In Time Gone By...

~ 25 ~

The days were long...and painful. And not getting any better. 

She was, kind of, but it didn't feel it. Probably because everything felt so different. She was the key to things being just...good. 

The general sat by her side, reading. Evening had crept in but he didn't quite feel like returning home yet, not without visiting her first. He kept looking up at her in case she had somehow woken up, and was surprisingly disappointed when she hadn't.

She hadn't really moved since she had arrived in the med bay, just lay there every day, breathing shallow; steady. Her hair was spread over the pillow, dark and long and pretty... That was her...but that wasn't right for him to think. 

Not just because she was his assistant and it wasn't fair on her, but also because, crucially, he was engaged now. And it was the Supreme Leader's choice, no less. 

Plus, his current relationship with his assistant wasn't exactly ideal. 

Bailee's accusations toward him, about excusing Rose's actions, probably were true. They weren't exactly best friends and Rose could be brash to say the least, but he should have listened because now...he couldn't tell her he was sorry. 

Perhaps it was out of denial at his situation but that was just a poor excuse and he knew it. But he would get to the bottom of this, of all that had happened to her. He had to. 

There was a brief knock before someone let themselves in, swooshing in in her black cloak and hardly acknowledging the patient. She stood at the end of the bed, leaning on the rail. 

"Good evening..." he said softly as if trying to not disturb the sergeant. "How was your father?" 

"Well," Rose replied, almost frustrated. "I apologise he kept me so long. I hope you didn't miss me too much." 

"I managed," He looked down at his book again but she lingered. "Can I help you?" 

"I just wondered when you might be inclined to remove yourself from the sergeant's bedside? We have matters to attend to." 

"Such as?" 

"Well, planning a wedding for one." 

"I shall delegate my time wherever I like," he muttered, returning his attentions to his book again. She shot him a glare. 

"Oh, and I don't deserve any?" 

"Don't be ridiculous, you get practically all of it." 

"That remains to be seen..." 

He snapped the book shut. "Is there a problem here? Or are you being obstinate on purpose?" 

"As if I am. Only you seem intent to spend far more time with the sergeant than your own fiancée." 

"That was hardly my choice...Am I not allowed to be concerned for her given what has happened?"

"It's obsessive," she spat, leaning over the rail. 

"Hardly. I spend 99% of my time working, and that percentage is only increasing. It's made all the more stressful by Bailee being out of commission now." 

"Bailee? First name terms, are we?" 

"What's wrong with that, Rose? I know you're not exactly her biggest fan but that seems excessive." 

"I don't believe it is." 

"Well, you wouldn't, would you? You always get your own way, after all..." he muttered, getting up and making for the door. 

"Where are you going?" 

"I'd rather not have this conversation here. Or at all, if I can help it."