I was putting my armor back on for patrol when Alex walked in. Immediately averted my gaze to the floor and I heard Alex sigh.
“Jack?”
I didn’t respond, I just shrunk back a little. “Jack please.” His voice was so small and broken I couldn’t bear to leave him feeling that way and not look up, so I did. His eyes were big and sad and I watched his gaze flick to my cheek. He rushed up to me making me flinch and gently raised his hand. I watched every single movement with wide eyes, not missing a single thing. I saw how close he was standing, how his light pink lips were parted slightly, how his fingers curled a bit as he ran them over my bruise, how regret and sadness filled his eyes, how his fingers on his other hand were entwining themselves with mine making me feel safe and protected despite what he’d done a few hours ago. “I’m so sorry.” He whispered. I couldn’t take it anymore. It hurt too much to hate him and I was falling apart. My hands weren’t enough to keep the shattered bits of my heart from dropping but I knew Alex could stop it. I flung myself into his arms in a tight embrace. Our bodies pressed together could keep the broken bits from cascading to the floor and it may even heal them. He returned the hug and we stood there for a long time, my face buried in his chest, breathing him in, and him playing with my hair gently as he held me. This was the Alex I loved. Yes, loved. I said before that I didn’t believe in love, that I’d never be in it, that I’d never let love take complete control over me but you know… Life’s funny that way.

---

I had Alex’s clothes and was carrying them up the stairs when I tripped over someone’s foot and all the fabric tumbled down. I looked up to see one of Cenrid’s knights grinning at me.
“You really need to watch your step.” He laughed before stalking off. I was just thankful that he didn’t hit me or anything else. I sighed and grabbed the basket and started picking up the scattered cloth. They all were dirty again from the mud on the floor meaning I’d have to scrub them again. I sighed and was walking back out to the wash bin when I was faced with the Prince. I froze, not knowing which Alex I was going to get but once he scoffed I did.
“Why are you rewashing clothes.” He asked.
“I was tripped and they fell.” I mumbled.
“You know I think you would’ve learned to keep an eye out for those knights instead of just blindly walking around like nothing’s going to happen to you.” He spat. I looked down at the basket and bit my lip.
“Stupid.” He mumbled before pushing me and stalking off. I swallowed the lump in my throat and rescrubbed the fabric.

Notes

Title Cred: Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran


Since this is so short and since I didn't update yesterday, I'll update again today.