Evening, friends. This is probably coming a bit late, but I felt that I couldn't sit on the sidelines on this matter. So, here's my humble offering in regards to a most pressing issue by ways of palliative care.

Stay safe. Help out if you can. And try to be a little kinder, both to yourself and others.

Cheers,

Stray

Disclaimer: This is a fantasy post written by an adult, intended for an adult audience only. All characters depicted are 18 or over.

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In This Together

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(sound of door opening and shutting)

(calling from the kitchen) Babe, is that you?

(closer to the listener, sounding relieved) There you are. I was wondering where you went.

Hey, c'mere... No, don't argue with me. It's time for hugs. You look like you could use one right about now. I know *I* need one. (hugs the listener tightly)

I was scared. We got separated during the rally, and... you weren't answering your phone and... I just got to thinking the worst.

I'm so glad you're safe.

(the hug ends) Yeah, your other sign is still here. Why?

The one you had got torn up? Geez. Don't tell me you got into a scuffle with the police.

"Almost"? Baby, I know what we're doing is important, but you have to promise me to be careful. You can't be taking unnecessary risks like this.

Yes, black lives matter. That means *your* life, too. I don't want to see you get hurt.

Hey, where are you going?

We've been marching all day long. You need to rest.

I know, I know... But you're exhausted as it is. You can't fight the good fight if you're completely run down.

It's okay. We'll join the protest again tomorrow. And we'll enlist our friends, call our lawmakers, keep rousing people out of their complacency. We'll keep on fighting, I promise.

I just... I have a bad feeling about tonight. The protesters are starting to scatter. Police are out in full force, and it looks like they're just waiting for any excuse to escalate. What if you got hurt? Or worse?

Come back inside. Please. I can't lose you.

Come here. Come sit on the couch with me. That's it... lean back and let me wrap my arms around you and caress your face. Doesn't that feel nice?

Shhh... It's okay. You can rest now.

Mmhhh... Let me kiss your neck and shoulders. (the speaker massages the listener while planting kisses up and down their neck and cheek, urging them to relax and unwind)

We'll keep fighting the good fight... *together*. But you need to take care of *you*, too.

I know, baby... I know. I feel the same way. I'm just so exhausted with everything. I've been so angry about this situation for so long... I can feel it wearing me down to the bone.

Yeah...

It's not just the opposition we're facing. It's everything else, too. All those people sitting on the sidelines... (deep sigh) It's so frustrating to deal with. Don't even get me started on people who are all like "Blue lives matter!" or "All lives matter!"

Yeah, it's not that they don't... It's just missing the point so hard and... it just makes me want to scream. Especially because we have to waste *so* much time explaining and educating people and dealing with misconceptions and just... urgh.

But... that's what they want. For us to waste our time and energy on bullshit like that. While nothing gets done. Nothing changes.

But we won't let them wear us down. (continues to trace kisses all across the listener's face, neck, and shoulders) Will we?

I'm in this for the long haul, baby. Just like you. We're going to keep fighting for change. And we'll get there some day. But just rest for now. You've done enough for today. We have to keep up our strength for tomorrow. And the day after. And the day after that.

Now, come on. Relax, and let your worries melt away. Just rest in my arms. That's it...

Close your eyes. Let me whisper to you. I want to tell you about all the things you mean to me.

Do you know why I love you?

(chuckling) Yeah... I said love. I'm not taking it back. I love you, because...

You are strong.

You are brave.

You are sensitive.

You are funny.

You are smart.

You are creative.

You are beautiful.

And I love everything about you.

You're perfect.

I love your sense of justice and fairness. I love your determination. Your fighting spirit. I know you'll never give up. And I'll always be by your side.

Here... kiss me. (the two kiss for a moment)

Just rest with me for now. Let me hold you in my arms.

I'll make us a nice breakfast in the morning. And then we'll head out again. But rest for now.

Stay with me and rest. You need it. We both need it, if we're going to keep pushing for change.

We'll keep fighting the good fight, together. And we'll win.

I love you.

(fade out to more kissing and cuddling)