"I do really appreciate it, Sally," Daizi said earnestly and quietly, turning to squeeze Sally's arm before going inside where Dark and Zeinab were playing on the floor with Ivy. After the front door was shut and Daizi had slipped out of her shoes and touched the salt, she walked inside, bending to the side to pet Enkidu as she did.
"Welcome home, my darling," Dark said, sitting back and looking up at his wife, "How was your Brunch?"
Daizi opened her mouth to answer and then before she had time to think about it, asked, "Did you tell Sally to talk to me?"
Blinking, Dark rose to his feet and lightly touched Daizi's bicep, "Maybe we should go talk in private?"
"No, Dark, just tell me. Answer the question. Did you tell Sally to talk to me?" She took a step back and held up one hand to him.
"Daizi..."
"Oh my god, you did. Do you realize how embarrassing that was for me? Sitting there in that place, being brought to say those things?"
"I did not ask her to take you there," Dark explained calmly, "I only asked her to speak with you. And I do not think we should have this conversation in front of Ivy."
"How could you do that? I feel like you went behind my back."
Dark sighed softly, looking behind himself at Ivy who was being quickly scooped into Zeinab's arms. Then he looked back at the shocked, hurt look on his wife's face and took a step nearer to her without touching her because she had already pulled away once, "Daizi, I did it because I love you and because I know you are dealing with some things I cannot help you with. But I want so badly to help you because you are more dear to me than anyone."
Her breath trembling as she inhaled, Daizi said, "But you could have told me. Dark, Ghalib, you could have told me you asked her to talk to me so I could have prepared myself."
"I know, I know," He breathed, "I am sorry. I did not tell you because I was afraid you would decide not to go. And I know that should have been your decision to make, but I see you, Spider. I see you in your quiet moments, I see how much you are carrying. I want to help you carry it, but I know when it comes to it, I am just a man. And you have been through hells I never will because of how we both were born. Ones your friend can understand, I only wanted to help you."
"I've been trying," Daizi said, her voice raw and her arms limp at her side, "I've been trying to do better."
"Daizi, my darling, my love," Dark pleaded, daring himself to touch her shoulders, "I know you have been. And I am proud of how much you've been trying to improve. I really am. Spider. But there are some things we cannot do on our own. You taught me that, Spider. I learned that from you. I want to help you. I do not know how, but I will be dead before I stop trying. And I am sorry what I tried hurt you."
Although she tried to stay angry, a pained whimper escaped Daizi's lips as she listened to her husband's words and felt his hands on her shoulder, "Goose, I feel like I'm falling apart."
"I know, darling, I know," He rubbed his thumbs against her arm, "Do you remember what you told me, back at the end of the school year? When I said I felt like I was lost? You said that you would find me, and you told me to hold on because you were coming as quickly as you could. Now it is my turn, Daizi. You helped me find my feet again, let me help you. Please let me help you."
"You said you didn't know how," Daizi whimpered, burying her face in his chest and immediately being swallowed up by his embrace.
Dark swallowed hard, resting his chin on her head and holding her tightly, "I do not know how. But Daizi, I am never going to stop trying. You mean everything to me, and if I cannot help you, I will find you someone who can. But I promise I will never do so without talking to you again. I promise."
"Okay," Daizi cried into him.
"Okay?"
"We can find someone."
Smiling softly, Dark's breath hitched and he kissed the top of her head, "That is so brave of you, Daizi." Ultimately, he held her there for a little while longer until she murmured that she wanted to lie down, when once more he carried her up to bed and tucked her in. "Get some rest, Spider, we will all be waiting when you are ready."
"Stay here longer, Goose," Daizi murmured, rolling onto her side and finding his hand to hold.
"I will."
"Will you bring Ivy here when I wake?"
"Of course."
"I love you."
"I love you, too."
