Lunch with Sweeney

[vicioussweetie]

Ali walked with Sweeney through the Nexus, keeping an eye on their "chaperon" to make sure the puppy didn't wander too far away. She walked with a bit of a slouch, head down just enough for her hair to fall in her face and hands in her pockets; she walked slowly enough for Sweeney to keep pace. She walked until they reached one of the more

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[fleet_st_demon]

Sweeney sits in silence for a few moments, a little unsure about the pillows. After another moment or two, he takes a piece of bread and plays with it as he speaks. "How can I fix things?" he asks, finally looking up to meet her gaze.

"I've lost many things in my life. I do not wish to lose you because I've been a fool."

[vicioussweetie]

Ali takes a slow drink of tea before answering, possibly to buy herself time.

"I've no plans to go anywhere, Sweeney. But it might be better for both of us if we're just friends. I haven't got the energy for another relationship that's always a fight. Jas wore me out. And I'm sorry, that isn't fair to you, but..."

She pauses, looking down at her glass for a moment. It's hard for her to admit these things, to say out loud the things that're hurting them both. "I cried all night after you left. I can't try and love a man who does that to me."

[fleet_st_demon]

Had he not fought himself for his freedom the very week before, he might have left it at that, accepted it, and moved on. But he's come so far, tried so hard, that he can't turn back now. "I have never wished to hurt you, love."

A pause, as he gathers his thoughts, and then, quietly, he continues. "I was afraid. Afraid of dishonouring Lucy. But she has freed me from our bonds, and I know now that I must not live in the past. I love you." He says that last statement with a ferocity that surprises himself, but he doesn't drop his gaze, doesn't look away, doesn't blush. He has changed.

[vicioussweetie]

Ali doesn't look up, though there's no question she's listening carefully.

"Do you love me," she asks quietly, "or do you love being taken care of?"