#catalinacavalry

         Aha! Lea had spotted the last baguette on display at the market. Normally she would bring home any left over bread she had prepared at work early that day. However due to sudden increase of customers in the passing days, the left over bread Lea had grown so accustomed to taking home was becoming more of a rare occurrence. Lea smiled to herself. What were the odds that she would get the last loaf of bread just before the shop was closing? She merrily reached out to grab it, but noticed the another pair of hands reaching for the item as well. Lea recoiled her hand quickly and turned and was faced with another woman. She too must have noticed the last of the bread and also desired to nab it before anyone else took it.

“Rebecca, it’s been a while.” She commented, catching her friend in passing. “We need to have dinner, it seems there are quite a few life events I need catching up on.” 

After pulling her into his dimly lit living room, he took hold of her face with his hands, cradling her cheeks, pressing several affectionate kisses across her face. “You can stay tonight, and as many nights and days as you need for you to feel safe. As many days and nights as you want.”

When the dark haired woman began to open up, Jean found his heart aching. To imagine the woman he cared so deeply about in any form of pain or ever hurt, caused him pain too. He couldn’t believe anyone would ever treat anyone, let alone such a wonderful person so badly, it left her with nightmares. Seeing her so hurt, so tired, he carefully placed both hands on her arms, fingers trailing up her forearms gently, then back down, “Rebecca Catalina, I will never let anyone hurt you ever again. No harm will come to you and I’ll put my all into protecting you. With me, you are and will always be safe, whether you’re awake or asleep. I’ll chase away any bad dreams, I will comfort you and I will make you happy.”

“That’s not the best I could do, but I appreciate the compliment.” 

Honestly, since he got back to the military, he realized he’d become rusty with his skills. That would be expected, though, seeing as he’d been in a wheelchair for several months...unable to do anything on his feet. 

Now that he could, however...