After ensuring Bark Twain's comfort, Christopher closed the storage room's door, and they both turned around with the intent to retreat to their rooms. The weight of the dog's mournful whining stopped Emilia in her tracks just a few steps away.
She looked at the closed door with her heart breaking for the creature. She couldn't bear the thought of leaving the poor dog alone. Christopher, glancing back, noticed the sadness etched on her face. He felt for the dog too, but it was Emilia's upset that he was completely defenceless against.
"He might have fleas," Christopher uttered, his voice tinged with defeat.
"I know," Emilia replied softly, her gaze fixated on the closed door. She hesitated for a moment, contemplating her next move. Loosing her internal battle, Emilia walked back towards the storage room.
"What are you doing?" Christopher asked, puzzled, as Emilia opened the door once again.
"I'm going to stay with him tonight," she stated firmly, lowering herself to the floor beside Bark.
"You can't just stay here," Christopher protested, concerned for her well-being, but his resistance wavered under the weight of Emilia's pleading eyes.
"Why not, Mr. Hayden?" Emilia's gaze locked onto his, her eyes wide and pleading.
"You're going to be uncomfortable," he reasoned, knowing full well the sacrifices she was willing to make from the way she looked at him, and he knew that he wasn't going to be able to argue this out in his favour.
"But so is Mr Bark. He's scared…" Emilia hugged the dog, her unwavering compassion shining through. Her presence helped Bark settle, which only reinforced her decision.
Realising the depth of her commitment, Christopher sighed, surrendering to Emilia's insistence. "Okay, let's get you both in the living room. But he is not allowed on the sofa!" He would never admit that Emilia unknowingly had him wrapped around her finger.
"Are you sure, Mr Hayden?" Emilia questioned, a glimmer in her eyes.
"Yes, go on," Christopher waved her off, gathering a container of water and the blankets. He observed Emilia with growing interest, his heart beginning to rush inexplicably. Emilia glanced at him, her heart fluttering, resonating an unknown feeling deep inside of her. But neither showed any expression of the changes within.
Christopher carefully arranged the blankets beside the sofa and placed the water bowl next to them, ensuring the setup would avoid any spills on the rug.
Emilia led the dog to the new spot and she sat on the floor beside him, stroking him tenderly and whispering to him soothingly.
Meanwhile, Christopher settled into his usual armchair, intentionally not intruding on Emilia's interaction with Bark Twain. He has distracted himself by reading on his tablet.
As time passed, Emilia shifted her position to sit on the sofa, her hand hanging over the edge, her touch still reaching the dog's back. Bark Twain, comforted by her presence, gradually relaxed and drifted into a peaceful slumber. And soon enough, Emilia succumbed to exhaustion herself, her eyelids growing heavy.
Witnessing the serene scene before him, Christopher couldn't help but smile. But Emilia stopping the patting that agitated the dog which started fidgeting nervously.
Christopher set aside his tablet and stood up, quietly approaching the dog. With a tender touch, he patted Bark Twain to calm him, all the while gazing at Emilia's sleeping face. Christopher, with a touch of tenderness, gently covered her with a blanket, before coaxing Bark Twain closer to himself.
The dog hopped onto the sofa, nestling into the cushions. "That wasn't the deal," Christopher grumbled, though he quickly surrendered, scratching the dog's ear. He took his suit jacket off and settling onto the sofa, on the other side of the dog, reaching back for his tablet.
After a few hours, Bark was unsettled again. Christopher noticing the dog's restlessness put the tablet aside and started speaking to him in a soothing tone.
Emilia's eyes fluttered open, gradually awakening. She observed Christopher patting Bark Twain on the head with a gentleness that melted her heart. His care for the dog and the subtle vulnerability in his eyes stirred something within her, again.
"Who's a good doggy?" Christopher cooed, evoking a smile from Emilia. "You stinky bugger."
"Oh no, he's on the sofa," Emilia exclaimed, concern furrowing her brow as she sat up.
"I've tried my best. I guess he had the final say," Christopher chuckled, his laughter tugging on Emilia's soul.
"Who knew you had such a soft heart, Mr Hayden" she mused as she stretched.
"What do you mean?" Christopher looked up at her. His blue eyes seemed to be filled with soft adoration, his face twisted in a smile that lit up the room.
"You always maintain such a serious exterior. It's rare to catch a glimpse of your smile. I suppose many see you as somewhat heartless due to your limited display of emotions," Emilia expressed her honest observation, too sleepy to realise how sensitive her remark might have been.
"And what do you think?" Christopher furrowed his brow, a flicker of worry crossing his face.
"I think you dislike revealing your vulnerability," Emilia shrugged, her gaze unwavering. "Although, it's a shame not to see you smile more. You have a very nice smile."
Christopher was left speechless by her sincerity. Emilia reached for her phone and checked the time—it read 2:07. "It's quite late, Mr. Hayden. Have you not gone to sleep yet?"
"I couldn't fall asleep," Christopher admitted.
"Would you like a chamomile tea with a smidge of honey? It always helps me," Emilia suggested, sensing his restlessness..
"Maybe," Christopher replied tentatively, unsure of the suggestion.
Emilia swiftly stood up and hurried out of the room, leaving Christopher with the dog cuddling to his side, and his thoughts.