This was originally posted on an old blog of mine: whenshescribblesblog.wordpress.com

Based on a prompt set by @dialogue-prompts on tumblr:

“I’m fine.”

“I know you’re not, you don’t have to-”

“I’m fine! Ok!? Can you just leave it please!?”

This work is unedited.

“I’m fine, Hunter,” She whispered.

An incredulous look flashed across his face as he stepped closer to her. A thick veil of black curls hid her face from him but he could hear the tears in her voice. “I know you’re not, you don’t have to-”

“I’m fine! OK!? Can you just leave it – please?” The last word came out in a whimper and she lifted a hand to cover her mouth.

He stepped forward one last time and slowly brought his arms around her lithe shoulders to tug her closer to him and rested her head on his chest. “Please, don’t pretend with me,” He breathed into her hair. She took in a struggling, gasping breath as she relaxed against him. “You don’t have to be fine, Valdis. Just don’t pretend with me.”