Raven considered the sogging, sobbing mess of a vampire in his arms. “I’m uncertain, sir, if fine is the correct word.”
“It is. Believe me, Raven. It is. There’s nothing….there’s nothing wrong with me. I can be with her. I can…I can…” He released the other vampire. “I need to see Barbara right now.”
Robin poked his head into the room. “Hey! You gonna make out with Ambrose or you comin’?”
“I will be with you in a second, sir.” He looked at Ambrose. “Robin and I are off to rescue Missy. Will you come with us?”
“Normally, I would be all about helping you out, but I need to see her. I need to tell her. I need…”
“I understand, sir.”
“Thank you.” He hugged him again. “Good luck.”
***
Barbara shut down her computer and forwarded the phone to the answering machine.
The front door opened. “Barbara.”
She looked up with a huge smile on her face. “Ambrose. Took you long enough. Sammy’s already gone for the night.” She walked over to the coat rack and grabbed her coat.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close.
She leaned her head back against him.
“Barbara.”
“Mm?”
“Dance with me.”
She raised her head. “What?”
Ambrose laughed and let her go. “I mean it. Right here. Right now. Let’s dance.”
She turned to face him. “What? Why?”
“I’m happy. I’m so happy.”
“Well, I can see that, but—-”
“My results came in.”
“What did they say? I’m guessing it wasn’t bad news.”
He stroked her face. “I’ve been so worried. I’ve been so scared. Consumed by all of the what ifs. All of the possibilities. And…” He laughed – a short, emotional laugh. “I’m clear.”
“Oh, Ambrose.” She hugged him.
“Barbara, I’m all clear. There’s nothing…There…All of the barriers between us are gone. There are no more what ifs.”
“We’re free. Free to be together.” She grinned and hung her coat up again. “So, let’s dance.”
She took his hand and led him out into the lobby.
He put his hand on her waist. Her hand laid down on his shoulder.
Their free hands held each other tight.
They waltzed around the lobby to Ambrose singing Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud”. He was too emotional to sing it well and he botched a couple of lines here and there. But they were both too lost in the moment’s magic to care about such small details.
They were happy.
And they were free.
ambroseandelsie 