Wolvena

All Roads Lead To You

Esme

As Esme laid on the bed, she focused on nothing but her breathing, tuning all other sounds out. She even missed Dean calling her from the bathroom. Esme wished it was raining so she could focus on the sounds of the water hitting the roof of the house, as well as the sounds of thunder. But since it wasn't, she had to focus on her breathing or her heartbeat. It wasn't until Dean came out of the bathroom that she felt his presence and turned her focus to him, but she didn't open her eyes. She heard his sigh and knew he knew her talk with Duke hadn’t gone well. She shook her head softly to Dean’s words as she listened to him walk over to the bed and gently sat on the edge. She was unable to find her words just yet to tell him what happened in the garage with Duke. Dean’s hand touching her cheek and forehead nearly caused her to flinch. Reaching up, Esme took his hand, interlocking her fingers with his and then resting them on her chest. Finally opening her eyes, she looked at Dean, meeting his green gaze with her blue.

“You were right,” she started softly, her tiredness and unwellness showing through her tone. “I should have left him alone. It completely backfired on me.” Esme closed her eyes with a sigh and squeezed his hand. “Duke got frustrated as we talked, and I now realize I channeled that frustration, which made everything worse. What started as a nice and calm conversation turned into me nearly biting his head off because I couldn’t control the frustration that took over.” she told Dean. Opening her eyes, Esme looked at the ceiling, squeezing Dean’s hand again. “I think what made it worse was that he lied to me. He looked straight into my face and lied to me.” She then brought her free hand up from her stomach, wiped it over her face, and shook her head softly. “I’ve never channeled someone's frustration like I did with Duke’s, not even my father's, and you’ve seen how he can get. And now….. I don’t feel that hot.” She fell silent as she looked at the ceiling, a soft sigh leaving her nose as the conversation echoed in her head. ‘He lies to me about me not being the reason he left, and then turns around and tells me he wants to be friends.’ she thought.

‘If he wants to be friends. Why did he leave to get away from me? It doesn’t make any sense.’ Esme continued to think. She also couldn’t understand why she channeled Duke’s frustration so strongly. Maybe it was because her mind was tired from all the research she’d done to help Bobby’s other hunters. Or perhaps she wasn’t getting enough sleep when she thought she was. Whatever it was, channeling someone else's emotions so strongly could get tricky and put her in a position she couldn’t get out of easily. This ability was both a curse and a blessing at times. Esme just wished she had more control over it.

All Roads Lead To You

Esme

Esme continued to look past Duke as he spoke, focusing on nothing in particular. She didn’t know why she was standing there. She should have walked into the house after she had said what she wanted to say, but yet she was still standing in front of him. Her jaw tightened at his half-tease, not finding it funny or the right time to be teasing. Esme listened to his second statement, only partly believing she wasn’t putting more tension on them than they already had. She didn’t find it very surprising that Duke would pick up the girls that Dean had been with, and yes, she knew how Dean could be. When Duke pointed at her, she returned her eyes to him, narrowing them a little more. She listened to his words but still shook her head at the fact that he was the only reason she would be leaving. She knew how much Bobby and Dean liked having her around. Not only had she felt it from them, but they had also told her. But she couldn’t stick around any place long if there was a lot of tension hanging in the air. It made her sick and quite challenging to be around.

However, that was something Duke didn’t know since he didn’t know she was an Empath, and she wasn’t sure any of them would ever tell him. That wasn’t something she shared openly with just anyone. In the short time she’d known Duke, she could see how much alike Dean and Duke were and could see why they would butt heads often, but that didn’t make her feel much better. Esme’s eyes dropped to his hand as he raised it. He slowly reached down for her hand as he leaned forward a bit. He just couldn’t help himself. He just had to touch her when he knew she didn’t want to be. She clenched her teeth as her eyes returned to his face as he spoke again. Esme listened, picking up on his lie straight away. He had done it again, lied right to her face, and then dipped his head. He wanted to be friends, but here he was, lying to her face again. She knew the lie was about her, but she didn’t know the full extent of the lie. She could tell he liked her, but nothing more than that since she didn’t concentrate too hard on it, and she was still learning the extent of her empathy.

Esme would never think it was more than that from Duke. She stayed quiet, his begging words rolling around in her mind until he spoke again, watching him glance to his truck and back at her. When he finished, she pulled her hand out of his and took several steps toward the back door. “No.” she started, looking at him. “When you can stop lying to me. Then we can think about being friends. I don’t do well with being lied to, Duke. The sooner you figure that out, the better it’ll be for you. I understand keeping things from me, I can’t be friends with someone who lies to me.” she told him flatly. “Dean keeps things from me, but he doesn’t lie to me. Not after the last time I called him out on it.” Without another word, she turned and walked to the door, opened it, and walked inside without looking back at Duke. Once inside, Esme walked through the kitchen and into the living room, where she left the books on the floor and tidied up the mess she had left in front of Bobby’s desk. Once that was picked up, she headed for the stairs, went up to the guest room, shut the door behind her, walked over, and sat on the bed with a heavy sigh.

Esme laid back on the bed, closing her eyes tightly and running her hands down her face in frustration. Then brought her hands to rest on her stomach, taking slow, deep breaths to calm herself. She hated getting this worked up. It always took her some time to calm herself back down, and it always made her crave a lot of chocolate. It also drained her, making her feel horrible.

All Roads Lead To You

Esme

Esme didn’t stop when she heard Duke call to her. She just wanted to get back inside and away from him momentarily. She needed to collect her thoughts and rethink everything, especially why she felt the need to come out here and apologize to Duke. Esme hardly knew him. She had only been around him for 24 hours before he had decided to bolt and stay gone for a month. What was it about this guy that made her feel this way? She had stepped between him and Dean and demanded that they work out the problems between them, and now she felt the need to come out and fix what upset him. What was her empathy picking up about him that she hadn’t caught on to yet? Thinking about it made her head spin and hurt at the same time. Duke’s running footsteps echoed in the distance as she searched her mind for answers. She didn’t hear him skid to a stop next to her. When he grabbed her arm and spun her to face him, she gasped and caught his eye, seeing the worry on his face, but that didn’t stop her from narrowing her eyes at him.

As Duked pulled Esme into a hug, she raised her arms and placed them between them. She didn’t want to hug him, and she didn’t want him hugging her. Pushing against his chest, she tried to push herself away from him but couldn’t. So she kept her face turned away from him until he let her go. She took in his words, not liking them one bit. She couldn’t quite understand what could make him look so horrible at that moment. Esme also couldn’t understand why he cared how she saw him. It wasn’t like there was much between them except for that moment of comfort a month ago. When he pulled away from the hug, she noticed how his hands lingered against her body as if struggling to let her go. When Esme thought Duke was going to let her go, he didn’t. He took hold of her upper arms, held her in front of him, and came down to her level to talk to her. Her eyes remained narrowed as she took in his words and looked into his wide blue eyes. When he finished, Esme shrugged out of his grip and took several steps back from him.

“I can't promise anything.” she said, nearly snapping at him. She took a few more steps back to avoid getting drawn into another hug by him. “I’m not upset because you left, Duke. I get you had to leave after you and Dean sparred.” she told him. The frustration was evident in her tone as she spoke to Duke. “What’s upsetting about you leaving is the way you left. I know it was mostly Dean that caused you to go, but it also made me feel like I was part of the reason to…. I know it shouldn't bother me since we don't know each other that well, but it does.” she admitted, not knowing why. Esme looked past Duke and sighed heavily through her nose. Her hands clenched into fists. “I don't want to be someone that puts tension or stress between you and Dean, and I’m not going to force you to leave your own home. I'm the guest here…. If things go south, you can bet your ass I’ll be the one leaving here.” As Esme spoke, you could feel she meant every word she said. Esme fully planned on leaving if she felt she was a problem between the boys.

Supernatural - Hell On The Horizon

Esme

Esme smiled behind the kiss at Duke's reaction to her touch. It was a breath of fresh air, not having to try so hard. She was his, and he was hers. For once, she felt safe enough with Duke to give all of herself to him, not holding anything back. And she hoped that he did, too, or would at least get to that point with her. Yes, there was still that fear deep down he would bolt at some point, but she hoped that if she could show him how much she loved him, he wouldn't feel the need to bolt. Having him bolt now would absolutely crush Esme’s heart. After getting another chance with him, she wasn’t sure she could handle him bolting without her if it came to that. Esme was head over heels in love with the man in her arms, and she wasn’t afraid to admit it. Did it scare her how much she loved him? Yes, it did, but she was tired of being afraid to love again. And she was tired of going through life alone, fearing that everything she loved would disappear from her life forever. She needed Duke just as much as she thought he needed her.

Esme melted into Duke’s arms, and her heartbeat quickened as he pulled her closer. After she kissed him, he traced her jaw with his thumb. Like Duke, the memory of the first time he held her face like this flashed through her mind as clearly as if it happened yesterday. He had downed several glasses of whiskey to get the courage to tell and show her why she should love him, and she turned him down because she was in love with Dean at the time. She felt stupid for not paying closer attention to the sighs that had been so clear before Duke made his move. Esme also never told Dean about it, either. She knew that would cause more trouble than they needed. When Duke took over the pace of the kiss, Esme grinned behind it, taking his cue and deepening her kiss, lettering her love for him flow through the kiss. She knew he was still worried about hurting her, but she would let him know if he ended up hurting her, and she knew he knew that as well. So, when he took a careful step between her legs and guided her back, she brought a hand up to the back of his head.

Esme’s fingers tangled in Duke’s hair when his hands found her thighs, and his lips left hers to trail hungry kisses down her jaw and the side of her neck. She softly moaned as he lifted her gently, setting her on the countertop, and stepped between her legs. Duke’s sweet whisper against her neck made her smile. “Yes, I do know that.” she whispered back with a hum and a shiver from his little kisses. “And I love you.” She opened her eyes as she felt him smile against her neck and tightened his grip on her neck. When he pulled and smiled down at her, she smiled back. “Forever and after, I’m yours.” she whispered before he kissed her again. Esme closed her eyes and matched his kiss as her hands found the waistband of his jeans, lingering there a moment as she gently ran her fingers along his skin before shoving his jeans off his hips. She then wrapped her legs around Duke’s waist and pulled him closer while one hand found his hair again and the other found his cheek. Esme broke the kiss after a moment. Starting with his chin, she trailed sweet kisses up his jawline to his ear, giving it a loving nibble and then kissing it ever so gently. Opening her eyes, she pulled away from his ear, placed kisses on each of his eyes and the tip of his nose, and finally returned to his lips, kissing him deeply and passionately as her thumb stroked his cheek lovingly.

Supernatural - Hell On The Horizon

Esme

Esme continued to look up at Duke, seeing how fondly he looked at her. She couldn’t ever remember a time when he looked at her this fondly. It made her heart flutter, put butterflies in her stomach, and melt into his arms. If anyone had ever told her she would end up in Duke’s arms after the breakup of the trio, she would have laughed in their faces and said it was impossible. Especially after she thought she saw him in passing, a while after the breakup. He looked different. His hair was longer, he had more facial hair, and he wore a black cowboy hat instead of his usual white, but she could have sworn it was him. But he completely ignored her when she stopped and called out to him. It took her several days to pull herself back together after seeing him and having him ignore her. It was a day she couldn’t forget, and it stuck out like a sore thumb in her memories. Duke’s voice and wide smile pulled her back to the present, and laughed at his question. “Never.” She couldn’t remember any stab wound keeping him from going out for a beer and having a good time.

The smile on Esme’s lips grew when Duke reacted to the idea of holding her hostage. The look on his face just made her laugh again, knowing he’d be tempted to. Then a light blush came to her cheeks from his next words and wide smile. Esme closed her eyes when Duke tilted his head down, brushed his lips over hers, and nibbled at her bottom lip. It sent her heart fluttering again and almost made her hold her breath. She kept her eyes closed as he pulled back, rested his forehead against hers, and placed a hand on the back of her neck. She smiled and sighed contently at his words. Esme couldn’t see herself growing tired of this either. After feeling alone for so long and now having someone who wanted and loved her, she wouldn’t take it for granted. She had Duke’s whole heart, not part of it, all of it. She didn’t have to fight for his attention or his love. She had both. Esme knew that without having to use her empathy to be sure, and it made her heart feel as if it would burst with how much it overflowed with happiness.

Esme kissed Duke with a light hum when he pressed his lips to her upper lip and matched his smile as he brushed his lips against hers and spoke. Opening her eyes, she looked into his blue eyes with her own, a sparkle within them. “Well, Mr. Hatfield….. This lady thought she knew what she wanted, but now she’s not so sure. A little of both options sounded quite possible, but now this lady’s not sure if she can pull herself from your arms.” she said softly against his lips with a warm smile. Esme gently brushed her nose against Duke’s as her hands slid down his back and came to rest in the back pockets of his jeans. She then nibbled at his bottom lip before closing her eyes and kissing him lovingly.

All Roads Lead To You

Esme

Esme could feel the lie coming even before Duke opened his mouth, and apparently, he could tell she knew he was lying before he cut himself off. Plus, she hated it when people lied to her. It rubbed her the wrong way. She would much rather someone keep it from her than lie to her face. His lie about not being upset caused her to narrow her eyes at him slightly. They remained that way even when he shuddered, frowned, and sadly chuckled at her statement of not knowing how to talk to him. She could tell how hard it hit him, but that was how she felt. She didn’t see why she should hide that from him. But when he answered, he spoke about his physical appearance, which wasn’t what she was referring to, and Duke seemed to realize that after he spoke. Esme watched him as he pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed before talking about him leaving. Yes, she was referring to that, but she didn’t nod when he asked. She just listened to him as he spoke, not really liking how he said he couldn’t explain without getting himself into a world of trouble.

Even after he apologized and said that he didn’t know it would mean so much to her, Esme almost wanted to tell him to try. But something told her that he wouldn’t as he rambled to her. His frustrated growl caught her off guard, and she looked back at him as he stepped back from her. Duke’s following words caused her to knit her eyebrows together. So, that’s how he wanted to play it. Play it like she knew what she should expect from his running. Yeah, maybe she should have, but Dean did leave out a few details. But that didn’t mean Duke had to throw it in her face. Esme sighed, threw up her hands, and turned her back on Duke. “I don’t even know why I felt the need to try.” she said softly and mostly to herself. She came out here to fix what she did, feeling bad for upsetting him, and now he’s deflecting. Why? If that’s what he wanted to do, then fine. She ran a frustrated hand through her hair and sighed heavily through her nose, not realizing she was channeling some of his frustration as she stood in the garage with him.

“You know what? Forget I even came out here.” Esme told Duke. Without another word, she stepped away from him and back towards the back door, hissing after a few steps. “Dammit to hell!” she growled. Her bare foot had come down on a socket wrench that didn’t make it into a toolbox. Bending down, she picked it up, tossed it into a nearby toolbox, and continued on her way with a slight limp in her step. ‘Next time, I’ll just let him pout.’ she thought as she walked through the garage. She was now wondering if they should even go out together tonight. There would definitely be some tension in the air around them after this. The talk with Duke surely didn’t go the way she had planned, and she regretted even running after him to apologize.

All Roads Lead To You

Esme

Esme remained quiet as she stood against the counter with her coffee. She could feel the tension in the air and see it in Duke’s shoulders. She also knew he had to be upset with her saying nothing but ‘Hey’ to him since he walked through the door, but honestly, she didn’t know what else to say to him. The way he left didn’t sit well with her, even though she had Dean's warning beforehand. Yes, she was used to people coming and going in her life, but not like how Duke did it. With how Dean spoke about Duke, she knew this would be something she’d have to get used to, but she was starting to think it would be difficult. Esme knew that he probably thought she wasn't happy to see him back, but she was, even though she still hardly knew him. She was glad to see he came back relatively in one piece since she knew he left upset in the middle of the night. Duke's sighed comment about him going alone made it clear that he felt they weren't happy to see him. Esme watched as he went over, grabbed his bag from the chair, and then headed to the back door, only stopping when Dean cleared his throat.

When Dean said they would go out, she saw his uncertain but willing look. She felt the same, but she knew they needed to get out before they both lost their minds, with nothing to look forward to but chores and helping other hunters. Esme watched Dean gather all the information into a pile, write Bobby a note, and set it on top of the stack before scooting his chair back. Her attention was pulled to Duke as he stepped to the back door and spoke to both of them, flinching a bit. She sighed as the door closed behind Duke, seeing how upset Duke was. She looked down into her coffee cup as Dean stated the obvious, then took a drink of her coffee, lowering it as Dean walked over to the sink and turned to her. Holding her cup at chest level, Esme closed her eyes and sighed heavily at Dean’s words. She knew that he didn’t have to tell her, that’s not why she didn’t say much to him. “I know that….” she started, opening her eyes and looking into her cup again. Looking up from her cup, she looked at Dean, clearly struggling to find the right words to say to him.

“I just don’t know how to talk to him after how he left, and then he just randomly shows back up as if nothing happened. I know I shouldn’t be, but I’m still bothered by how he left. Maybe it’s because I feel it was partly my fault. Which I know you’re going to say it wasn’t.” Sighing heavily through her nose, Esme looked at the back door Duke had just gone through. She knew she could either let him stew or go after him, talk to him, and smooth things over. With the type of person she was, she couldn’t just let him go and stew. She had to try to smooth things over. “And you know he’s upset because he thinks we’re not happy he’s back.” she added. “It was written all over his face, as well as how he spoke.” Esme took another drink from her cup and set it on the counter before looking at Dean. “I can’t let this sit. I have to fix it. I’m going to go talk to him.” she told Dean. “I’ll be right back. And don’t worry about my mess in there. I’ll get it when I get back in.”

She then stood on her toes, kissing Dean’s cheek before turning and walking to and out the back door. As she made her way through the garage, she watched where she placed her bare feet so as to not step on anything. She finally caught up to him and called out to him. “Duke?.... Wait!” She closed the gap between them just enough to where she would have to yell over Bobby’s tinkering. “Duke, I’m….. I’m sorry for upsetting you in there.” she started, looking up at him. “First, I was so engrossed in those books and talking notes, it was hard to pull away to give you a proper welcome. Then…..” she stopped herself and sighed heavily. “I don’t quite know how to talk to you now.” she admitted as she looked off to the side, then back to him. Esme almost felt like she needed to sit down and talk to him all over again, but she knew Dean wouldn’t go for that. He’d prefer she not get too comfortable with Duke because he didn’t want Duke to hurt her by his bolting nature.

Supernatural - Hell On The Horizon

Esme

When Esme told Duke she was fine, she knew he wouldn’t like it. She didn’t really like it, knowing she shouldn’t be with how hard she was hit in the back of the head by a demon in the asylum. But she wondered if it would come into play after a while after she had entirely let herself relax and pushed the day out of her mind. Esme couldn’t let herself think about that. She couldn’t let herself think about the possibility of going to sleep and not waking up in the morning next to Duke. She couldn’t let herself think about how that would affect Duke, or the look on his face. Esme had to keep her thoughts positive, even if it was hard. That was one reason why she brought Duke’s arms around her before telling him she wouldn’t complain about him saving her during their future hunts. Which she knew he knew she would never say back in the day. Esme honestly meant what she said. She wouldn’t complain about him stepping in to save her, even though she didn’t need it, unless he got seriously hurt, which could easily happen with his track record.

When Duke sighed through his nose and pressed his lips to the top of her head from her hug, it made her feel a bit better, especially when he smiled into her hair at her words. It made her smile more into his chest. She could also feel him calming as he took a deep breath against her hair, not knowing she was actually radiating some calm onto him. Esme’s smile faded when Duke’s fingers found the stitches on her head from brushing his fingers through her hair, causing her to wince at the touch and close her eyes as he started to talk. She was nervous he would ask how it happened, and she wasn’t ready to tell him, but when he didn’t and said he wouldn’t go there, Esme silently sighed in relief. She then softly kissed Duke’s chest as a silent thank you for not continuing about her head. The smile returned to her lips when he asked if she needed help making her head look more presentable and that he thought he still remembered how to do a loose braid from their slumber parties. A little laugh escaped her lips as she pulled her head away from Duke’s chest and looked up at him.

“It would surprise me if you didn’t remember how to do that loose braid after how many times I showed you how.” she lightly laughed. But yes, I could use your help if you're offering.” She smiled warmly. A memory flashed quickly through her mind of one of their slumber parties, talking and her showing him how to do a braid with her hair. The memory warmed her heart greatly. She was pulled from it by Duke’s arms tightening around her, trailing his hand to her lower back and rubbing his thumbs gently there. His words, the shrugging of his shoulders, and his laugh caused her to laugh as well. “That sounds like a wonderful idea if you’re really up for it.” she replied with a laugh in her tone. “Something tells me you’d also like to hold me hostage here in the RV and just take care of me.” Which she wouldn’t mind if he did that, she just wanted to do something with him, just the two of them together.

All Roads Lead To You

Esme

Esme didn’t pay much attention to the back door opening and closing, signaling Duke had walked into the kitchen. She had gotten too engrossed in the books in front of her and making notes on her notepad. She didn’t even look up when Dean and Duke began talking in the kitchen. She wanted to get this done so she could take a break and stretch her back and legs. Esme already knew she wouldn’t be able to stand by the time she finished. They had gone numb and were slightly starting to ache. She couldn’t feel her feet at all, but she was determined to get through it. When Duke noticed her and spoke to her, she was in the process of jotting something down. “Hey.” she said simply while still jotting down her notes. Esme returned to reading while Dean pulled Duke’s attention back to him. When Duke spoke to her again, she had just turned the page in a couple of books and sighed and rolled her eyes at Duke’s words with a shake of her head. She didn’t have time to answer before Dean chimed in again. It was clear to see that Dean was trying to start something, which made her sigh.

Esme read a little more and made a few more notes before it became too hard for her to concentrate on her task with the back-and-forth between the boys. Sitting up, she grabbed her coffee cup and took a long drink before setting it back beside her. Then, Esme closed the books and pushed them off to the side. She then stretched out her legs with a wince and a muffled groan as she listened to Duke’s suggestion to go out tonight, just the three of them. She couldn't deny that it sounded like a good idea, especially with how long Dean and her had been cooped up in the house. Esme ran her hands up and down her legs as she looked up at Dean in the kitchen. “Whatcha say, Dean?” she asked him. “It’s not a bad idea…. I think we could both use a night out with how long we’ve been cooped up in here, and I know the boredom has to be getting to you.” As Esme started to feel the feeling in her legs come back, she moved her legs and feet a bit to help the process along further. After a moment, she brought her knees up and stretched out her back.

She placed a hand on her knee and twisted her torso to the right, popping her back, then did the left side. Then, she proceeded to pop her neck. “That’s better.” she sighed. She then took to her feet, even though her legs and feet were still a tad tingly. She knew she didn’t have to voice her boredom to Dean since he knew she didn’t like being cooped up, even if she could step outside for some fresh air. It just wasn’t the same as getting away for a while. Bending, she picked up her coffee cup and finished what little was in it. Then, she walked into the kitchen and passed the boys to pour herself another cup. After pouring herself a new cup, she turned and leaned against the counter, cradling the cup in her hands, now taking the time actually to look at both boys, noticing the shape Duke came home in and how he had changed a bit in his appearance. “After all we’ve done to help Bobby around here, I don't think he’d mind if we ran off to have some time for ourselves.” she told Dean. Esme lifted her cup to her lips and took a sip of her coffee without taking her eyes off of Dean.

Supernatural - Hell On The Horizon

Esme

Esme had smiled warmer when Duke draped his arm over her shoulders, when they started walking to the RV. She even laughed a bit when Duke said he’d never get used to having Sarah around. She couldn’t blame him. What hunter in their right mind would keep a Hellhound around? She was still surprised with herself for being so comfortable with Sarah around after her bad history with Hellhounds. She often wondered if something was wrong with her, with how relaxed she was. One factor she took into consideration was how she felt everything went still when around Sarah. She couldn’t feel the emotions of anyone around her, and she felt at peace. Esme could even go as far as to say she felt like an average person when Sarah blocked her Empathy. She felt like she could breathe and concentrate on her emotions momentarily. This made her wonder if she was on the verge of going nuclear and if Sarah would be able to bring her back by being there with her. By practically engulfing her with her body, would that bring her back from the edge? The question painfully burned at the back of Esme’s mind.

When she and Duke reached the RV, she could feel him smile behind her when she opened the door and walked in like she owned the place. It wasn’t like she hadn’t been in the RV before or done the same thing all those years ago. As she began to get undressed, she looked at Duke briefly as he did the same, then returned to her own clothes. She barely heard Duke when he told her not to continue without his help. That was partly because she didn’t want him to see just how bruised and cut up she was. She didn’t want him to worry if she was really okay and blame himself for how bad she looked. Esme knew he’d regret not being there to help and protect her. She didn’t want to see that face, and she didn’t want to feel that emotion from him. Then she heard him scold her for not waiting for him, closed the gap between them, took her hands, and lowered them to her side. The action made her sigh apologetically as he brought his hands up to her shoulders. Esme almost stopped Duke when he gripped the collar of her flannel and pushed it off her shoulders.

She looked at his chest as he brought her shirt down her arms, pulled her arms back to pull the shirt from her hands, and tossed the shirt on the couch. She closed her eyes when Duke took the hem of her tank top and nodded to his serious ‘careful”, feeling the frown on his lips and hearing his sigh as he looked at the bruises on her. Esme closed her eyes tighter at his heavy swallow. She wanted to turn from him and hide the bruises as he began pulling her tank top up and slowly raised her arms, but she couldn’t move. All she could do was follow his silent instructions with a slight wince every now and then. At his shuddered breath and words, Esme opened her eyes, still looking at Duke’s chest, and softly shook her head. “You weren't exactly in the best shape to check on anyone this morning.” she said softly. “Please don’t beat yourself up for not checking on me.” Esme didn't resent him for not coming to check on her, even though she would have liked him to, but he was hurt too, and his mind was confused about returning from the dead and needing rest.

Esme fell silent again, letting Duke collect himself, then watched him kneel in front of her to help with her boots. She wanted to tell him he didn’t have to go the whole nine yards helping her, but she couldn’t get her mouth to open. So, when he tapped her foot, she placed her hands on his shoulders for support and lifted her foot, letting him remove her boot, then she lifted her other foot when he tapped it. When he didn’t stand and worked on getting her jeans off, she kept her hands on his shoulders, lifting her legs as he tapped them. As he stood, she let her hands slide off his shoulders and rest at her sides. Esme almost closed her eyes as Duke brushed his fingers around her bruises, but she looked up into his face, not liking what she saw there. When he asked for confirmation of if she was okay, she gave a weak smile and took his hands into hers. “Other than being sore. Yes, I’m okay.” she answered softly. “Don’t ask me how because I’m still trying to figure that out myself.”

Esme raised his hands, brushed the back of his fingers against her lips, and kissed them softly. She then carefully put his arms around her, placed her hand on his chest, and stepped closer to him so he could only focus on her face. “Really, Bright Eyes, I’m okay. A little r and r with you, and I’ll be back at it at your side.” she softly smiled, looking into his blue eyes. “Please don’t beat yourself up over how nasty the bruises and cuts look. They’ll heal in time.” She lifted a hand from his chest, placed it on his cheek, and rubbed it lovingly with her thumb. “I know you must feel that you missed protecting me and that if you’d been there, I wouldn’t be this hurt…. Please don’t. Most of this happened while saving Nat and I had Sarah with me. If you were there, you’d probably look almost as bad.” she told him. In reality, she was half glad Duke hadn’t been there. She never wanted him to see that far gone, but then again, she might have never gone that far if he had been there.

Esme let her hand slip from his cheek and back to his chest for a moment, looking up into his eyes. Then she slipped her arms around him and rested the side of her face against his chest as she hugged him to her with a sigh and a sweet nuzzle. “With us together now, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to protect me, and I won’t complain about it either, I promise.” Esme said, trying to lighten the air but also being truthful. She wouldn't complain if he wanted to protect her, even when she didn’t need it. Esme placed a soft kiss on his chest before nuzzling it again. She was very tempted to use her Empathy to relax him, but she knew it wasn’t right. This was something she needed to talk him through. ‘Please don’t beat yourself up for not being there to protect me.’ she thought as she hugged him.