It was still a little while before Miranda was cleared. Jack and Miranda made their way to Jack’s apartment. Miranda stood in silence for a moment. Jack gazed at her carefully not wanting to overwhelm her. “Miranda, how are you feeling?” Jack asked.
“Not ready for a session,” Miranda said, honestly.
Jack nodded. “We’ll postpone it. Come here.”
Jack patted the couch as she sat down. Miranda sat down next to Jack. Jack wrapped an arm around her and just held her. Miranda rested her head in Jack’s shoulder. That’s when the tears finally came. “I… I almost lost my sister…” Miranda whispered.
“You didn’t,” Jack said calmly as she comforted Miranda.
“But I almost did… and I… I killed that bastard… I couldn’t stop myself. I just felt so angry,” Miranda said. “I murdered my father.”
“Stop it,” Jack said. “Don’t beat yourself up over that asshole. He doesn’t deserve your remorse.”
“Jack…” Miranda whispered. “I’m scared…”
“Me too,” Jack said. “For the first time in my life, I have so much to lose. My students. My friends. You. When Shepard sent me the message, I feared the worst. Just like you did with me.”
“We have to survive this. There has to be a way,” Miranda said. “Hopefully this goddamn crucible works.”
“It’s our only hope,” Jack said as she sighed.
She kissed Miranda gently. “We’ll save our session for when the war is over. And we can celebrate our survival and victory,” Miranda said. “I can’t risk distracting myself now.”
Jack nodded. “I agree. But you need to be there on the other side, cheerleader. I’ll never forgive you if you die during the battle.”
Miranda smiled. “Back at you.”
She took a deep breath as Jack kissed her again. Jack led Miranda to the bed. They laid with each other as they fell asleep.
Comments