She Holds Fire in Her Heart

Scarlett Larkspear - Nephilim - 22 - Formerly of the Seattle Institute

[josephisafighter]

Joseph grinned in response. It wasn't something he did all the time but it was something she brought out in him more and more. That desire to make plans and to do something special for someone. Mostly for her. "I love you," he replied after the kiss, kissing her again after he had. "So just to check, you're really up for this trip?"

"Even if I somehow forget to pack one I've several up there," he confessed, smiling at the wiggle of her eyebrows. "I stand corrected," he conceded with a chuckle. He wouldn't be surprised if whatever sort of raincoat she had she looked amazing in it. She could wear a bin bag and look amazing. "Clearly you've been holding out on me. Didn't you know that practical clothing is my version of a kilt?" he joked, leaning in to kiss her neck.

[scarlett-fights-demons]

Scarlett laughed a bit at the question. "I think it's a bit late for that with the tickets booked and all," she pointed out before sipping her tea. "But I'm more than up for it. I just can't believe it's going to be happening so soon."

"I really am a lucky duck then." For far more than his kilts, of course. Joseph was perfect, or perfect for her anyways. And she spent most days thanking something beyond herself for the fact that she'd met him, let alone that she got to call him hers. She hummed a near sort of laugh at the joke and the kiss to her neck. "If that were true you'd be itching to go at me every time you saw me in the training room or out on patrol."

-

Sleeping on a train wouldn’t have been something that Scarlett would have previously thought to be relaxing, but it surprisingly was. Granted, she’d been on a near adrenaline high the whole day that likely caused that sort of energy crash that only led to good sleep. As she stirred and blinked away the morning sun, she felt that giddiness taking hold all over again though. She trailed a few kisses along Joseph’s arm where it wrapped around her, sensing him beginning to wake too. “Today’s the day,” she whispered.

[josephisafighter]

Joseph automatically held his tea out of the way as she came in for a hug, a soft chuckle escaping him at her reaction. He could see the excitement in her smile. It made the mornings work more than worth while. "We can board the sleeper train from half eight in London, so I figure we should leave here late afternoon. Gives us time to get dinner before boarding. And this time tomorrow morning we'll be sipping on room service tea as the train travels the final stretch to Fort William," His own excitement won out then too, showing up in his own smile. Not just at the thought of visiting home but at getting to show it to her too.

"Absolutely," he replied without missing a beat, "And a good rain coat," he added.

[scarlett-fights-demons]

"You're such a schemer," Scarlett replied with a gentle sort of marvel in her voice. But it was only the deepest fondness that she felt in his moving up the plans and making them a reality. He was so thoughtful and intentional, and he made things happen. Her smile only grew as he spoke and she couldn't help but beam at Joseph. "I love you so much, you know." She leaned forward to give him a peck amidst a bit of a giggle.

She hummed thoughtfully at the assertions before wiggling her eyebrows at Joseph. "And you're going to bring a kilt, I'm sure." She laughed again, more at herself than anything. "But jokes on you, I do have a good raincoat. I grew up in the wettest place in the continental US, remember?" He wouldn't have seen her in it before though as she typically sported a plain black one for patrols, but the one she was thinking of was a cherry red one that bore more resemblance to a trench coat at first glance until you noted the material. "But yes, hiking boots, and probably something else I'll be forgetting."

[josephisafighter]

"Well," he took a sip of his own tea, enjoying the comfortable feeling of her leaning against him. It still pleasantly surprised him how much contentment he got from small moments like this with her. "there were arrangements to be made, tickets to be booked," and now that they had been they didn't have to rush about too much today. Sure they needed to pack, maybe shop but they had hours before they had to leave. "And we'll need time to go shopping if you haven't got everything you need of course," he added.

[scarlett-fights-demons]

Scarlett perked up a bit as Joseph spoke, more aware now that he'd done something. Her mind drifted back to him talking about taking her to Scotland and she felt herself gasp a bit. Now properly awake with a giddy sort of smile, she sat up and turned to look at him. "You didn't!" She ever so gently pushed his shoulder so that his tea wouldn't spill. But just as quickly she wrapped her arms around his shoulders to hug him. "When are we leaving?"

At the notion of shopping she grinned a bit further. "Is this your way of finally getting me to buy hiking boots?"

[josephisafighter]

“I love you,” he replied, leaning down to press a kiss to her lips. It still surprised him how easily those words came with her. At the truth of them that he felt. He’d never imagined he could love someone this much, that could know with such certainty she was who he wanted to spend his life with. Taking her hand he lead her to their bed. For that’s what it was to him now. Not his, theirs.

————

The sun hadn’t long been up when Joseph returned to the room. He couldn’t help but smile at the sight as he did. Placing a steaming cup of black tea with a slice of lemon down of the bedside table, he leaned down to press a kiss to Scarlett’s cheek. “Good morning,” he whispered. He’d woken early and hadn’t been able to get back to sleep so he’d gone in search of getting their leave approved. It had been pretty easy in the end, and he’d even managed to get all their patrols covered. While making tea in the kitchen he’d made a call north to make arrangements for their arrival too. All that was left to do was book the train and pack. After opening the curtains and slipping off his boots, Joseph returned to sit on his side of the bed with his own cup of tea. Breakfast tea with milk and honey.

[scarlett-fights-demons]

Those three words always enveloped her with a certain warmth, one unlike anything she'd felt prior to meeting Joseph. He embodied a comfort and care that she'd given up on thinking she ever deserved, and she hoped that she could be the same for him. It was funny, really, that she was so certain she wanted to spend the rest of her life doing just that when she wouldn't have even known him once. And even if tragedy had been the reason for each of them coming to Oxford, at least they had found each other in the eye of the storm.

--

Scarlett stirred slightly at the sound of the door opening and shutting and she managed to pry her eyes open to confirm Joseph's presence. She offered him a sleepy sort of smile as she spied the cup of tea for her and hummed as he kissed her cheek. "Good morning handsome," she greeted. With a gentle sort of stretch, Scarlett moved into a seated position so that she could lean into Joseph's side as he sat on the bed. She was grateful for the warmth of the mug in her hands now and the fact that he'd been thoughtful and attentive enough to perfectly brew her drink. Oh what she'd give to live every day like this. "Somebody's a bit of an early bird this morning."

[josephisafighter]

Joseph let out a warm laugh at her mention of kilts. At her mock swooning over it. He not so secretly loved how much she seemed to enjoy him in traditional dress. "Should I limit how much I wear them so the don't become too mundane to you?" he asked in jest. "Mmm," he hummed in agreement, sure that Finn would have no problems with them taking a short break. The Institute was well staffed now after all. "We could given go up to London tomorrow afternoon and catch the evenings sleeper train," Now that they'd decided to go he found he didn't want to wait longer than needed. Couldn't wait to fill his lungs with the clean, crisp Highland air.

His thumbs slowly made their way up and down where he held her as he listened. It was no surprise, and no wonder, that it had been hard for her to see. More so than those of them who hadn't gone through what she had. So he was grateful she hadn't been able to dwell on it. To do even that though, to carry on and help others, showed more strength than her words gave her credit for. Those with less likely wouldn't have been able to help, would have been paralysed and lost to their memories. Her strength was one of the many, many things he admired and loved about her. He nodded in agreement. Knowing that despite assurances that he was healed, there were three people he'd bet were sat anxiously waiting by his bed. "I've no doubt he will soon. In the mean time they've got each other to hold on to," he gave her a gentle squeeze, his silent way of saying and you've got me to hold on to. "Shall we go to bed?"

[scarlett-fights-demons]

Scarlett playfully scowled at Joseph's teasing. "As if they could ever be that to me. You truly underestimate my enthusiasm," she joked, pecking him on the cheek before she cozied into his side again. The fact that he was so eager in his planning made her giddy with that nervous sort of excitement, like the night before an adventure. And it would be that, to be sure. She couldn't wait to see him in his element, in his true home. "I think that sounds perfect."

His words held that warm sort of truth that wrapped around her heart even in those tough moments. Joseph had strengthened her more and more in her time of knowing him, in her time of loving him. Heaven knew she would be forever grateful that circumstance had brought them together as it had. And it was funny, really, to imagine that in any other universe they would have continued to be worlds apart. How lucky to live in a present such as this. She returned the squeeze with one of her own before nodding in reply to his question. "I love you."

[josephisafighter]

Smiling, he leant down to meet her kiss. He'd truly never get tired of that. Of being the person she decided to kiss. The person she decided to be with. The person she decided to let love her. It was the greatest honour he'd ever receive. Of that he was sure. He laughed at her words, pulling her closer. "I'll take that as a yes then," he leant down to kiss her again. "I'll speak to Hayden about it tomorrow, see if we can't go sooner rather than later. I'd like to show it to you while the heathers blooming," reaching up he tucked a damp strand of hair behind her ear, thinking how bonny a sprig of heather would look there.

"How are you feeling, after tonight?" he asked, not wanting to go to bed with out checking in with her. It had been hard enough for him to watch Ava, Gwaine and Odette. He worried that it might have stirred bad memories for her. The same sort that had been written all over Ava's face.

[scarlett-fights-demons]

“Of course it’s a yes. How could I ever pass up an opportunity to see you out in your element—and in a kilt.” Scarlett made an overdramatic swooning motion before laughing again. “I’m sure he’ll be okay with it if we’re not going for too long. Besides, it’s just the two of us.” She leaned into his touch with a delicate hum of contentment. “He’s got his hands full and the Institute well-defended. And I have blooming heather to see.”

The question grounded Scarlett into the present again, but she still managed a sad sort of smile. “I think it’ll always be hard… to see anyone in danger of losing someone they love, sibling or not. But to see him getting healed on the scene eased it, and we were able to focus on helping others too. I didn’t really get a chance to dwell like before.” Her whole body had run cold at the time though, to be sure, and her shaking hands were a bit more unsteady with the efforts to shift the rubble. But she’d managed, and that counted for quite a lot in her eyes. “I just hope he wakes up before too long. Even though he’s okay, I know that’s probably not an easy thing for any of them… I know it wouldn’t be for me.”

[josephisafighter]

Smiling, he leant down to meet her kiss. He'd truly never get tired of that. Of being the person she decided to kiss. The person she decided to be with. The person she decided to let love her. It was the greatest honour he'd ever receive. Of that he was sure. He laughed at her words, pulling her closer. "I'll take that as a yes then," he leant down to kiss her again. "I'll speak to Hayden about it tomorrow, see if we can't go sooner rather than later. I'd like to show it to you while the heathers blooming," reaching up he tucked a damp strand of hair behind her ear, thinking how bonny a sprig of heather would look there.

"How are you feeling, after tonight?" he asked, not wanting to go to bed with out checking in with her. It had been hard enough for him to watch Ava, Gwaine and Odette. He worried that it might have stirred bad memories for her. The same sort that had been written all over Ava's face.

[scarlett-fights-demons]

“Of course it’s a yes. How could I ever pass up an opportunity to see you out in your element—and in a kilt.” Scarlett made an overdramatic swooning motion before laughing again. “I’m sure he’ll be okay with it if we’re not going for too long. Besides, it’s just the two of us.” She leaned into his touch with a delicate hum of contentment. “He’s got his hands full and the Institute well-defended. And I have blooming heather to see.”

The question grounded Scarlett into the present again, but she still managed a sad sort of smile. “I think it’ll always be hard… to see anyone in danger of losing someone they love, sibling or not. But to see him getting healed on the scene eased it, and we were able to focus on helping others too. I didn’t really get a chance to dwell like before.” Her whole body had run cold at the time though, to be sure, and her shaking hands were a bit more unsteady with the efforts to shift the rubble. But she’d managed, and that counted for quite a lot in her eyes. “I just hope he wakes up before too long. Even though he’s okay, I know that’s probably not an easy thing for any of them… I know it wouldn’t be for me.”

[josephisafighter]

The idea of where wasn't a spontaneous one. He'd wanted to take her there almost as long as he'd known her. Certainly as long as they'd been together. He missed it, he wouldn't lie. But now every time he thought of going back it was always with her. Showing her where he'd grown up. All his favourite spots. His home. And hopefully hers too before long. "To Scotland," he let a smile tug at his lips, "Think it's about time I show you what will be yours if I have my way," and he truly meant that. Nothing would make him happier than sharing that place with her in every possible way. "What do you say?"

[scarlett-fights-demons]

Scarlett couldn’t help but laugh at his words, bringing her arms to wrap around his neck now. “You say that as if I’d ever refuse you and your way,” she teased before leaning up to kiss him. She’d never get tired of the warmth and butterflies that cascaded through her when they embraced in these ways, and had long since decided that he would be the man she’d marry one day—someday soon, if she had her way. And this trip was the one she’d dreamt of more than a few times since they’d been together. To see Joseph’s home and all of its beauty and to see him in his element would be priceless. “I’d say… I thought you’d never ask.”

[josephisafighter]

They were all aware of how dangerous their lives were but nights like this really emphasised it he thought. Even if this wasn't directly related to them, they'd still been caught up in it. He couldn't help but think about Finn down in the infirmary. Of all he'd been through. All that family really. And even what he and Scarlett had been through. Especially Scarlett. He found himself leaning with his hands on his desk. His gaze focused on one of the photographs there, one of a loch. But of course his mind was very much else where. At least mostly.

He didn't jump when Scarlett wrapped her arms round him, but he hadn't heard her coming either. "I should be," he agreed, placing one of his hands over hers where it rested against him. "I've just been thinking," he lifted her hand to kiss before turning round to fact her. Leaning on the edge of his desk, he put his hands on her hips. "I think we should take a trip," If things were going to kick off soon like it felt they might, they might not get another chance for some time.

[scarlett-fights-demons]

Scarlett couldn’t help but smile at the kiss to her hand, even with the somber note in the air around them. Joseph was always so gentle, so soothing in times like this most of all. She shifted her weight off of him as he turned around, eventually settling her hands on his chest once he was facing her. The suggestion made her brows furrow a bit, although her smile never faded. “Where would we go?” She questioned softly. It didn’t matter where, in truth, since she would follow him to the ends of the earth if he wanted her to. She might have also asked why if she hadn’t known better. He could feel it too, she was sure—the brewing. And even if some part of Scarlett was almost anxious to leave, she wanted to hold faith in the fact that things would hold steady for just a little while longer. And time away might clear their consciences a bit to face anything that did come about in their return. His proposition made perfect sense.

[felix-likes-to-smile]

Felix sat outside the institute. He was bundled up in his favorite hoodie and just listening as the world zoomed past. It was hard to wrap his head around things. The actual things that happened as opposed to things he’d dreamed up in his head. With a heavy sigh he leaned against the wall.

[scarlett-fights-demons]

Scarlett sent Joseph on ahead inside before settling herself to sit beside Felix. “Any reason you’re out here on your own?”

[scarlett-fights-demons]

Scarlett finally unraveled the towel she’d wrapped around her hair, letting the damp ginger locks fall along her back and shoulders. She’d already pulled on one of Joseph’s shirts to sleep in, as was typical in their newfound routine. Sleeping in his room made a lot of differences to both of them, with nights like this as no exception. Even if there were no casualties and all those injured were recovered or on their way to being so, it still left a lot of frayed nerves for everyone else. At least to Scarlett, this felt like the beginning of something. She shook the thought away for now, moving back into the bedroom. Joseph was partly leaning over his desk, so Scarlett moved quietly until she was able to wrap her arms around him, now resting her cheek against his shoulder as she held him. “And here I thought you’d be in bed by now.”

@josephisafighter

[because-hayden-said-so]

[scarlett-fights-demons]

"I mean... I'm not saying you're wrong to feel that way, but maybe ease up a bit."

[josephisafighter]

"You are a cruel, cruel woman Scarlett Larkspear. Completely without mercy for me," he commented as he admired her.

[scarlett-fights-demons]

"Says you," Scarlett replied with a soft swatting of Joseph's chest as she took in his costume. "You definitely did this on purpose knowing that I'd want to jump your bones even more than I already would."

"So I simply had to return the favor." She leaned forward then so she could whisper in his ear. "And you don't even get to know the best part yet."

[avalonslife]

Ava gave Scarlett a soft smile, reaching out to take the other girls hand. "I have no doubt that truly is what he was hoping for," she gave her hand a squeeze. "That's so wonderful you can feel him again Scarlett," she hesitated, not sure if her next words would help or hurt. But something tugged at her to same them, "Maybe his spirit has been with you the whole time, waiting till you were ready,"

[scarlett-fights-demons]

"It feels a bit taboo to acknowledge that, doesn't it?" Scarlett noted with a small laugh, dabbing at the tears in the corners of her eyes with her free hand. "But I'm grateful, regardless. I think it's better in the end if I still have Elliott somehow."

[baby-blue-nephilim]

Asher made a choked sound, but could only nod. "Yes. It was. My uh....great grandfather's I think? I don't really remember. Isn't that awful of me?"

[scarlett-fights-demons]

"It's not awful," Scarlett assured before bending down to gather some of the broken pieces in her gloved hands. "What matters in the end is if it matters to you at all."

[jace-has-no-last-name]

You can dance with me....

[scarlett-fights-demons]

"I hope that isn't some sort of insult, Jace. I do know where you sleep, after all."

[baby-blue-nephilim]

“Oh bother…”

He sighed forlornly down at the broken flask at his feet. “Well… this certainly bodes poorly for the rest of the evening.”

[scarlett-fights-demons]

"Damn... I would say no use crying over spilled liquor, but that did look like a nice flask."