That's a fair question. I'm sitting at the table laughing at myself. These are the first words he's spoken to me this morning. It's been chilly between us even after his declaration last night. I have a feeling we are about to have a deep conversation or huge argument. I'm not sure which one, but either way, I'm not looking forward to it. "Yeah, I'm fine."
"If you say so." He turns back around and focuses on the eggs and sausage he's cooking.
My stomach grumbles at those smells as well as the yeasty smell coming from the oven. He's making biscuits. I do have to give him credit; despite being angry, he got up to make breakfast for me. I'm not sure I would return the favor if the shoe were on the other foot.
He pulls plates out of the cabinets, and then gets the biscuits out of the oven. Laying some paper towels on a plate, he places the sausage on it and turns to me. "It's ready. Let's eat up so we can talk."
If that's not an appetite killer, I don't know what is. "Okay, great." I try to force a smile, but I'm sure it comes off flat. "Thanks for breakfast."
"No problem." His face is indifferent, but his tone is a little gruff. "I figured, after all your escapades yesterday, you would need a good breakfast. Especially since you only had granola bars last night."
I'm pretty sure that's code for eat up. You're going to need it for our talk. Not wanting to upset him any more than I already have, I get up and pile the eggs and sausage on top of two biscuits. I should be too anxious to eat, but right now my stomach is growling so hard, I'm surprised the floor isn't shaking.
"Save some eggs for me." He chuckles as he waits for me to move.
It's his bad for letting me go first. I head back over to the table and plop in my seat. I struggle but am able to wait for him before I tear into my food.
We sit in silence while we eat our breakfast. He doesn't eat much, but I scarf down the food. My arms are sore, but it doesn't stop me from inhaling what's in front of me. As soon as I chew the last bite of my food, Charlie clears his throat.
He takes a sip of water and then sits it on the table. "I'm sorry. I can't wait any longer." He runs a hand through his hair. "How could you leave me behind again?"
This I wasn't expecting. I was banking on him being angry, not hurt. "It just kind of happened. Luke called me over there and had someone lined up to reap and bring back."
"Are you serious?" His drops his hands and his eyes widen. "He reaped someone and brought them back. Why?"
"So I could have a realm jumper to get me to Hell." Yeah, I was shocked there too, dear. "That's what I'm getting at. It wasn't like it was planned out on my end. It just happened."
"You could have called me ... something." He jerks his hand in the air and shakes his head. "I'm tired of sitting here helpless."
"I get it, but I don't even know if you could have made it there." I stand and rub my arms. "It was different and overwhelming. I'm not sure a normal reaper could have survived. I can't risk you, no matter the consequences."
"Do you not think the other night doesn't change everything?" He stands and his breathing quickens. "That was us agreeing to go all in together. Not you running off and doing your own thing and coming back to me when you're done."
"It wasn't like that..." I raise both hands but stop. Hurt is clear in his eyes. Whether I meant to or not, the damage is done.
"It never is, Christina." He turns away and paces around the coffee table. "When are you going to really let me in? When are you going to stop shutting me out? I thought when you got back from whatever soul-searching journey you went on things would change between us for the better."
Shit, I've messed up big time. I take a step toward him. "It has changed."
He throws both hands in front of his face. "Has it? Because as far as I can tell, you left me again and trusted some random stranger more than me to go to Hell with you."
"You're right." I take a few steps back to give him more space. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."
"What?" His mouth drops open and he lowers his hands.
"That's not what I meant to make you feel, but I understand where you're coming from." What would I do if he went off to Hell and left me behind? I'd be going out of my mind with worry. "I've been really inconsiderate, and I promise to do better going forward."
A small smile spreads across his face. "You're supposed to be more difficult. I haven't gotten through half my other examples yet."
Wow, how self-absorbed have I been? "Please, proceed. You're right. This is a partnership and I'm all in. Tell me."
He walks over to me and tugs me to him. His lips meet mine and his tongue demands entrance.
My hands wrap around his neck and make their way into his hair as I fall into the kiss.
Pulling me closer, he deepens the kiss then pulls back. "I'm done. That's all I need to hear."
When he lets me go a little, my power depletes even further causing me to lose my balance. I stumble to the left and he tightens his hold on me.
"Hey, what's wrong?" His brushes my hair away from my face and stares right at me.
"Ever since last night after fighting the angel and demon, my power has been low, and it hasn't bounced back." I lick my lips and hope he won't get upset again.
