Operation: Threads of Connection

Rest

"Can we talk, Peanut?" I nodded my head, before I knew it he began climbing the vines outside my window. This was so dangerous! "Damian, what are you doing?!" I whispered harshly, panic gripping my voice as I watched him scale the vines like a professional climber. My heart raced even faster, this time not just from the emotions, but from the sheer danger of the situation. The vines were old, and the building was tall. One wrong move and he could fall.

"Don't worry, Peanut, I've got this," Damian called back with a strained grin, clearly trying to sound more confident than he felt.

I rushed to the window, my mind screaming that this was reckless. "You're going to fall! Just wait, I'll come down!"

But he was already halfway up, moving faster than I'd expected. Bond barked softly, pacing by my side as if he, too, could sense the danger.

"Damian!" I leaned out the window, gripping the edge tightly. "Why are you doing this?"

He finally reached the window ledge, out of breath but triumphant. His hand found a good grip, and with one final push, he climbed into my room, landing awkwardly on the floor. He straightened himself up, brushing the dust from his shirt, his cheeks flushed from the effort.

"I couldn't just stand out there, waiting for you to come down," he said, breathless but determined. "I had to talk to you now. Face to face."

I stood there, dumbfounded, watching him as he caught his breath. The sight of him standing in my room, of all places, made my emotions bubble up again. Anger, relief, confusion... and something else I still wasn't ready to name.

"That was so stupid, Damian!" I burst out, my voice trembling with a mix of frustration and fear. "You could have gotten hurt!"

"I know," he admitted, stepping closer, his eyes soft but serious. "But I needed to see you. I missed you so much," he said, pulling me into his arms. I stood there in shock, is he really here? Or is this a dream? Tears started forming once more as I hugged him back.

"Wher-e did you go?" I sobbed out harder as I cried into his chest. His clothes were so cold- almost like he's been outside for hours. As I wrapped my arms around him I realized how thin he has become...

"I'll tell you later, can you look at me?" He said softly. I untangled myself from him and looked at his face. He had dark bags under his eyes, his once lively face was not thin and pale. He had faint bruises scattered over his cheek. He looked at me intensely for a couple seconds- almost like he was trying to tell me something, but all I could hear was the windy night outside. He looked almost defeated, but proceeded to give me a small smile.

I continued to observe him carefully, what did they do to him? I gently placed a hand on his cold face, as I rubbed tiny circles over his bruised cheek. He leaned closer to my warm hand, almost as if it was healing him. Although I had a million questions for him, I couldn't help but notice how tired he looked. I removed my hand from his cheek and proceeded to grab his hand, leading him towards my bed.

As I led Damian to my bed, his steps were slow and heavy, like he was barely holding himself together. His hand in mine was cold, and I could feel how much weaker he seemed. My heart ached, seeing him like this—so different from the boy who always stood tall and confident.

We sat down at the edge of the bed, and I glanced at him again, the bruises on his face more visible in the soft light of my room. I couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible had happened to him while he was away. But he wasn't ready to tell me, and I wasn't sure I was ready to hear it. All I knew was that I wanted to take care of him now, to make sure he felt safe.

Damian... you should rest," I said softly, feeling the weight of everything we'd been through hanging in the air.

He shook his head in protest, but I wouldn't take no for an answer. I gently pressed my hand against his chest, urging him to lie down. "Please, Damian," I whispered, my voice full of concern. "You need to rest. Whatever happened, we can talk about it later. Right now, I just want you to feel safe."

For a moment, he hesitated, his tired eyes searching mine. He looked like he wanted to argue, to stay strong and keep going, but he finally gave in. With a heavy sigh, Damian lowered himself onto the bed, the mattress sinking under his weight as he let his guard down, if only for a little while.

I pulled the blankets over him, tucking him in like I had so many times imagined doing for someone I cared about. His body seemed to melt into the warmth, and for the first time since he'd arrived, his shoulders relaxed.

I sat beside him, not saying a word, just watching him as he closed his eyes, his breathing slow and uneven. I could tell he was still fighting sleep, his mind likely haunted by whatever had happened to him. I reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from his forehead.

"I'm here," I whispered softly, hoping it would offer him some comfort. "I'm not going anywhere."

He opened his eyes briefly, just enough to glance at me. His hand reached out from under the covers and grabbed mine, holding it tightly. His grip, although weak, told me everything—he didn't want to be alone.

"I love you" he murmured, his voice barely audible as sleep finally began to pull him under.

"I know..." I whispered as I gently placed a kiss on his forehead, " I love you too..."