Chapter 1: Introduction
The soft sound of rain filtered through the closed window, a gentle tapping accompanied by the more distant rumble of thunder outside the quiet home. Liz rolled over in her bed, moving lazily like a cat disturbed from sleep Liz let out a contented sigh as she stretched, her body relaxed and loose from a full night's sleep. She could hear the sound of rain tapping against the window, accompanied by the distant rumble of thunder. It was the perfect weather for a day spent indoors, something she and Jager had been looking forward to for a long time.
She glanced over at the other side of the bed, where Jager was still sleeping peacefully. His short black hair and cold blue eyes were hidden by the dark curtain of his eyelids, his breathing deep and even.
Liz couldn't help but smile at the sight of him, feeling a sense of peace and contentment that she had never known before the war. They had been through so much together, and now they could finally rest and enjoy their time together in peace.
She slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb him, and moved to the window. She pulled open the curtains and looked out at the rain-soaked world, feeling the cool dampness against her skin. It was a quiet day in the small city they now called home, a city that had welcomed them with open arms after the war.
The streets were empty, the usual hustle and bustle of the city's inhabitants kept inside by the rain. Liz could see people moving inside their homes, the warm glow of lamps and televisions casting shadows on the curtains. She let out a contented sigh as she watched, feeling grateful for the peace.
She turned to look at Jager, who had finally stirred, stretching lazily in bed. They exchanged a knowing glance, both aware of the rare gift they had been given
" Morning," Jager said gruffly, but there was a gentle smile on his face.
" Morning," Liz replied, returning the smile moving over to him, and hugging him tightly, her body pressing against his. She could feel the heat of his body, the strong muscles hidden beneath the fabric of his clothes
She pulled back gently, looking down at him with warm eyes "I'm glad we finally get to enjoy some peace."
Jager nodded, his eyes serious "Me too, Liz. It's been a long time."
They stood there for a few moments, holding each other tightly, lost in thought, both knowing that their days of war had ended.
Liz pulled back first and looked Jager in the eyes, her own eyes warm with affection and gratitude.
"You know, Jager, I couldn't have made it through those tough days without you," She said with a soft smile.
Jager returned her smile "And I couldn't have made it through without you, Liz," He replied, the two of them well aware of the unspoken bond that had developed between them in those harsh conditions.
Liz let out a soft chuckle, her eyes sparkling with amusement and affection as she rubbed her face against his like a cat a playful gesture that had become something of a habit between them.
"You're such a dork, Jager," She said with a laugh.
Jager laughed as well, but the sound was forced, his mind had drifted to a memory he couldn't shake. The memory of Liz, wounded and bleeding, her expression full of pain and fear. He shook his head, pushing the thought aside.
"What's wrong?" Liz asked, noticing the sudden change in his expression.
Jager forced a smile and shook his head. "Nothing, just a random memory."
Liz looked at him intently for a moment, as if trying to decide whether to believe him or not. But then she leaned forward and kissed him gently on the cheek. "Well, let's not think about the past today. We're supposed to be enjoying our peace, remember?"
Jager nodded and returned her smile, letting out a deep breath. "You're right, Liz. Today is for us."
They got dressed Liz put on her black turtleneck shirt, blue jeans, and woolen socks while Jager wore black sweatpants and a white t-shirt as they made their way into the kitchen Jager started a pot of tea while Liz began to gather ingredients for breakfast.
The smell of bacon and eggs filled the small cottage, making it warm and cozy. They chatted about nothing in particular, their laughter mixing with the steady rain falling outside.
"you want waffles ?" Liz asked, raising an eyebrow as she looked at Jager.
Jager grinned, "Of course, you know I never turn down waffles."
Liz laughed and began to mix the batter, the smell of pancakes and bacon wafting through the kitchen.
She poured the batter onto the waffle iron, the sound of it sizzling as it hit the hot surface.
Outside, the rain continued to fall, the steady pattering a soothing background to their morning routine. The cottage was quiet, save for the sounds of their cooking and idle chatter.
Jager set the table, arranging plates and silverware with a practiced ease. He looked out the window as he worked, taking in the sight of the quiet city streets.
The two of them had come a long way from their days in the military.
Back then, they were on constant alert, their lives on the line in a way that most people would never understand. But now they could relax, their time together no longer taken up by war and bloodshed.
Jager took a sip of his tea, savoring the hot liquid as it warmed him from the inside. He let out a deep contented sigh, his eyes meeting Liz's across the room.
"This is nice," He said, his eyes shining with a quiet happiness.
Liz smiled back, nodding her head in agreement.
"It is," She said, pouring him a plate of waffles, bacon and scrambled eggs.
Jager took a bite with appreciation, as the flavours danced in his mouth.
"You're a great cook, Liz," He said with a grin.
Liz laughed, "Well, I had to learn when we were in the military. Those rationed meals didn't always cut it."
They sat down to enjoy their breakfast, taking their time as they ate, together in their small cottage.
The rain continued to fall outside, turning the world into a shimmering, wet wonderland. Liz watched out the window as people hurried by, their umbrellas and coats keeping them dry.
Jager's thoughts were elsewhere, lost in memories of the past, the ghosts of old comrades and battles fought. He shook his head and returned back to reality as he noticed Liz eyeing him, her eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"You've been quiet." She said, placing her hand on his.
"Is everything alright?"
Jager looked at her for a moment, his cold blue eyes softening. "Yes, I'm fine," He lied. "Just thinking about old times."
Liz nodded, silently understanding the burden of his thoughts. "Well, there's no use dwelling on the past," She said, giving his hand a comforting squeeze. "Today is a day for us to enjoy each other's company."
Jager nodded, returning her smile with a grateful one of his own.
He was glad to have her by his side, she had been a constant in his life, through the war and now, in peace. He knew he could always rely on her, no matter what.
They finished their breakfast in comfortable silence, lost in their thoughts. The sound of the rain continued to fall outside, and the howling wind picked up heavily, making the small cottage tremble slightly.
"winds picking up ," Liz said as she glanced up from the calendar that she was flipping through.
Jager looked up from the newspaper he was reading, and nodded, "Looks like we're in for a storm."
Liz walked over to the window and parted the curtains, peering out at the heavy rainfall. She couldn't see much outside, but she could feel the intensity of it.
"I hope it doesn't last long," Liz said, her eyes scanning the dark sky.
Jager stood up and joined her by the window, placing his hands on her hips.
He pulled her in close, letting out a deep contented sigh as he rested his head on her shoulder. They watched as the rain came down, the streets becoming almost immediately slick and glossy as the water rushed down the pavement.
Liz leaned back into him, feeling the warmth of his body through their clothes. She closed her eyes, letting out a deep breath as she relaxed in his arms. She couldn't believe how lucky she was to have him in her life, through all the battles and struggles they had been through, they were still here, still going strong.