It didn't help his already scraped raw emotions to feel her nerves and guilt and desperation. Fabian wanted nothing more than to fling the door open and pull her into his arms, to kiss her until all the pain went away. He knew it was their connection, the soulmate bond Adelaide had always laughed at him for believing in. He had always been able to feel her, to know innately if she was alright or not. Part of him had wondered if she had felt it too and just never said anything, especially when she came to him after he'd been injured in the attacks. Had she known he was hurt? Could she feel it?
Although if she could, then all the times she had shattered his heart into pieces seemed infinitely crueler.
As he rested his head against the door, he could hear her breathing. The heartbeat Adelaide exhibited was unique to her, and when she was upset it took on a whole new rhythm. He could smell the salt from her tears even through the wood, which was almost enough to have him wrenching the door open in and of itself. That swell of hope and sadness as she realized he wasn't just going to ignore her felt like a knife in his heart, and his hand tensed on the door knob as he waited for her response.
Closing his eyes, Fabian should have expected what she said. Of course she wanted to talk. She had been trying to talk to him since that night she'd told him everything. The night she really and truly had broken his heart. He clenched his teeth at the pleading tone to her voice, the intensity of her emotions hitting him like a tidal wave. Fabian let his hand curl around the knob as his mind and heart seemed to be in an epic battle for survival. After several long moments, it was ultimately the side that always won for where Adelaide was concerned.
Slowly, he turned the door knob, pulling open the door. The streaks left by tears on her cheeks clenched at his heart, and he had to resist the urge to gently brush them away with his thumb. Even with that mar on what was otherwise perfection, she was beautiful. Stunning, as always. It really wasn't fair. Fabian didn't say anything, not here in the hallway, though he did step back so she could come in.