A love to last

A sky full of stars and he was staring at her."

WAKING UP without Falcon by her side was almost unnatural. All it took was two nights and she was hooked on the warmth and feel of his body cradling her as she fell asleep. She was done for.

A knock on her door alerted her to Kendra's presence and said lady walked through the door, breakfast tray in hand as her eyes scanned the room.

"That boy of yours left already, did he?" She asked, almost disappointed.

Freya felt her lips turn into a pout as she nodded. Was it possible to miss someone this quickly? Her thoughts were interrupted by the smell of scrambled eggs and bacon and her expression lightened as she clumsily jumped out of bed. She skipped over to the small table as Kendra pulled out the chair for her.

Freya sat herself down, heartily digging into the meal in front of her. Kendra busied herself with Freya's hair, collecting the stray hairs above her ears and twisting them around her head before pinning them to the back of her head with a bobby pin. A gentle smile grew on her face as she ran her fingers through the length of Freya's hair; she reminded Kendra so much of her own daughter that it brought tears to her eyes.

With a kiss to the crown of Freya's head, Kendra picked up the empty plate and cup, loading them onto the tray.

"Have a good day at school, love," She murmured softly before making her way out of the room. "Thank you, Kendra," Freya chirped as she sprung up from the chair.

She dressed quickly, pulling on a pair of short, ripped overalls over a thin, pink button up hoodie. She finished with a pair of full white chuck taylors and nodded to herself in the mirror. She looked cute, she decided. Hopefully, Falcon liked cute.

By the time Freya had made her way downstairs and into the back seat of the car, there were a good twenty minutes before classes began and she couldn't help but feel excited at the possibility of spending a little time with Falcon that wasn't spent sneaking around or surrounded by other people.

She knew she should have felt scared, or at least a little cautious after seeing him practically strangle her one friend - well, not the only one anymore - against her bedroom wall, but she knew he wouldn't have done it without reason. The wounded puppy eyes he gave her afterwards helped a little as well.

Jon pulled into the parking lot, dropping her off near the doors of the school before saying his goodbyes and driving back out. Freya was a little disappointed when she realised that Falcon wasn't waiting out the front as usual, but brushed it off as her being earlier than usual. She took out the phone that she rarely used, figuring a text was more useful than aimlessly searching for him in the halls.

Freya: I'm here!

Once a few minutes past without a reply, Freya frowned in confusion but didn't let her worry overcome her yet. There were many possible reasons he hadn't answered. His phone could have died, he might be driving, he might be busy. She didn't want to jump to conclusions straight away.

A few more minutes passed and Freya's concern grew. He would have told her if he wasn't going to come today. Wouldn't he?

She glanced at the time; only two minutes left until classes began. She sent another text before heading inside.

Freya: Where are you?

Hours passed and Falcon still hadn't shown. Freya had sat through every single class with her phone clutched in her hand, hoping for any kind of message that would tell her he was alright. When lunch finally rolled around, Freya made her way outside where it was quiet, before pressing the call button on his number.

The dial tone sounded and Freya unconsciously held her breath as she waited.

By the fourth ring, Freya began to lose hope, and by the time the phone rang out, her heart had made its way into her throat as nerves overcame her. What was going on?

A familiar voice called out behind her but she paid no attention as frustrated tears clouded her eyes. She felt like a blubbering baby, all because of the possibility that something had happened to Falcon.

"Freya," There was that voice again. She knew who it belonged to, but she didn't want him, she wanted Falcon. "Freya, hey, I've been looking everywhere for you."

Freya tried to sniffle as discreetly as possible as she blinked her eyes to rid them of her tears. She plastered a smile on her face and turned to look at the boy.

Penn stood there with a shit-eating grin and darkening bruise around his neck. The last bruise he had received from Falcon a few days before had yet to completely heal and with its new companion, Penn was quite the sight.

Freya peered up at him through doe eyes and he stared at her for a second too long.

"Did you need something?" She asked softly.

Penn cleared his throat and smirked, stuffing his hands in the front of his slacks in a way to appear shier than he was.

"Yeah," He bit his bottom lip in contemplation, staring down at the tiny girl. "I was just wondering if you would like to go out sometime?"

Freya's face morphed into an expression of innocent confusion.

"Like, to get ice cream?" She had to admit, the thought of ice cream made her slightly happier

even in her current predicament. But he had never phrased that question this way before. She wondered what had changed.

Penn's smile dropped slightly as he took a hand out of his pocket and ran it through his hair.

"Uh, no," He said awkwardly. "Like, go out, together. Like on a date."

Freya's eyes widened with understanding and she stayed silent for a moment.

"Please, Freya?" He almost pouted. "It would make me really happy."

Freya's brow scrunched up as she thought. She didn't like the idea of going out with Penn as something other than friends all that much.

"It would make your dad happy," The thought hit her the same time Penn said it.

It would make him happy, and he hadn't been happy with her for the past few days. But still,

Freya hesitated. Was her father's happiness really worth it?

She felt bad that she even had to question it.

"Okay," Freya mumbled reluctantly.

"Great," Penn grinned. "We'll go after school."

She nodded half-heartedly as Penn said goodbye and retreated back inside the main building.

She could only pray that this afternoon went quickly.

~~

Penn wasn't the worst person on earth, Freya had to admit. He made decent jokes and, even though he once again made her order for herself, was nice enough that she didn't feel totally uncomfortable. Nothing beat the way she felt around Falcon, though.

Freya frowned in thought. He still hadn't answered any of her messages and she had sent several after the last time she attempted to call. No matter what the boy across from her said, nothing distracted her mind from the man who always seemed to occupy it.

"Freya?" Penn called to her as her mind, once again, wandered off somewhere far from the quaint little diner they were seated in.

She flushed in embarrassment and Penn nodded in acknowledgement of her unsaid apology before resuming his story.

"As I was saying," Penn said as Freya tried to concentrate on his words. "I had-"

No sooner had Freya's phone rang, than she had almost flung herself towards her bag on the

seat next to her. She rifled through her belongings, grabbing the said object and impatiently pressing on the accept button.

"Sorry," She whispered to Penn unapologetically.

She got up from the table, making her way to the bathrooms as she spoke.

"Fa-Falcon?" She questioned quietly. "Falcon, whe-where are you? Are you okay?"

She heard a deep intake of breath, the sound shaky as if he was barely holding himself together.

"I'm okay, sweetheart," He cleared his throat, breathing deeply again. "I'm fine, I just-sorry, I didn't get your messages and it's just been a messed up day and-"

His voice broke at the end of his sentence, the sound sending a dagger straight through Freya's chest. He took another calming breath, letting out a pained groan.

"Falcon?" Freya almost whimpered as tears began to sting her eyes.

"I'm sorry, baby," He croaked, clearing his throat again before letting out a sniffle. "I'm fine, I promise, I just-do you think you could come to the hospital? You're the only person I can call right now, and I just-I really need someone."

Panic gripped Freya's heart as she took in his words.

"Hos-Hospital?” Her voice rose an octave. "Why are you there? Wha-what? I don't-" "Angel," His voice sounded calmer now as he spoke to her. "I'm alright. It's not me that needed to be brought here. So, can you come?"

"Y-yeah," Freya rushed back out of the bathroom, grabbing her bag and running out of the diner without so much as a goodbye in Penn's direction. She could feel guilty about that later. "I'm coming."

She debated for a millisecond whether or not to call Jon, but she knew that would take far too long. Falcon needed her.

Her hands shook with nerves as she hailed a taxi. She hated doing things like this by herself, but she had to suck it up just this once. A cab stopped in front of her quicker than she had expected, but she wasted no time diving into the back seat.

"Th-the hospital on Cl-Clydesdale street, please,” Her voice shook with uncertainty but she powered through, eager to get to Falcon as soon as possible.

Her knee bounced the entire ride as she fiddled with the straps of her overalls, her heart pounding a million miles an hour. The hospital. Why was he at the hospital?

Freya couldn't help but worry that he was only saying he was alright to calm her, which only set her mind off in a whole new direction of all the possible things that could have happened to him. She shook her head to rid herself of her new train of thought. He was alright. He had to be. The taxi cab soon pulled into the front parking lot of the hospital and Freya all but threw the needed money in the middle aged man's face before racing into the building. She stopped short as soon as she entered the front doors, suddenly realising she had no clue where to go. She dialed up Falcon's phone with shaky hands, placing the mobile to her ear as she looked around the sterile waiting room. The dialing stopped as Falcon answered and Freya was the first to speak.

"I'm here," She said in a small voice. "But I don't know where to go."

"I'll come get you," Was his only answer before he hung up.

Freya waited semi-patiently; the knowledge that he was at least able to come get her put her mind at ease slightly. She heard him before she saw him; the sound of his footsteps had somehow ingrained itself into her mind. She turned to face him but was met with his chest as his arms wrapped themselves around her small waist, crushing her further into his body.

His tense body seemed to relax as he instinctively curled himself around her, reveling in the heat

she provided to his shockingly cold one. He let out a breath, nuzzling his face into her hair as she rubbed his back - at least, what she could reach.

"It's my dad," He said suddenly.

Freya didn't know how to respond, so she stayed quiet, squeezing him a little tighter with encouragement. He took in a breath before speaking again.

"I went back to the house this morning," He said, his voice holding a sliver of pain. "He hadn't

moved. He was still on the floor and-"

He took in a shuddering breath.

"He wouldn't wake up," He held her closer as he continued with a softer voice. "I know I shouldn't care. I mean, he's always been an asshole, but after what he said to you-I shouldn't care whether he lives or dies, but I do. I really fucking do. He's all I got."

Falcon choked on the last few words, close to tears. He pulled back slightly to rest his forehead against Freya's.

"I'm sorry," He whispered. "I'm sorry I called you here. I just needed someone."

Freya moved her hands to his chest, playing with the collar of his shirt as she looked up at him with sad eyes.

"I know," She whispered back. "It's okay."

Falcon let out a breath, closing his eyes. They were silent for a moment as Freya mulled over his

words.

"You're wrong," She said softly, causing Falcon's eyes to open in confusion. "He's not all you have. You have me too."

At her words, Falcon's bloodshot eyes began to fill with unshed tears and he held her face in his hands, pressing his lips together in an effort to control his urges.

They didn't disappear like they usually did after a moment, so, with a stomach full of nerves, Falcon whispered out a hurried, "fuck it," and crushed his lips against hers.

I've made a lot of mistakes in my life, but if every single one had to happen to make sure I was right here, right now, to meet you, then I forgive myself for all of them."

THERE WERE no words to explain how the kiss felt.

The way their lips melded so perfectly together felt as natural as breathing. As if they were made

to kiss each other; made for each other.

Falcon's hands found their way to the curve of Freya's hips as her hands gripped the material of

his shirt. His lips moved with purpose over her soft, tentative ones, neither of them taking notice that they were standing in the middle of the hospital foyer.

Falcon could have almost ignored the burning in his lungs and continued kissing his girl forever, but Freya pulled away first, little pants erupting from her swollen lips.

Only one thought came to Falcon as his mind began clearing.

Again.

He didn't restrain himself; catching her plump bottom lip between his teeth as he tugged on it before pecking her firmly.

He looked down at Freya as their breathing recovered. Her hands still held fast on his shirt, her

eyes screwed closed as her head remained tilted upwards, lips parted. He gave an adoring chuckle at the sight.

It felt surreal to have just kissed her; to know that she had kissed him back. Satisfaction flowed through him as he practically basked in the knowledge that she wanted him too.

Falcon's hands slid from Freya's waist to the small of her back, pulling her closer as he pecked the tip of her nose. He was content.

Freya's doe eyes finally opened as she looked up at Falcon with a dazed expression, triggering another chuckle from said man. Her lips tingled with the after effects of the kiss and she bit down on her bottom lip to stop the sensation.

She couldn't quite remember how that had just happened, but she wasn't about to complain. Falcon's kisses felt nice and that's all that really mattered to her.

There wasn't any need for words between the two; not like they could find them anyway. The ability to speak seemed to have mutually flown out the window and the two could do nothing but stare, as their bodies naturally leaned into each other's warmth.

"Mr Anders?" A call broke them out of their trance and they turned to the nurse who had called Falcon's name. She caught sight of us reacting to the name and smiled sadly as she walked over

to us.

Freya looked up at Falcon, only to see that fear had overtaken his expression. She cuddled closer, trying to offer what little comfort she could as the nurse reached them, a clipboard clutched to her chest.

"Mr Anders," She said again. "My name is Nina, I just wanted to update you on your father's condition. The doctor has found swelling in his brain, unrelated from the alcohol poisoning he has suffered; he believes there must have been some sort of blunt force trauma to his head at some point. Because of this, the doctor has decided that a medically induced coma is the best course of action at the moment."

The news hadn't been what Falcon was expecting and he let out a shaky breath of relief.

"So, he'll live?" He asked, voice wavering with nerves.

Nina nodded with a pleasant smile.

"Yes, sir," She responded politely. "It's hard to say when the doctor will be able to reverse the coma at this point in time, but he'll be just fine."

Falcon let his head drop on top of Freya's before finding his way to the crook of her neck, taking

in deep breaths. Freya smiled shyly at the nurse, mouthing a thank you. Nina nodded once more with her smile still intact as she turned and left the two alone.

"Thank you," Falcon murmured brokenly, confusing Freya for a moment as she thought he was talking to the nurse. "Thank you for being here. Thank you. Thank you."

Tears pricked at Freya's eyes as his voice reached her ears and she could barely push out a single word. "Always," She promised.

Freya was hesitant to leave Falcon alone as they stood next to his bike near the flashy gates of

her home. She couldn't be sure he was going to be okay and she needed him to be okay. She looked up at him with worried eyes and he smiled softly in return.

"I'll be fine, baby girl," He said, pushing a stray hair behind her ear before cupping her face with

his hand. "Don't worry about me too much, yeah?"

Freya's brow creased as she said nothing, continuing to fix him with her stare. He let out a chuckle, reaching up to smooth out the wrinkle between her eyebrows with his thumb before pressing a kiss to the same spot.

Freya's eyes fluttered shut for a moment as he lingered before pressing another kiss to the tip of her nose and then finally her lips. Even though the kiss was short and sweet, it left her just as breathless as before and she suddenly felt every bit of worry wash out of her body.

"I'll be fine," He murmured, much closer than before. "I'm sure your parents are worried about you." Freya's nose wrinkled as she remembered the exact reason why they wouldn't be worried about her. She was meant to be out on a date with Penn. Falcon let out a breathy laugh and Freya's

heart clenched.

"What?" He questioned, amused. "What's that look for?"

Freya shook her head, smiling.

"Nothing," She said softly before encasing his lower torso with her arms. "I don't want to leave

you."

Falcon's arms came up to envelope her shoulders as he smoothed down her hair.

"I promise I'll be okay," He assured. "You'll see me tomorrow. Alright?"

Freya whined, pushing her face into his shirt. A smile graced her features as Falcon laughed. He

was doing that more often now.

"Come on, little monkey," He chuckled, picking her up to rest on his hip. "You need to get some

rest so you can enjoy tomorrow with me. You don't wanna be grumpy, now do you?"

Freya shook her head, giggling as Falcon walked her to the gate.

"I'm never grumpy," She said proudly. "Especially with you."

Falcon smiled, his heart melting for the girl in his arms.

"Thank you, sweetheart," He bumped her up on his hip as she began to slip. "But you still need

to go and get some sleep, okay?"

Freya nodded, pouting as Falcon placed her on the ground.

"Come here," He pulled her closer, giving her a loud kiss that sent her into another round of

giggles.

He grinned, pushing her towards her home.

"See you tomorrow, baby," He called after her as she walked through the gates.

She turned to give him his favourite smile before continuing through the gates with a skip. Freya heard Falcon's bike rev before driving away from the curb, but her smile remained, albeit dimmed ever so slightly from the lack of his presence.

She reached her front door, turning the knob with a hesitant hand. She prayed Penn hadn't dobbed her in to her father about how she had abandoned their date, she didn't want to know the consequence she'd face. Especially if he found out that it had been to go to Falcon. "Freya," Her father's voice sounded as she walked through the door. He appeared from the living

room, a smile on his face as he gathered her in a hug.

She felt her body relax as she realised he was happy.

"How was your date?" He asked, pulling away to hold her at arm's length.

Freya hesitated for a moment, feeling guilty for the entire situation. She had to lie, she realised.

"It was okay," She said unsurely.

"Just okay?" Her father asked jokingly, one eyebrow raised.

She giggled, nerves calming at his teasing.

"It was fun," She corrected for his pleasure.

Her father grinned proudly.

"What did you two do?" He questioned as he led her to the living room.

Freya shrugged in response.

"Dinner," She said.

They entered the living room, her step-mother seated on the beige loveseat in the corner of the

room with a white, fluffy creature at her feet. Freya's nose wrinkled up in distaste. There weren't

many things in the world she hated; virtually none, in fact, but she did hate that cat. The feeling was completely mutual.

Generally, something being fluffy meant instant love for Freya, but she had made a point of avoiding that horrid creature since the moment it tried to scratch her eyes out. Her step-mother

had bought it when she was twelve, claiming she had fallen in love with it and simply couldn't leave it in the shop. Freya had soon wished she had.

She turned back to her father's voice as he spoke again.

"You took an awfully long time for just dinner," He commented, but there was no suspicion yet.

"We talked," Freya said, still eyeing the white monster from the corner of her eye. "What's this about?" Her step-mother put down the gold mobile phone she had been using

before picking up her darling cat and cooing at it.

"Freya

went out on a date, my love," Freya's father grinned as her step-mother's attention

snapped to

her. "With Penn."

"Well," Her step-mother smiled, standing from the seat as she came over to them, cat in hand.

"Isn't that lovely?"

Freya unconsciously leaned away from her, preparing herself for an outburst from the creature. It

sat in her step-mother's arms, staring at her through green eyes which she swore narrowed

slightly

at the sight of her.

"I think I'm going to head to bed," She muttered anxiously.

Her father pulled her closer, placing a kiss to her hair.

"Alright, sweetheart," He smiled. "Have a good sleep."

Freya dashed out of the room without another word, breathing a sigh of relief once she was

away from the room. With health hazards out of the way, Freya's mind was able to focus on the past few hours of her day and she frowned.

It was obvious there was something going between her and Falcon, which only seemed to make the memory of her date with Penn churn her stomach all the more. She felt guilty, though she had no real reason to be. Or maybe she did. It was all so confusing. All those thoughts were far too adult-like for Freya's brain and she ended up face planting straight into bed, her arms folding underneath her head as she blew hair out of her face. It wasn't fair, she decided. She was happy that she had made her father happy, for sure, but that

didn't stop it from leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. Why couldn't he be that happy if the date had been with Falcon? Why Penn?

She burrowed her face into the blankets, feeling the need to scream. She didn't want to have to work to make her father happy. Why couldn't he just be happy that she had found a nice boy who treated her like she was the most precious thing in the world? Life was so much easier a week ago. Then again, Falcon wasn't around a week ago. Freya pouted

at the thought. As cruel as things may seem from her perspective, she couldn't bring herself to want to rewind time. Change a few things, sure, but not go back to a time without Falcon. Freya sighed, grabbing onto her stuffed bunny and cuddling it to her chest. Enough of those thoughts for today, it was only stressing her out.

Checking the time, it was only 7:16, and Freya figured that work wasn't going to do itself and got

stuck into

it.

Halfway through, a knock came at her bedroom door and she looked up from her notebook. "Come in," She called quietly.

The door creaked open slowly, her father's face peeping out from the other side.

"What are you up to, princess?" He asked in a gentle voice as he walked further into the room,

closing the

door

softly

behind him.

"Just homework," She turned back to her notes for a moment, tapping the pen on the page

before returning her gaze to her father who had walked right up behind her.

He rested his hands on her shoulders.

"I'm proud of you, baby girl," He murmured. "Thank you for making an effort."

Freya's stomach clenched with guilt as she mustered a smile for him. He pressed a kiss to the top

of her head, squeezing her shoulders before retreating from her room.

Freya took in a deep breath, mulling over his words.

He may be proud of her, but she certainly wasn't.