Mercy76 AU - The Witch and the Soldier
She was lounging on her couch, curled up underneath a blanket reading another magic book by firelight. Comfortable after a day full of healing and helping others, she glanced over as the door rattled on its hinges. There was a storm going on right now, and she was curled up with the fire in the fireplace. The door rattled again, and she glanced over at it again, narrowing her eyes for a moment. This wasn’t normal, even for storm weather.
She shifted, reaching for her wand, and holding onto it, pointed at the door as it rattled again. The door burst open with a flurry of cold and rain, as in stumbled her partner in crime, the Soldier. Over his shoulder was the headless Reaper. “Where is his head?”
“In a bag on my back. Where can I put him? The alchemist got to him.”
“That table over there please.” She pointed over to her operating table, and stood up, wrapping herself in a house coat. Moving over to close the door, she locks it and then moved over with the Soldier who’s gaunt face was staring at her with unwavering anxiousness.
She glanced over the pumpkin looking for damage. There was nothing, and that was good. She reached inside and relit the candle, and left the pumpkin at the head of the corpse. “Come on Soldier, come dry off and warm up next to the fire. Thank you for bringing him back to me.” She said softly, gently pulling him towards the fire and conjuring up a towel for the Soldier to dry off with. He sat down on the floor in front of the fire, toweling his hair after removing his jacket to set it up on the chair there.
“Where did you find him?” she asked softly as she curled up under her blanket again, carefully watching the man who was drying off in her living room.
“He was laying in a prison. They were talking about cremating him, without another thought. I’m on every wanted list now for freeing him. But he’s a good man, even if he’s the headless horseman.” Soldier rubbed across his face.
“How is the enchantment on you holding up Soldier?” She smiled at his answer, before she shifted and conjured another blanket.
“Well enough. I appreciate the help. It’s...making it easier to get through the days. When can I fade away?”
“Soon. I promise. We’re nearly done, and we can all rest.” The Witch, letting her illusion around her body fall, revealing the older woman who looked very tired. The Soldier, sure he was dry, moved over to her and lifted her up into his arms, carrying her towards her bedroom, laying her down on her bed, moving back to the living, only to be stopped by a hand around his wrist.
“Stay with me tonight? It’s cold, and you’re...warm.” She asked softly.
He knew he shouldn’t. He knew that it was a bad idea. But she had given him extra time on earth, and he owed her a lot. And deep down, he loved her, just like he had when they had been young teenagers together. He stripped down to his boxers, before he slipped in the bed next to her, holding her close to his unbeating heart.
“Anything for you.”