Capaldi, Kingdom of Arizone
Evening
"Dylan!"
Lena's voice rang out the moment he stepped into the greenhouse. Startled, Dylan looked up. Her figure rushed toward him, a blur of soft fabric and determined energy. She looked radiant—even in the cold, bundled in her favorite coat and scarf, cheeks flushed, eyes bright.
"Lena?" he said, voice rough and low, worn down from a long day filled with questions, tension, and an unbearable weight that refused to lift.
Before he could say another word, she reached him, her delicate hands gently cupping his face.
"You look exhausted," she whispered, her voice laced with concern. "You've been pushing yourself too hard again, haven't you?"
Dylan stood frozen, caught off guard by her touch. Her concern seeped into him like warmth into frozen skin. The way she looked at him—as if he mattered more than the world—cracked something inside him. He closed his eyes, leaning into her palms, just for a moment, allowing himself to breathe her in.
Then he opened his eyes and remembered. She had been waiting for him—dressed, ready to go back home, standing in the greenhouse for almost half an hour. Her pout hadn't gone unnoticed. It stabbed at him, guilt wrapping tightly around his ribs.
"I'm sorry," he said quickly, softening his voice as he tried to appear as regretful as possible. Lena pulled her hands back, still pouting slightly.
He tried to cheer her up with an exaggerated account of how he had left Ralph's office but stayed behind to eavesdrop on a not so confidential conversation with Gibbs and Sam. He didn't mention CP. Lena burst out laughing.
"Dylan! That's terrible!" she exclaimed through her laughter, stepping into his arms without hesitation.
He held her close, breathing in the scent of her hair, whispering something only she was allowed to hear.
"I'm hungry," Lena said a moment later, grabbing his fingers and pulling slightly away, her eyes scanning his tired features. "Very hungry."
"Then let's get you home," Dylan replied, wrapping an arm protectively around her shoulders. His grip was firm but full of affection, guiding her out of the greenhouse.
Lena laughed again, and Dylan silently wished for that sound to echo in his world forever.
"I wish for you to hear her laughter, ringing in your world to eternity," the voice whispered in his mind.
Thank you, Dylan answered back.
***
He helped Lena into the car gently, tucking a soft comforter around her legs. Once she was settled, he slipped into the driver's seat. The night was cold and the roads slippery, but he drove with cautious hands, never letting his eyes stray from the path ahead for too long.
As they pulled into the driveway, Lena's soft voice broke the quiet.
"Tomorrow's your day off, right? Can we go see Eva?"
Dylan's hand paused on the gearshift. He opened his mouth to say that there was no need,but stopped himself.
Why would I say that? What's wrong with me?
"You're being paranoid, boy," the voice muttered again.
"It's Sunday after tomorrow," Dylan said, masking his earlier hesitation. "Let's go then."
"Really?" Lena lit up with delight. "I thought you'd say no!"
She practically jumped out of the car, spinning around as Dylan stepped out with their bags.
"I've been wanting to ask for days, but I kept thinking you'd say no," she admitted, bouncing beside him.
"You don't have to fear that," Dylan said, catching her easily in his arms and swinging her slightly as they reached the front door. "Just say what you want. And if I say no, you can throw a tantrum, break something, threaten to leave—whatever you like."
Lena giggled and pressed her face briefly into his chest. "You're telling me ways, don't forget this ."
He smiled and held her tighter for a second longer than necessary, his heart aching with truths he couldn't say. Once inside, he helped her take off her coat and scarf, draping them neatly over the chair by the kitchen counter.
He washed his hands and slipped on an apron. "Welcome to your private kitchen, Missy. What's your request?"
"Your kind of noodles," she said, grinning as she played with his phone.
Soon, the kitchen filled with the comforting scent of herbs, garlic, and perfectly seasoned broth. Dylan moved efficiently, sliding the steaming bowl before her just as she reached for a spoon.
"Thank you," she said, eyes lighting up. "You remembered all my favorites."
"I never forget," Dylan replied simply, placing a warm cup of water beside her before taking his seat.
"Aren't you eating?" she asked, tilting her head.
"I ate earlier with the boys," Dylan said, watching her instead. He reached out to tuck strands of her hair behind her ears when they fell over her bowl. She kept eating, smiling in between mouthfuls.
***
Later, after cleaning up and watching her curl on the couch under blankets, Dylan stepped into the hallway and made a quick call.
"Hello?" came Eva's soft voice on the other end.
"Lena wants to visit you," he said, watching Lena from the doorway.
"I figured. Once she decides something, there's nothing stopping her."
"Hm."
"I'll send you the address. Bring her, Dylan."
"I will." He hung up, sliding his phone into his pocket.
***
It was late by the time Lena finished packing. The room was a mess of travel bags, scattered clothes, and an excited whirlwind named Lena. Her energy was infectious, bubbling over like a child going on her first adventure.
"I can't wait to see Eva!" she said, twirling with her coat in her hand.
Dylan had barely managed to book the tickets to Leal while keeping up with her chatter. And somewhere between passport checks and travel reminders, she fell asleep,curled on him like a kitten, her head on his shoulder.
Dylan looked at her sleeping form with a softness he reserved only for Lena. Gently, he adjusted the thermostat of house, dimmed the lights, and lifted her in his arms. She stirred slightly but didn't wake. Instead Lena hides her face into him. Dylan was taken back by her trust in him.
Dyla carried Lena to bed, tucking her in carefully. His fingers lingered for a moment on her cheek before he turned away and stood by the window, watching the quiet snowfall outside. Dylan quickly informed Gibbs to carry out the operation as he will be take Lena out of Capaldi for two days. Gibbs agreed saying its much safe way.
Dylan took a warm bath before laying down beside her.
***
Morning in Capaldi,
The first light of dawn filtered through the curtains. Outside, snow had painted the world in white.
Lena stirred beneath the blanket and slowly sat up, her hair tousled, eyes squinting sleepily.
Dylan walked in just then, holding a tray.
"Good morning," he said softly.
"Mm… it smells like coffee."
"Coffee and toast. You need to eat something before we leave."
Lena smiled and stretched, her heart full. Dylan placed the tray beside her and sat at the edge of the bed.
"I packed your coat and muffler already," he said.
"You're spoiling me."
"That's the point."
Lena took his hand and held it tightly. "I'm really glad you're coming with me."
"I wouldn't let you go alone." His voice was low, almost hoarse with unspoken words.
Outside, the sun began to rise slowly, and inside, their day had just begun.