* Julliane *
I woke to the soft, lingering warmth of Lance's lips pressing gently against my forehead, his breath a tender whisper against my skin. The weight of his arm around my shoulders felt like a silent promise, grounding me in the midst of our chaos.
"Go home and get some sleep, sweetheart," he murmured, his voice a low, soothing rumble that stirred something deep in my chest.
Blinking away the remnants of a fitful, couch bound slumber, I lifted my head, suddenly aware of the sterile, too bright hospital lights flickering above us. I hadn't realized I'd drifted off against his chest, comforted by the steady rise and fall of his breaths as we watched over Darren.
I glanced at the clock on the wall, the fluorescent hands creeping toward dawn. "What time is it?"
"About five," he r
