#starishsky

The thunder rumbled and roared as the rain pattered on the roof and windows. 

He's late.  

Worry spread throughout me as I looked out, trying to see if he would drive up in any minute to the mansion.

He should be fine, it was just weather and the city was peaceful now.  Any minute he would drive up and I run out to him and he'll say "Sorry for making you wait."

The fire in the fireplace crackled as if to laugh at my optimism.  I looked up at the clock and realized it was already an hour past the time he usually came home.   Sissy, who had been lying down near the chair I was sitting on, nudged my foot as if to assure me.

"You're right, Sissy."  I smiled while I picked him up to settle him on my lap to pet his back.  I didn't need to worry about the poison anymore.  "Van wouldn't let - "

Lights flashed outside and for a bit I thought it had been car lights before thunder rocked the house.  Sissy barked a little at the thunder before calming down again in my lap.  I've never seen or heard a storm like this before.

I really hope Van is safe.

---------------------------------------------------

"Sorry for holding you back, Van.  The miss is worried sick about you now in this storm."   

"It's fine, it's my job to be your bodyguard."

The mayor wished him safe travels as Van stepped out of the cab and hurried to his vehicle.

It was completely soaked since he didn't even think before to cover it.  It had started out a nice day.  With a shrug, he got in and turned it on after the third try.  The engine roared, competing with the thunder above, as it came to life.  Van switched the headlights on and pulled the cover manually to go over his head and latched it on the top of the windshield.

The water soaked the back of his pants quickly but it was nothing compared to anxious feeling he had.  He needed to get home since this storm didn't seem safe to be out.    The wind pushed the car to one side and the other as he drove it back to the mansion in the countryside.

---------------------------------------------------

It had been another hour and now I was extremely worried.  Had there been a riot?  Did Van get hurt?  

I couldn't stand it anymore and got up so quick that Sissy bounded off me.  "Sorry, Sissy.  I need to go out and see for myself."  Sissy followed me as I headed over to the closet and put on a raincoat and boots.  He watched me as I exited the house and gave a small bark as if to wish me good luck.

The rain wasn't pouring hard as it did before but it was enough to get soaked.  The driveway was flooded but thankfully the slope nearby made it drain downward to the river to the back of the mansion.

Just as I took a splashy step, a car pulled into the long driveway up ahead at the entry.  Relief made me let out a breath I had been holding but I didn't go back inside.  I waited and waited with clasped hands as if to hold myself from running out as the car came closer.

Finally, he pulled into the area nearby and parked the car.  I dashed around the back of the car as he opened the door and pulled him into a hug.  There was no need to say anything to him, he knew what I was feeling.  He pushed the car door closed before I felt his arms wrap around me and kissed me on the forehead.

"Sorry....for....being late."  I could barely hear him over the rain and thunder but I got the gist of it.

I smiled up at him and grabbed his hand to lead him to the dry and safety of our home.  Sissy barked in greeting while we walked in and immediately peeled off our jackets.  Mine was made for it but Van's was completely soaked that he had to take off the other layers.

Van sighed as he hung his jacket upon the coat rack near the door.  "I had not expected this rain."

"Me neither, it was such a beautiful day.  But, now the plant life can grow.  I wonder if more food and flowers will appear in the fields."

Van chuckled and I stared as he took off his last layer on his torso.  When he realized what he did in front of me, he cleared his throat.  "I'll go grab another, please wait for me near the fire."

He was being shy again.  So cute.  I giggled as he headed towards our room before I made way to the living room.

I put in another log and poked the fire to wake it up and it began to crackle louder and shone brighter.  The heat felt good and I got distracted that I didn't notice that Van was back until he pulled me into his arms.

"Not too close," he teased and guided me back to the couch.  The thunder was now a comfortable rumble alongside the pouring rain as we sat side by side.  Sissy laid now near the fire, also enjoying the warmth it gave off.

"The mayor's party drew out due to some...issues, though there were no accidents or harm."

"I'm sure that they wouldn't dare with you there."  I realized that he had been wearing his uniform before and missed my chance to take a better look.  "I...missed my chance seeing you in the uniform again.  Do you do this on purpose?"

Van blinked as his eyes widened in surprise before he laughed softly.  "Haha, I didn't realize it myself before I changed into this shirt.  I was too much in a hurry."  He leaned down closer while staring into my eyes with a soft smile.  "Were you outside long waiting for me?"

"No, I just stepped out then."

He let out a breathy laugh. "As always, you have great timing."  Van laid down a soft kiss on me while touching my cheek gently.

"Not when I want to see the uniform though."

"Hahaha, do you really wish to see me in it?"

I pouted a little.  "Yes."

"You will have to catch me in it."

"You do it on purpose so I won't see it, just like the other uniform before they made a new one after the other one was damaged in a fight.  It's not fair that other ladies have seen it and not me."

"There is one coming up that you can attend and you can see me in it the whole night."

I was surprised.  "Really?!  Why didn't you tell me sooner?"