darker_london | Safe (Deirdre, Giles)

Deirdre had had one hell of a night. She had been nearly killed by a 400-year-old demon, and saved by her nanny. Lucky save, too. Most beings wouldn't have been able to rip Deirdre apart, but Jareth was old and powerful enough to do it. And had that happened, Deirdre didn't think she would have been able to stick around until someone put her back together again.

By the time Deirdre showed up at Giles' flat, she had been healed by Rolf. He had taken care of her broken neck and back, though the bruises on her face still purpled her skin. He hadn't bothered healing those. It had taken enough out of him just to fix the mortal wounds. It was harder to fix the damage of a more powerful demon and Rolf was younger than Jareth was. She had pretty much drained him, though not literally. That would have fixed the bruises...

Giles looked up when Deirdre walked in and his mouth opened soundlessly in shock. He stood then, moving to take her into his arms. Only then, when she was standing flush against him and his chin was resting on her shoulder did he ask what had happened.

"A demon had Thomas' wife," Deirdre explained slowly. And, you know, usually I can take them, but he was old and he kicked my arse."

Giles pulled back and he regarded her seriously. "He hit you?!"

"He...broke my back to some extent, but an angel fixed it. The bruises are left over."

"Dear god," Giles said, horrified. "Those bruises look terrible!" Giles reached out to touch her gently and then he let her go. "I'll get you some ice."

Deirdre followed him into his kitchen and she leaned against the bench as he fussed around in the icebox. When he turned to her carrying a bag of frozen vegetables, she let him hold them against her face. "Does it hurt?" he asked, worried.

"It's fine," Deirdre waved her hands about. "Better than the broken back."

Giles was watching her and there was an expression in his eyes she didn't recognise. She didn't understand it. "Giles, what's wrong?" she asked softly, reaching out for his hand.

"I...I just learned about all of this a few weeks ago and now you show up and say a demon broke your back but all you have is bruises on your face... Bruises are more than enough to freak me out, and then you say you..." Giles shook his head. "I just had no idea you did this kind of thing. I always knew you were different, but I had no idea it was like this. Does this happen often!?"

"Sometimes," Deirdre nodded. "Giles, it's okay. I can handle it. How are the twins?"

"Sleeping like babies," Giles said quickly. "Deirdre you're hurt. That's not okay."

"Neither is my friend panicking about losing his wife," Deirdre replied. "People disappear all the time, Giles. And sometimes, I help get them back. I'm different, and I'm not going to sit around and do nothing when I can help. I can give in to this thing I am, or I can use what I have to help. I choose to help. Whatever happens."

Giles remained silent for a while and then he closed his eyes and let out a long sigh. "I hate that you're hurt. That someone hurt you. But I understand. You know, I do wonder how I end up with women who spend their time fighting evil..." He laughed and then he reached out to touch her cheek. "I think you're extraordinary. You should sit down, Deirdre. I can fix you something to eat if you want. Are you okay? Can...can I do anything to help you be okay?"

Deirdre grinned at him, causing her nose to wrinkle. He was adorable. She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek and then she nodded. "Food sounds good. Food. Water. Bath. Sleep. Can I stay here?"

Giles kissed her hand and he led her back into his living room to help her onto the sofa. "Of course you can, Deirdre. I'll take care of you."

It felt nice to let someone do that. Someone she was seeing. The father of her children. Deirdre closed her eyes and she let herself relax against his sofa, the frozen peas numbing her throbbing cheek. Giles fussed in the kitchen, and Deirdre let him. She was safe here. It was simple here. Here, she was happy.