Nuts and Dolts Week Day 2: Married Life
Ruby gripped the side of the sink, arms shaking as her heart pounded in her chest. Each breath felt like her chest was burning as she swore she could feel claws digging into her. She swore she saw Cinder’s face in the mirror, her fingers shaking as she tried to compose herself, only to feel Penny wrap her arms around her.
“Morning,” Penny said quietly. “You are up early.”
“I-I couldnt sleep,” Ruby said as she leaned back into Penny, her heart slowing as she took a few deep breaths. “How did you deal with it?”
“Deal with what?”
“Knowing that you died.”
“I was eased through it. My memories slowly brought back until I could handle knowing what happened to me.”
Ruby sighed and nodded as she finally calmed. “And how long was that?”
Penny shrugged. “A few months.”
“Right…”
“Its okay if you are not over it yet.”
“But I should be! Its been two years since I died and came back-”
“And you are human. Dying takes a toll on people and you are supposed to rest.”
“I… I cant.” Ruby took another breath and pulled Penny into a hug. “I cant rest. I need to be out there helping people, I need to be fighting grimm and…” Her words trailed off as she squeezed Penny and held back a few tears. “I… I want… I want to be out there to keep our life safe.”
“No matter what, our life will be safe,” Penny said with a smile. “We got married knowing our life would not get easier after everything we have been through. But I want to be there for you no matter what, at your side to help you through anything you go through. And then once you are healed, we can go on missions again.”
Ruby nodded and pressed her face into Penny’s shoulder, still trying to hide the tears that started to fall down her cheeks. The pain that radiated from her chest wasnt easy to ignore, and yet, while being held by Penny, it almost felt like the pain had melted away. The woman she loved, her wife, her shining star that seemed to always light her path.
She finally pulled away from Penny and looked up at her with a smile. “And you’re sure you’ll always be there?”
“Always. I will make breakfast while you finish getting ready for the day. Our garden will not tend to itself.”
Ruby nodded and watched Penny walk off, her smile fading once Penny was out of sight. She walked to the closet to start getting herself dressed, taking her time so she wouldnt strain herself. “I dont think I’ll ever get used to the quiet life,” she said quietly to herself as she put her cloak on. “But I have to get back out there.”
