#ceja

“A long time.”

“So, act like it,” she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. “If you needed someone you could have come to me.”

“They were -,”

She stepped back, all too aware he hadn’t returned the embrace. But it was the touch of pain in his voice that upset her most.

“You did the right thing, Xander.”

“I know you don’t mean that.”

“I do,” she grabbed hold of his sleeve again, yanking him a step closer to her.

“I mean everything I say. You of all people should know.”

“They were just kids,” he breathed. “They would have killed innocent people.”

Ceja nodded, “I know.”

Her face was beginning to go numb from the biting cold, her eyes tearing up at each wind gust. Something unseen fluttered in the trees above as the air stilled briefly.

Releasing her grip on him, she motioned towards the split in the path.

“Let’s go.”

But when she took several steps forward, he didn’t follow. His kind eyes regarded her with confusion.

“Blackwater is that way,” he pointed to the path she hadn’t taken.

Ceja smiled, tilting her head and holding out her hand towards him.

His lips parted slightly as he raised a brow in realization. He took a step, stumbling over the uneven ground.

“I won’t bite,” she said, wiggling her fingers.

Xander smiled and crossed the distance, showing no hesitation as he took her hand and waited for her next move.

“We’ll deal everything in the morning. Because...” she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. Because what was most important, was taking the time to ensure he could process what had happened. To ensure he would be okay. Ensure he would be able to continue on as a Council member.

Because even if they could not control the chaos around them, they could control how they chose to treat others.

And at the end of each day, they didn’t have to be alone in the aftermath.

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