Damien

Damien opened the door quietly and smiled softly at Ariel 's sleeping form. In the soft blue wear of the hospital, she still looked good. Peaceful even, without the haunted look on her face.

He plunked down beside her and let his thumb caress her soft skin. As if sensing him, even in her sleep, she leaned into his touch. He cupped her cheek and played with his small ears, finger drifting into her silky hair.

He could've sworn her lips lifted in a small smile like she knew he was with her.

He caught himself and motioned to drop his hand when he noticed her fingers curled around his pinkie finger. Why she felt safe and relaxed around him, he didn't quite understand.

He didn't deserve her affection. Her kindness. The trust in her eyes when she gazed at him. The soft glow that lit up her face when she smiled occasionally.

He'd done more harm than good--he wasn't sure he'd done any good in her life even. He had been cruel. The hatred he felt for her parents, he had taken it out on her.