My Own Heart
Summary: Absence makes the heart grow fonder
Warnings: None, Fluffy marshmallow goodness (with a brief mention of phone sex lol)
Tags: @littlefreya @viking-raider @dancingwendigo @mary-ann84 @madbaddic7ed @snowbellexx @madelinelina @iloveyouyen @ly--canthrope– @summersong69 @wolvesandhoundshowltogether @fuckoffbard @fourmarkdove @thereisa8ella @omgkatinka
It seemed like more than two months; Henry was away working on the Witcher. Normally you would have been right at his side for any adventure but he wanted to keep you safe during this pandemic. You also had an important deadline in this period of time so you needed to be able to have reliable internet access and the creative space to do your best work.
He insisted you stay home as long as possible. It was a strong ask, but you know above all, he always has your best interest at heart. You had both agreed that when it was possible you would join him. Even though it would be difficult you knew he was correct.
The perks of being a writer by trade is you can work from anywhere in the world. However, it’s harder to find reasons to be creative without your muse at your side. You tried your hardest to put pen to paper but nothing seemed to come out. Thankfully the bulk of your pages were completed before he left so all you needed were a few finishing touches and edits
You proudly submitted your work a few weeks ahead of the deadline. However this only made the lonely days seem even longer. You had cleaned every square inch of your home and organized everything you could.
Most of the time you curled up with one of the many volumes of literature you have at home. Despite having most of those copies in an electronic form, you preferred the books
The way old books smell, the feel of the leather, the way a well read book’s spine feels and the sound it makes as you crack it open. It’s intoxicating. They smelled like a place you long to be and never leave. You were always drawn to it. It was earthy and wonderful, just like Henry. It was like home.
Being apart was hard on the both of you. You knew from the FaceTime calls; he just looked more tired. His voice was even strained. You wanted nothing more than to be there beside him to soothe away the soreness in his muscles and to run your fingers through his hair until he falls asleep. He complains about Kal stealing his comforter and snoring even though you know the truth. The wonderful man is a blanket thief and snores loud enough to wake the dead when he’s exhausted.
His schedule was pretty tight and you appreciate him making the time each night. You even texted when you could during the day. He also learned to turn off his notifications for texts, thanks to a photo you had sent. Even thinking about that made your cheeks heat. Thankfully it wasn’t anything too revealing but he felt obliged to tell you the PA with him for sure enjoyed what he saw.
You missed his touch. The way he could make you feel like the most precious thing on this Earth. You wanted to ensure he knew you wanted to be connected to him. Last night, he had an early night so you two got to talk more than usual. He began talking about how much he missed your body next to his while he slept amongst other things. Every word he spoke went straight to your core and next thing you knew he had you convinced to play with him later that night.
You wore the lingerie you know he loves and did your hair and make up. Phone sex was fun and all but dressing up and playing as your man’s own private cam girl awakened something in you. He called on time and you gave him the show he asked for. You followed instructions and drank in his words of praise like they were water. Both of you know it wasn’t like being there but it was the best you could do.
The fact you would get to be with him soon didn’t help. It made you more restless. You had packed all you could since this would be an extended stay. You made the arrangements for the house to be taken care of, like you’ve done dozens of times before. Even with work to be done, you found yourself in the middle of your king size bed feeling more alone than usual. You needed an adventure.
You always had books on your nightstand but you also knew Henry kept one of your favorites in the drawer on his nightstand. In the deep drawer, you found his copy of The Fellowship of the Ring. The well worn spine on this volume of Tolkien made you smile as you thought about him escaping into Middle Earth. Truth be told, you were sure he saw himself in Frodo but he definitely was the embodiment of Aragorn to you.
Noticing a bookmark nestled between the pages, you opened it up and began reading. As you read further, you decided to get comfortable against the headboard. You pick up the bookmark and notice your name on the paper. It was your name, written in Elvish, iin Henry’s neat but masculine text.
You carefully turned the book over and held the “bookmark” in your hands. Your love of fantasy was one of the things you two were able to share. You blinked back tears at the gesture of the name and opened up the neat folds of the paper.
“My lady of Rivendell,
I figured you would have worked your way through the books that comforted you the most and this one, and it’s two companions, were the choices to place in my nightstand for you to find. You tend to read what I’m reading. I recall you telling me it made you feel closer to me by knowing where my adventures had taken me. Know that there is no greater adventure than this life with you. To borrow a quote, I would rather share one lifetime with you then face all the ages of this world alone.
Even as I write this letter, you’re sleeping beside me. Like every princess, peacefully dreaming and awaiting true love’s kiss to bring you back to life. No doubt you are dreading me leaving today, as am I. Instead I will focus on the fact that it will only be a few months apart, you will have turned in your copy to your editor and we can be reunited. The internet service is a bit dodgy but you can see the stars at night.
Just know thoughts of you will fill my every free moment. I know you will worry due to me pouring myself into my work in order to ease the absence from you. I promise to at least attempt a few hours of sleep in an actual bed. It will still feel empty without you in it, even with Kal to drool on the pillow in your place.
My own heart, I love you. A thousand times over. In whatever lifetime we have. You are more than I had ever dreamed of. Thank you for blessing me with your love and your spirit. I will always cherish and protect them.
Eternally yours,
H
As if on cue, your phone was ringing. He was just calling. You wiped the tears from your cheeks and took a breath before answering.
“Hey,” you managed to to keep your voice steady.
“I got a little break between. I needed to hear your voice. I assume you’ve finished packing?”
“Mmmhmm,” you tucked the book back in the drawer, “I was just reading.”
“Oh? Anything good?”
“Yeah, I took a little trip to visit my people,” sniffling as I speak, “got a little side tracked.”
I can feel him smile through the phone, “seems odd. Whatever could have pulled you from Rivendell.”
“Just some ranger thinking he took some levels in bard.”
At least he laughed, “Well I hope his prose was acceptable.”
“It was perfect,” sighing as I stretched across the mattress, “How did I get so lucky?”
“I’m the lucky one my lady”
“I don’t know about that. You always know just the right little touch to remind me how much you love me and how much you care. You’re a busy man. So many projects and you still took the time to hand write a letter and put my name on it in Elvish. Your time is valuable and I appreciate you doing something so beautiful and caring.”
Now it’s his turn to sniffle, “You’re more than welcome,” he sighs, “it appears I need to get back to work.”
You pout, “all right but you’ll call me later?”
“Of course. I love you Y/N.”
“Love you Henry. Until later.”
Even after ending the call, you find yourself laying in bed with the letter pressed against your chest. No matter the obstacle you knew he would always find a way to make you feel loved.
