Lana's Cottage, Friday morning

[sensitivejim]

Since they'd all limped back to Milieux, Jim hadn't wanted to leave Lana's side for anything, let alone the little things like work, food, and sleep. Which is why he was in the kitchen of Lana's cottage, making breakfast, when his cellphone went off

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[dark_innocence]

Lana wandered out to the kitchen sleepily. "Something wrong?"

[dark_innocence]

She ducked her head, wanting desperately to tell him not to go, and knowing if she asked - if she told him she couldn't bear to have him leave - that he'd stay. For her.

But it would hurt something in him. And she could never do that to him.

"Please... just please be careful," she said softly. "I need you to stay safe."

[sensitivejim]

"I'll be careful," he promised, squeezing her tightly. "I've got you to come home to now."

[dark_innocence]

"Yeah, you do," she said. "And I'll be here waiting for you."

[sensitivejim]

Jim smiled and bent his head to steal a kiss. He was lucky. Very lucky.

[dark_innocence]

She stretched up to kiss him back, holding onto him tightly.

[sensitivejim]

Jim didn't think about plans and travel and business, he pushed that all aside so he could enjoy having Lana, kissing Lana, for whatever time he could steal.

[dark_innocence]

Lana held on tightly wanting these last moments with him before he left. "How long? How long before you have to go?"

[sensitivejim]

"I should go soon," he said reluctantly, kissing the curve of her ear. "But . . . not so soon."

[dark_innocence]

God, she didn't want him to go. But since she had to, she'd make the most of what little time she had.

She stretched up and kissed him again. "Love you," she whispered.

[sensitivejim]

"I love you too, Lana," he murmured, gathering her closer and kissing her again.

[dark_innocence]

"Come home to me quickly," she whispered. "Come home."

[sensitivejim]

"As soon as I can." Jim kissed her cheek, her forehead, her lips. "I've always come back before."

[dark_innocence]

"I know," she said softly. "It's the only reason I'm not panicking right now."

[sensitivejim]

"Remember the first time I went away?" he murmured, smiling down at her. "You were sure I wasn't coming back."

[dark_innocence]

"I remember a couple of times where I was sure you weren't," she said with a shy smile.