Aftermath: What Trials We Have Faced

[hammerofhell]

Hans had been warned, of course, of the dangers of being enchanted. But his participation in the trial had been deemed necessary (once the children were safely put to bed), and he would not shy away from danger when his wife was involved. What was important to her was important to him

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[vicioussweetie]

Ali came into the kitchen when the last of the "guests" were gone. She glanced at Hans, then looked away, seeming intent on searching the cabinets until she found her coveted and disallowed secret box of chocolates. Sitting on the counter, she took one out, rubbing her thumb over the creamy morsel, leaving a fingerprint in the glossy surface. For a moment, her face was full of longing: there was, perhaps, never in her life anything she wanted more. It is a look usually reserved for things far more dangerous than chocolate.

But after a moment's contemplation she puts it back, returns the box to its hidden place, and even washes the chocolate off her fingers. For now, she'll settle for tea. If only it would brew faster!

[chill_whispers]

Sasha, who had slipped quietly in to get a start on that tea, watched Ali's struggle and smiled quietly with pride at the outcome. While chocolate is out and tea must wait, Ali can at least content herself with a gentle embrace.

As for Hans, he can look forward to the weight of her measuring, thoughtful gaze. "A pin for your thoughts?" she asks him softly.

[hammerofhell]

Hans, when Ali had entered, had risen quickly to embrace her after the battle for chocolate had been one. He had always known of the steel behind her beautiful features, had seen smaller measures of it, but not until tonight had he seen the fullest extent of it. It does not frighten him, as it might other men, though the full measure of responsibilities and dangers she faces do.

He breaks the embrace only when Sasha speaks.

"Just... mulling things over," he says. "All I saw tonight, I am left... uncertain, of myself, of how I feel. It was somewhat overwhelming."

[vicioussweetie]

Ali glanced at Sasha when Hans spoke, a look that spoke volumes on her disappointment that it was happening again. Then she looked down.

"I'm sorry. I won't involve you any further, if that is what you prefer."

The Next Morning

[hammerofhell]

The next morning (and with considerable help from the Goslings), Hans had prepared a breakfast of all of Ali's favorite foods. And this was even done with minimum damage to the kitchen. Having occasionally taken longer hunting trips, Hans was quite capable of doing at least a little bit of cooking for himself.

He rapped gently on Ali's door. "My love?"

[vicioussweetie]

There is a bit of noise from the other side of the door after the knock that sounds a bit like something falling on the floor. Then a light comes on.

"What is it?"

When he comes in, Hans will find Ali in a tangle of sheets, several pillows scattered around the bed, and with her hair hiding most of her face.

[hammerofhell]

Hans opens the door slowly and carefully, and what he sees takes his breath away.

"I... I had thought you might want breakfast."

Concern colors his voice, worry over his wife, his love. It looked to have been a restless night. Had she slept at all? How much of that could be laid at his feet?--far too much, he was certain. And what could he do to make it better?

[vicioussweetie]

Ali smiles weakly, pushing the last pillow remaining on the bed behind her as she scoots up to lean against the headboard.

"That sounds lovely. Thank you."