MHA #8, Early Sunday Morning

It was morning, again. Stark was trying not to think about what that meant. There was a time limit here. Only hours left, now, and then he would lose Zhaan again. He didn’t mean to sigh so loudly when that thought struck him. It just happened.

“You’re awake,” she said softly from behind him. Of course Zhaan was the big spoon in this relationship. If anyone currently on this island knew that sometimes Stark needed to be held it would be her. There was someone else who might know, but she was currently far away and might not admit to knowing anyway.

“I am,” he confirmed, turning carefully to face her without moving from the circle of her arm. “Did you sleep?”

“You needn’t concern yourself with that. I am rested enough.” And more rest would come soon.

“You will always be a concern of mine.”

“And you of mine,” Zhaan said gently, moving her hand to stroke his cheek. “Always.”

[Mostly establishy so I can talk to myself in the comments, but if someone has a reason to knock on the door go for it!]