Chapter 75

The moment she came into view, the world around Zeven froze. all he could see was her. Like a lighthouse calling a ship home, he was drawn to her.

Even in her silvery heels she seemed to float effortlessly down the stairs.. Her long legs were covered in silk. The color of midnight, that shifted with each step she took allowing the light to catch in different places, adding an other worldly look. There was a slit on the left side that ran well up her thigh, contrasting the creamy white of her skin to the dark fabric. A deep black belt cinched in her waist, dividing the skirt from the bodice.

From the middle finger on each hand, lace seemed to grow as it crept up her arm and over her shoulders. The entire body of the dress was covered in lace, it wrapped around her neck clasping in a row of buttons up the back.

Each step brought her closer to him, her left hand floating along the side rail as she descended from the heavens. Her eyes were fixed on his, just as his were fixed on hers.

She stumbled on the last step as she stretched her hand down to him. The hem of the skirt catching on the strap of her heel. Closing her eyes, Chris waited to hit the ground. But the only impact she felt was soft. Warm hands wrapped around her waist, her chest pressed against another chest.

A strong chest, and with her feet off the floor it felt like she was floating in his arms. She could look down at him from this angle. He looked more handsome than usual, his usually messy hair was combed back and slicked into place, only one stubborn curl refused to yield its place on his forehead. He was dressed in his while military uniform. Pins and medallions decorated his front, along with golden epaulets on his shoulders.

"Does this mean you've finally fallen for me?"

"I tripped for you."

"That is almost close enough."

He sat her back on her feet with great care. His hands lingering only seconds before returning to his side. However his eyes stayed on hers. Nothing outside of them could break their gaze.

Mae turned in her wheelchair to Brennan, "I guess that's about it. With the way they are looking I doubt they'd even notice we are gone."

Brennan's eyes were also stuck on Chris.

"You didn't tell her did you?" his gaze did not break from her, but he bit at his lip, "You are every bit as wonderful as he is."

"Even if I said something, nothing would change. Look at how she is looking at him. There is no one else in her eyes. Just being by her side is enough for me."

Zeven slowly leaned in. bringing his face only inches away from her. She stood still waiting for him to make his move, but all that moved were his eyes. They squinted, trying to focus as they raked over her face.

"Mae did a good job. I hardly look like myself."

"I disagree. It's still you, just a bit different."

"A lot different."

"Maybe it's because I can't see you as clearly as I'd like, but I think you look as beautiful as always."

"Save it for tonight. You'll wear out all your good lines."

"So you think I have good lines?"

"Maybe to other people, but I like you best when you aren't talking at all."

"That's almost never."

"Exactly."

Their attention was pulled away from each other by the metallic rattling as Mae was lifted up out of her wheelchair. Brennan held her securely in his arms, using the wall to help keep him steady while descending the stairs.

"Hey Zeven," Mae called out, "I think your next house needs to be more accessible."

"If you are feeling daring, I wouldn't mind putting some wooden planks down and making you a ramp."

"That's a bad idea." "No Zeven." Chris and Brennan both immediately added.

"What happens if I get too big for you to carry?"

"Easy," Zeven took her from Brennan, carrying her the rest of the way to the chair, "I'll get stronger so I can continue to do this." He tosses her an inch into the air before catching her again.

Brennan sighed and turned to go back and grab her wheelchair. He looked back when he was halfway up the stairs. Seeing Mae sitting on the chair, Chris perched on the arm rest, and his best friend making them both laugh. It was a beautiful image. One that he wished to burn into his brain forever.

His precious people, all together, all smiling, all happy. For people with such sadness in their lives, they also held such great joy. He watched as Gunter entered the room, joining in on their conversation. From up above he could see things that everyone else missed.

He could see Chris kept running her hands down her skirt, soothing invisible wrinkles; how Zeven positioned his body in a way that kept him open to Chris more than the others; Gunter's stiffer than usual posture.

Mae looked up at him, beckoning him back downstairs.

Chris had moved from her spot on the chair arm, and crossed over to Gunter. Taking note of his unusual behavior. She offered him her hand.

"It's not goodbye forever," squeezing his hand, "Besides it may be nice to have a quiet house all to yourself for a while."

"I've had my fill of empty houses. But I suppose you're right. I'm just being a sentimental old man."

"You sure are." Zeven wrapped his arms around both of them, squishing them all together. "But we still like you anyways."

"Alright. That's enough," Gunter tapped out on Zeven's shoulder. "I am going to miss you though."

He let go reluctantly. Letting Chris and Gunter out of his arms, immediately missing the feeling, "If that's everything, we probably need to start heading out."

Chris nodded at him, straightening out her gown and taking a deep breath.

Zeven said his goodbyes to the group, interlocking arms with Brennan and giving Mae a peck on the cheek. He then waited for Chris to do the same, before offering her his arm and walking out the door.

"Do you think they'll be okay?" Mae looked up at both Brennan and Gunter

"I think they stand as good a chance as any."

"Really?"

"No, they are both going to suffer immensely for their actions." Gunter hands were curled into tight fists at his sides, "Shall I take you home now Mae? It's about time for Brennan to leave too."

"But it's still so early in the day."

"Everyone has a long trip to get to the palace. Especially if they plan on arriving on time," Gunter cut his gaze over to Brennan in an accusatory gesture. Brennan sheepishly rubbed the back of his head before taking the hint and saying his goodbyes to Mae.

"Brennan, please… watch out for them."

"Of course." he said with a curt nod. Shaking Gunter's outstretched hand before walking out the front door.