1.13 Learning To Walk Again

                                    

                                          

                            

                                
                            
                              
                                  
                              
                              
                                
                                  
                                  
                                
                              
                             
                            
                            
                          
                          
The following morning was a tough one for Laila. After having brought Anita to the healing room and crying into Fandral's chest, he brought her back to her room only to be stopped by her mother, father, and brother. 
When her gaze had landed on her brother's, she knew he felt responsible. She then turned to her father, who she was surprised to see awake. She had launched herself into his arms and cried. 
Odin and Frigga handled her for the rest of the night. Fandral knew it was better this way. He knew better than to bring up what he had said to her when she was defrosting Anita. 
So there Fandral stood, at her door knowing he needed to speak with her about what he told her. He hesitantly knocked on the door, hearing her rustling around on the other side.
"Come, come in." He heard her stammer. 
He quietly opened the door to see her on her bed in a black dress, pulling her hair back. 
She lifted her head and met his glance, "Oh, Fandral. I didn't know you were coming. I assumed you were Anita."
Fandral nodded, "Would you like me to leave, because if you don't want me here, I can..."
"No," Laila shook her head, "it's okay. I think we need to talk before we're surrounded by everyone."
Fandral nodded, moving towards her. She patted the side of her bed for him to sit. He sat a bit away from her, feeling it was best to give her some space. 
"I told you I don't bite." Laila looked at him, scooting closer. 
"I know. I just don't want to overstep any boundaries." Laila nodded, placing her hands in her lap, "I am sorry I said what I did. It was ill timed, and..."
"Do you mean it?" Laila interrupted, "That you love me."
"I," he sighed, "I do. And I understand if that's a lot for you. I just needed to get it off my chest. You have opened up to me so much these past few days and it only felt fair for me to do the same."
"Thank you for telling me." Laila reached for his hands, "I wish I could tell you the same thing, but I don't think I'm ready."
He turned his body towards hers, "And I completely understand. I just wanted you to know that I will always be there for you. Whatever you need. Because I believe in you."
Laila could feel how much he cared for her. She could feel how he would be willing to risk his life for her if that's what it came to. She could also feel a sense of fear that she would never want to speak to him again.
Laila lifted her other hand and placed it on his cheek, "I cannot vocalize the same sentiment, but I want you to know that I care for you, deeply. And I want to thank you for the past few days. You have been my rock when I had no one, and I thank you." She leaned her forehead onto his.