Title: Rachel and Tobias forever
Category: Books ยป Animorphs
Author: clarinet-alto-4ever
Language: English, Rating: Rated: T
Genre: General/Romance
Published: 12-16-05, Updated: 08-15-07
Chapters: 7, Words: 5,504

Chapter 1: Underneath this Smile

Author's Note: I've wanted to write something to do with Tobias and Rachel. I was listening to this song and this popped into my head. Not sure if I like it yet. It might go some major tweaking later on, but I thought I'd get it up tonight. I also can't figure out how to get the around thought-speak. Can anyone help me with that? Thanks.

Disclaimer: I don't own Applegate's Animorphs, or Hilary Duff's "Underneath this Smile."

Edited Note: In an effort to rid my stories of unauthorized song lyrics, just imagine the song that is mentioned in each disclaimer. Furthermore, for new readers, these get a lot better as you go, so if you get frustrated with these first few, skip to the end (each chapter is its own one-shot.) In fact, consider this fic on major hiatus while I go through and overhaul this. (Trust me, it needs it seeing as how most of these were written ages ago.)

I was back in my room after another long battle. Finally, the mask I wore could finally come off. I was alone.

I thought about how my world had changed in the past few months. Sure, sometimes, I didn't mind the fighting and kicking butt; but other times, like now, I was just like any other girl: frightened, disgusted, and in desperate need of someone to hold her.

This was one of the rare times when I wanted to get away from it all. Morph an eagle and fly away. Away from the Yeerks. Away from Visser Three. Away from Kandrona, Taxxons, Hork-Bajir, and Helmacrons.

But how could I do that with the weight of the world resting on my shoulders? And that would mean flying away from the one person who . . . who. . .

I walked to my dresser and reached for a pair of pajamas. I stripped myself of my leotard and put on the cool, loose nightgown.

I wished he was here. He often came by after a particularly terrifying battle. He'd sit on the windowsill on warm nights, or come inside and perch on top of the computer screen on the cooler ones. We'd talk quietly while I caught up on homework and look at web pages. Even when our conversations were shallow and pointless, it was comforting just to know he was there. He could take away all my doubt and fear. He whispered calming words as I fell asleep.

Beyond all that, he was the only one who saw through my facade.

I heard something at the windowsill. That blessed pecking sound had already calmed my beating heart. I rushed over to the window and opened it. Tobias flew in and I closed the window behind him for it was a cold night.

(Hey Rach. . .)

I put the mask on. "Hi Tobias!"

(Don't give me that crap Rachel. I saw your face as you left tonight. C'mon. Talk to me.)

I just couldn't take it. I broke down into tears.

I was Xena Warrior Princess. I was the Almighty Rachel.

And I was crying.

I could handle the physical pain. I could keep my cool in front of Chapman. But not in front of Tobias.

I cried for quite awhile, the tears clouding my vision. Soon I felt two arms wrap around me.

I looked up and saw Tobias' face. I felt his shaggy blonde hair and ran my hand across his smooth cheek. Then I just collapsed into his warm embrace and cried against his chest.

I told him all of my troubles. He listened and smoothed my hair.

I complained about everything. He said he understood and wished he could do more for me.

I cried. He dried my tears.

I licked my chapped lips.

He kissed them.

I fell asleep. And he watched over me.