truth they counted on it making sure to hold out the hand of help as they twisted the knife into both of their backs.

“Not this time” Sachiel murmured to him self-squeezing his eyes shut “she’ll be better off without me”

He opened his eyes again and watched as she disappeared still looking as lost as ever. His heart went out for her but he ignored it instead draining his coffee and getting up. He quickly made his way to work knowing it wasn’t over.

It was never over

He reached work and quickly began his day stocking the new versions of the bible as carefully as he could. The holy word of his father would burn him if he touched it for to long but he tried to hold it as much as he could before setting it down. What he wouldn’t give to read it! To find some kind of comfort in it or some reason why he was being cursed for so long. He thought he had done his penance by now surely father wasn’t going to keep this over him forever?

Couldn’t he have happiness?

 

[wideeyedone]

Charlotte wrapped her sweater around herself tightly, trying to warm herself. She found the bookstore. It was just what she had hoped for. She walked inside and breathed in the smell of books. She loved the blend of leather, paper, glue and ink. It was the smell of home to her.

She trailed up and down the stacks looking for something that sparked her. An employee was stocking bibles, but she didn't want to bother him. She was going to stretch her money as far as she could, so she could only buy one book today.

She fingered several books, some favorites she had read many times. Others were new titles that caught her interest. She loved to read, and at times had used books as a way to disassociate from her real life. She could ignore Darren's temper and the fear she had that he would come home angry, if she was lost in the pages of a book.

She found Gatsby and almost picked it, but as rich as the description was, the tale was too sad for her at the moment. She kept walking. She found a pretty version of Emma, it had a lavender book jacket and it was one of her favorite books. It was one of the books that Darren had tossed in the fire place to punish her.

It was the right one to buy. This would restart her collection and the smooth and pristine prose of Jane Austen would lighten her mood. She made her way to the counter to pay for the book. When she laid the book on the counter, her sleeve slid back, showing the purple handprint on her wrist.

Charlotte said a silent prayer that the man working at the counter wouldn't notice.

 

[silvertongue217]

Sachiel made short work stocking the silver cart full of bibles his pace quickening as he noticed a line at the counter. Curses! The immortal angel was so preoccupied by her sudden appearance in his life that he was forgetting his human safe life. He had to just ignore her for as long as possible show the hands of fate that this time he would not be an instrument in her undoing.

Because her path with him would lead only to death

He moved quickly manning the counter so fast he was almost a blur his eyes moved up a friendly smile plastered on his face as he took in the woman who-----

He stopped short his eyes widened mouth going slack, there she was! Standing in front of him just as beautiful as she always looked, as beautiful as the day he first saw her…..

He felt the memories starting to surface a long white beach, water so clear it shone like glass, the pale moon reflecting off her hair as she snuck away from her family. He felt the rock underneath his bare feet the rock that he was unable to budge from. The wind moving past his bare wings and causing the feathers to flutter…….

“My name is Henry Whitaker” Sachiel thought firmly pushing the memories of there first meeting back with every bit of his might. He felt his heart beginning to slow and breathed out trying his best not to focus on her.

“Good evening Ma’am” He said his voice coming out as a rich baritone “Did you find every thing okay?” He asked trying his best to be polite but not flirty as he took the book and glanced at the cover.

“Emma” He said without thinking smiling at her radiantly “excellent choice it’s one of my favorite Jane Austin Books” He said leaning in slightly before he stopped and froze.

Idiot!

“That’ll be 17.50” He said before he noticed her other set of marks “Or…… how about I tae care of that for you Ma’am” Sachiel said before he could stop himself. He felt the awkward silence coming and cleared his throat.

“You look like you could use a little Jane Austin right now” He said kindly handing the book to her “please take it I can figure out a way for you to pay me back later” he said unintentionally flirting.

 

[wideeyedone]

Charlotte blushed. "I know I am a bit of a mess, but I can pay for the book. I don't want to cause you any trouble." She looked up at him, through her eye lashes. She knew it was rude to not accept a kindness offered like this.

She took a deep breath and then thanked him for the book. She took the book and curled up in a leather chair in the back of the stacks. She took off her sweater and draped it across her legs. She was chilled and she hoped the thin sweater would help. She opened the book and allowed herself to sink into Jane Austen's world.

She tucked her feet up underneath her. She wanted to hide out for a little while. The shop was cozy and quiet. For the first time, in a long time, Charlotte felt safe.

She was soon asleep, curled up in the chair. Her hair falling around her face. There were more bruises on her arms. They looked like the shadows of hands. The marks on her jaw were showing through her make up. It was obvious that she had been struck hard.

She dreamed of the sea. She dreamed of moonlight on the water, and stolen kisses. She slept deeply, soundly and happily. Her hands were tucked under her cheek and she smiled in her sleep.

Darren Murphy was livid when he got home from work to discover his wife was gone. She left most of her things, but he knew her favorite sweaters and jeans were gone. Her grandmother's necklace was gone. She had defied him again.

He knew she couldn't have gotten too far. She didn't have much money, he had her passport. She didn't have a credit card. She had to be in the city. He was determined to find her.

 

[silvertongue217]

Sachiel sighed watching as she padded over and settled in his favorite armchair. Of course she would stay, of course she would curl up in that way that enticed him, and of course she would look so innocent so sweet and so pure! It was maddening to be so close to the person he loved more than any thing else in this world but be unable to go to her. It was heart breaking to watch her and see her like that when every thing in him screamed protect her and seek vengeance on the one who did this to her. He had experienced this with her before of course and if he had to guess it was another man who had done this to her. Fate often delivered him to her like this playing on his many many weaknesses when it came to her.

“You need to ignore her” He reminded himself firmly paying out a few more people his eyes never really straying from her “if you go over there it will be her death”

“Either way it will be her death”

Sachiel closed his eyes another immortal memory bubbling up to the surface. He was suddenly in a wooden house surrounded by pieces of broken furniture and glass. Blood was dropping from his wrists pooling out and dripping on her pristine white dress. Her eyes were open staring vacantly up to the heavens as if asking for an answer.

“Why?” He cried watching his blood slowly drip out of his body “I stayed away from her”

“No matter what she will die Sachiel you cannot escape your punishment”

He turned his hands pulling out his sacred dagger in the ready as he attacked the angel who was causing him so much pain. But the angel of fate was ready and with a slight twitch of his hand Sachiel was pinned to the wall above the fireplace. The angel was wearing heavy robes the hood was up hiding his features save for his bony hands.

“You cannot escape your punishment Sachiel” The Angel of fate repeated staring at the dead body of his love “even if you ignore her you will still bear witness to her death and the cycle will begin anew”

“I can’t do this any more!” Sachiel yelled narrowing his eyes “I will go to the ends of the earth if I have to”

“You cannot run from me” The Angel replied lazily reaching out and tucking a strand of hair behind her head.

“You cannot run from fate”

“I am Henry” Sachiel repeated shaking his head and clutching the counter so hard it began to splinter “my name is Henry I live in New York City”

He repeated it putting emphasis on each and every word until his headache and the memories faded away. He took a shaky breath and rose noticing the bookstore was empty save for her. He noticed more of her bruises and frowned debating for a few seconds to make them go away. He had enough angel juice to do that and since she was asleep he could realistically do it with out her noticing…….

He got up edging over to her until he stood in front of her. He kneeled rolling up his sleeves and revealing the angelic runes all over his body. He reached out placing his hands over her with his palm up.

“I am Sachiel” He murmured before closing his eyes and letting the magic inside of him flow like a river. The runes glowed brightly as did his palms bathing her in the softest warmth any one could ever feel. He worked quickly healing her bruises and scars letting the magic bathe her as it had in so many other life times and places.

He finished and stood up pausing to kiss her forehead and bury his nose in her hair. Her hair smelt as it always did flowery as fragrant it was his favorite scents in the whole world and her hair always smelled the same.

It smelt like home

 

[wideeyedone]

Charlotte slept through Sachiel ministering to her. Her body and her heart were restored. She dreamed the sweetest dream, she felt the ocean breeze on her face, she danced in the moonlight, the waves washed over her feet.

The book slipped from her lap and landed on the floor, startling Charlotte awake. She flinched and cried out softly. It took her a moment to orient herself. She was unsure for a moment where she was. But then she remembered. Book store. She had left Darren and she was in a book store.

She picked up her book and her sweater. She felt her stomach rumble. She hadn't eaten yet today. She slid on her sweater and put her book in her purse. There was a cafe next door.

She made her way to the cafe and ordered lunch. She ordered the special, soup and salad, and had some hot tea. She read her book as she ate. She looked at her hands and she was shocked to see that her bruises were gone.

 

[silvertongue217]

Sachiel watched her go breathing out slowly as she disappeared into the café across the street. His entire body hummed with energy the tug that she brought coming out sharply as he felt the pull to follow her. Once they got together they were like magnets neither one being able to think of much but the other. For him he knew what was happening and knew the game well enough to fight the pull but she was never so lucky. She always played the game with a fresh slate no knowledge of what transpired before of course in some life times he had tried to tell her warn her and even show her.

But those rarely went well

He groaned and suddenly he was back in Britain during the Second World War. He was in an army uniform pacing nervously as he waited for her to finish throwing her garments into the suitcase.

“We must hurry Charlotte” He urged glancing at the door warily “the eyes of fate are always watching us”

“Be still my love” she said in that British accent he found oh so adorable “with my guardian angel by my side no one can harm me” she said flashing him a warm smile.

Before he could return the smile the air alarms went off signaling a raid. He shot her a panicked look and reached out intent on shielding her from the blast. Before he could however a white heat enveloped them both sending them scattering from one another. His powers flared up preventing him from dying and forcing him to watch as she burned away before his very eyes.

“Henry!”

He tore his eyes open gasping for breath as he saw the owner of the store watching him with concern. He pushed the memories back again noticing that it was time for the shop to close up and murmuring his apologies to the owner.

“You sure your alright kid?” Johnny asked raising an eyebrow and giving his favorite employee a worried look.

“I’m fine” Sachiel said taking a shaky breath “do you mind closing up however?”

“Uh sure” Johnny said watching as Sachiel quickly gathered his things and left with out a second word leaving him bewildered.

“Must have a hot date” He murmured shaking his head and smiling

Little did he know

Sachiel walked into the alleyway and after a quick glance to make sure no one was around, leapt the three stories up and onto the roof. He gave himself a moment and closed his eyes letting the tug of their union act as his eyes and ears. She was still in the café reading and eating which meant she was safe. He would follow her and make sure she had a place (if not procuring one for her) and then be on his way for now.

If all went according to plan

 

[wideeyedone]

Charlotte finished her cup of tea. She needed a coat. She left the cafe and headed to the resale shop on the corner. She spent thirty minutes going through the racks. She found a soft oversized fleece jacket and a battered brown leather jacket. The fleece was more practical, but the leather jacket was supple and had a quilted lining. She looked at the price tag and it was only five dollars more than the fleece. She paid for the jacket and snapped off the tags. She slid it on right in the store.

She returned to the street. Charlotte watched over her shoulder. She was looking for Darren. She had tried to leave him before. He had found her and punished her, he had made it clear that she would regret disobeying him. She found herself holding her breath as she thought of him. She could feel his hands on her throat. She could hear his angry whisper against her ear. She could smell his cologne and his brand of whiskey.

Charlotte had to force herself to keep walking. She held her book to her chest. She found herself on the verge of tears. She bit her lip, willing herself not to cry.

"I can do this. He won't find me. He won't find me. He won't find me." She uttered this again and again, like it was a prayer.

But somehow she felt as if praying wouldn't help her. She felt like their was a barrier blocking her prayers from heaven and it was the most hopeless feeling she had ever known.

 

[silvertongue217]

Sachiel followed navigating the rooftops as easily as the mortals crossed the streets. He approved of her new leather jacket and he couldn’t help but admire his love as she continued to make her way through the throngs of people. She kept looking over her shoulder confirming in his eyes that she was running from some one and it was more than likely an abusive ex-boyfriend or husband. The Angel’s were no doubt looking down at him now laughing and silently judging him.

How long had it been since he thought of them? Long enough curse this girl! She always brought his angelic side out, always forced him to remember his own immortality. A thousand different faces passed in front of his eyes a different her he had encountered since his punishment. She probably didn’t even remember their story and why she was doomed as much as he was. She got the desire and attraction even the love but her slate got wiped away at the end of it and she got to be happy for a while before the circle began anew.

In a way he hated her for that because he always remembered but then again she was innocent in all this, her only crime being loving him. He supposed he didn’t want her to remember truly because remembering was one of the most painful things he was forced to do and he wouldn’t wish it on any body but the person who did it to him.

“Where are you going?” Sachiel murmured narrowing his eyes “And how can I help you?”

 

[wideeyedone]

Charlotte made it to her hotel room. She locked all three locks. She tried to lay down and relax but she couldn't. The hotel was cheap and the walls were thin. She could hear the tv through the wall on one side. On the other side she could hear a couple going at it, or perhaps a john and a working girl.

The bed creaked and the sheets rustled. The sounds seemed deafening. She left the bed and pushed the dresser in front of the door. Then she curled up in the corner of the room.

Charlotte slept fitfully. Her dreams were a combination of memories of Darren's anger and images that she couldn't place. Shattered glass. Twisted metal. Screams. She awakened breathlessly. She decided to head back to the cafe for hot tea and breakfast. The place was packed.

She sat in a stool at the bar. She lingered over her toast and jam and her tea. She had no where to go. She was too restless to stay in the hotel. She smiled when she thought of going back to the bookstore. Charlotte jumped when the bell jangled as she came in the door of the shop.

She went back to the leather chair and pulled Emma from her purse. She noticed Henry working at the counter. She watched him as he worked. She bit her lip and tried to focus on her book. She couldn't lose herself in Emma's world. She found herself focused on Henry. He was helping customers. His voice seemed so familiar to her but she couldn't explain why.

She wanted to say hello to him, to thank him for the book, but she didn't want to bother him. She put her head down and focused on Jane Austen's description of the English countryside.

 

[silvertongue217]

Sachiel was on the battlefield a flaming sword in one hand and a wicked curved ax in the other. All around him the sky was raining fire the very sky was blackening as the heavens tore apart. The enemy was coming at him in full force their blackened wings beating furiously as they came at him with reckless abandon. He smirked delighting in the battlefield as he began hacking and slashing at both of them with every bit of the energy he felt in his body. He attacked them all his body moving and pivoting as he beat the demons back one by one.

He didn’t stop, he didn’t tire instead he moved like a surgeon of death carving them out one by one. He was a master of the battlefield and every one who came at him fell to his blade.

He finally stopped his shirt torn his chest heaving as he looked around. The battlefield was suddenly silent even the thunder rumbling overhead becoming mute. He looked around trying in vain to find…….

There!

He spotted her cowering by a large tree huddled and looking terrified. His heart wrenched out of his chest for her and his wings unfurled to life magnificent jet black wings that stretched powerfully as he leapt into the air. He took off moving towards her as fast as he could He saw her looking at him and he sighed when hope filled her eyes and she reached out for him as eager as he was to be back in the others embrace.

Suddenly his wings felt heavy as if they were piled with rock and stone. He tried to beat them harder growing frantic as her expression turned to one of fear. Suddenly the fire was back and so was the electricity and he knew without a doubt that she was in danger. He tried to reach her noticing the demons creeping up all around her.

“NO!”

Sachiel’s eyes wrenched open his breath tearing out of his throat as he shot up out of the bed. His nightshirt hung to his skin soaked in sweat from his terrible nightmare.

“My name is HENRY!” Sachiel shouted into the darkness before flpping down onto the bed.

“My name is Henry”

…………………………….

She was there again

He worked trying not to notice her staring, of course now that they met the attraction and pull wouldn’t be easy to resist. She was worse of since she knew nothing of their past she couldn’t be warned of the danger. He tried before but it never worked out well when he did either way it never worked out well for them but he long since learned to let her stay in the dark about their curse. It was easier and less hard on her this way or so he believed.

He noticed the shop was empty and turned looking at her before sighing.

“Back again?” He asked coming over and smiling at her “don’t you have some where better to be?” He asked coming and sitting in the chair opposite of her.

“It’s hard to get into a good book when there is some thing on your mind” He said simply looking at her “I hope every thing is okay”

 

[wideeyedone]

Charlotte hadn't slept much the night before. She was trying to fill her day. Henry sat down across from her. He seemed so open and easy to talk to, but she didn't want to burden him, or endanger him. Darren might hurt someone that befriended her or helped her, he was going to come looking for her.

She looked over at Henry.
"I am trying to start a new life. I suppose this bookshop feels normal to me. I was a librarian in my last life. But I had to leave everything. I had to run away in the middle of the night."

She shrugged her shoulders with a deep sigh. Her eyes glistened with tears.

"I hope I am not being a bother. I will buy another book in a few days. I have a budget. I am trying to stick to it. I miss my books desperately."

She wasn't sure why he was telling her all of this.

****

Darren was using his badge to find Charlotte. He had a general idea what neighborhood of the city she was in. He flashed her picture and his badge, claiming that he was trying to find a young woman in trouble. He never admitted to anyone that she was his wife and he was the trouble she was fleeing.

 

[silvertongue217]

“That’s not what I meant” Henry said wincing and watching her. The pull was increasing with each moment he spent with her. He could tell she was going through some thing traumatic (most likely involving another man) and his mind was screaming protect her. He knew he was trapped that no matter which path he tried to take it would end in her destruction. Fate was never kind to them and he knew without a doubt that this time it would be no different.

“You can hang out here as long as you’d like do you have a place to stay?” Henry asked unable to stop himself. Then again what was the point in fighting it? Every time he did in the past he never was able to for very long or if he did they would punish her not him. They wanted him to play the game and put on a show after all and they made damn sure of it.

“I have a spare room if you don’t” Henry continued feeling his heart beating “I have been looking for a roommate actually if you’re interested…..” He said letting it hang in the air.

 

[wideeyedone]

Charlotte watched him as he spoke.

"I am staying in a hotel down on Main. However, I didn't feel very safe last night. I need to find a job, but I have my savings. I could pay rent."

She twisted her fingers in her hair as she spoke.

"But you would have to know that my husband is looking for me. And he has a temper. He... is a cop. And I wouldn't be surprised if he finds me. He always does."

Her voice broke as she spoke. But she took a deep breath and fought off the tears.

 

[silvertongue217]

Of course he was

It didn’t surprise him little did she know kings and emperors once fought him for her hand. There was almost always a man in power serving against him he supposed to further drive home the point he was always fighting against powers greater than him or some other bull shit like that. Still a cop wasn’t to bad….. He would probably have to gun on the run when he killed him but in a few years that would fade away and he had so many places he could go to. All in all he was small league compared to what he usually fought to be with her.

“I can protect you” he said speaking it so easily that it left very little doubt “consider your self approved” He said smiling at her and kissing her hand “you stay here until I close up then we will get your stuff and move you in I would like to keep you in my sight and by my side until this guy shows up so I’ll see about getting you a job at the book store” He said nodding at her

“just stay here until I’m don working” he said calmly

 

[wideeyedone]

Charlotte wasn't sure why she agreed. But it felt right and she felt safe with Henry. She curled up in her chair and read as Henry went through the rest of his work day. Sometimes in the early evening, Charlotte fell asleep. She curled up with her feet tucked underneath her.

Darren was waiting for her in her dreams. He had her by throat. He was screaming at her. He was angry but she didn't know why. She wasn't sure what she had done. She had begged him for forgiveness and he only pushed her to the wall. He held her there by her throat.

She was shaking and whimpering in her sleep.

 

[silvertongue217]

He helped the rest of the customers and turned noticing her shaking and whimpering and frowning. She was having night terrors and he could guess what they were most likely about. She looked so sad curled up in the chair so innocent, she was an innocent in all of this and he felt his anger rising at Darren and the Angel of fate. How much longer would she have to suffer for loving him? How much longer would he? Where was the justice? Where was the forgiveness?

He went over to her sighing softly and stroking a spare piece of her hair before tucking it back behind her ear. He kneeled down running a hand over her body and trying to comfort her before he hesitantly cleared his throat.

“Charlotte” He said softly into her ear “It’s time to get up the shops closing we can go get your stuff and then go to my house and have dinner”

 

[wideeyedone]

Charlotte blinked hard a few times and then got up. She tucked her book in her bag and slid on her leather jacket. She waited as he locked up the shop. She lead him through the neighborhood to the ratty hotel in which she had been staying. She walked him upstairs and collected her single bag of possessions.

The room was shabby and drab, but clean. But she was happy to leave it. She allowed Henry to escort her to his home. She argued with herself as she went. It was ridiculous to go anywhere with a man she barely knew. However, her heart was telling her that she was safe. She hadn't felt safe in so long, she had to trust that feeling.

"Henry, I will never be able to repay you for this kindness." She laid her hand on his arm as they walked down the street.

 

[silvertongue217]

“Oh I am sure we can work some thing out” He said feeling her hand on his arm and the electricity that usually accompanied her touch. He winced realizing it sounded like a sexual innuendo and instead led her through the door of his apartment building and into the small two bedroom. He was a clean tidy person a fact he was grateful for since it meant his apartment always looked it’s best. He walked past the rows upon rows of bookshelves and opened the door to his spare room.

“This is your room” he said showing her it “feel free to decorate it any way you want I want you to make it feel like home I also am not very good at cooking so my fridge might be a bit bare just tell me what you like and I’ll add it to the shopping list” he said clearing his throat “I’m going to go shower so please make your self at home is there any thing you need?”

 

[wideeyedone]

Charlotte shook her head.

"I am fine thank you." She offered quietly. She took a few moments and looked around the bedroom. It was clean and well appointed. She took her grandmother's locket and hung it on the corner of the mirror.

She slid her suitcase under the bed. Then she went out to the kitchen. She rummaged in the cabinets and the fridge, looking for ingredients for dinner. She began boiling water, and soon had pasta boiling.

She made a sauce from some spices and canned tomato sauce she found in the pantry. She hoped her bit of homemaking would show Henry her appreciation for his hospitality.

****

Darren flashed his badge at the seedy hotel on Main. The clerk told him that he thought he recognized her, but that she was gone. That she had left with a man.

Darren was furious, he wanted to pummel the clerk. He wanted to split his head open, but he knew he couldn't. He might have to come back.

 

[silvertongue217]

He watched her cooking staying hidden in the shadow of the doorway. He smiled watching her cook brought back a host of memories, a few different time lines flashed before his eyes a kitchen in Venice, a small hovel of a restaurant in little Italy, and more recently a manor in the deep south. It was she who taught him how to cook way back in the beginning hell the first time he ever saw her was in the kitchen working with her hands. How long had he watched her from heaven admiring the simple act of creating some thing and how well she did it.

“I could have cooked” He finally said softly coming out of the shadows still wearing the towel and nothing more. His chest was bare covered in scars and strange tattoo like runes that formed symbols “I appreciate the sentiment however” He said going to the laundry basket and pulling out some clothes his muscular back flexing as he gathered them and turned to her.

“Tomorrow I’ll take you clothes shopping” He said “You need more than what you got and you can consider it a loan of sorts” He concluded smiling slightly.

 

[wideeyedone]

Charlotte watched him as he gathered his clothing.

"I know you could have cooked, but I love to cook. It makes me feel at home and it is a little something I can do to help out."

She reached back and twisted her hair into a ponytail.

"My parents, before they died, they owned a little diner. I grew up cooking. That's where I met Darren."

She drained the pasta and then tossed it in the sauce.

"I suppose I will need some more clothes. I had to pack light, I didn't know how much time I had.

She wanted to ask him about the tattoos but she decided to wait until they knew each other better.

 

[silvertongue217]

“That’s fine” He said watching her cook and trying not to get lost in the memories “Let me go get dressed then w can have dinner” He concluded stepping back into his room and sighing. He ignored the feelings stirring inside of him and instead quickly got dressed pulling on his lounge pans and a white t-shirt. He frowned at all the scars on his body but other wise ignored them stepping back out and flashing her a smile before going to get the dishes. He slid past her biting back a moan at her scent and busied himself getting the dishes out as well as the silverware. He set the table and then brought the pan in putting it down and pulling out her chair for good measure.

“There you go” He said smiling at her and sitting down across from her “it smells delicious thank you” he said nodding his had in happiness before making his plate “are you settling in okay?” He asked curiously.