A/N
So, I've decided to continue this story. I literally have the whole thing mapped out in my head, it's just waiting to get from my mind to the computer to all of you beautiful, amazing people.
I'm going to warn you right now, updates will be few and far between (I'm in college, cut me some slack lol). Plus, with the holiday season rapidly approaching, combined with midterms, papers and finals, there will be even less time to write :[
HOWEVER, I am dedicated to this story, and it will be completed eventually!
But anyways, I know this chapter is shorter, and not a lot happens, and it leaves off with a not-so-amazing cliffhanger, but please bare with me! I'll probably be writing more than I'm posting, just because I tend to mull over things for a while before I feel it's ready to be shared…
Kimmitwilight, RawSugarX23, Brisa, and whoever else took the time out of their lives to read this fic, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!! I'm honestly finishing this fic for you guys, so yeah you! :D
Peace, love and happiness to all!
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When I woke up, I was alone. I turned all the way over, looking for Ian, but found nothing. When the morning fog surrounding my brain finally began to clear, I heard hushed voices coming from outside our door. After a few seconds of listening, I immediately recognized Ian's and Jared's voices. What made me frown was it was obvious Ian was not in a good mood. He was down- right agitated.
"He's not coming with us and that's final," Ian attempted to say in a hushed voice.
"Great. I'll let you try explaining that to Jeb when he starts asking 'Who threw the native out?'"
"Jared, we don't know him, we can't trust him. It's simple logic. What time did he even show up?"
"A few minutes after you sulked out of the dining room last night. He came in right after Wanda left to find you. She was actually the first one he asked to talk to, but Mel-"
"Of course he did," Ian said. Now his voice level was at regular volume, so I had no trouble discerning the anger the in his words. I had a sinking feeling I knew who they were talking about. It was time to make my presence known.
"Why don't you be a man and confront him yourself. He's in the kitchen."
Although I was on the other side of the screen, I could literally hear Ian's teeth grating.
"He's here?"
"Good morning," I called cheerfully as I moved the screen aside. Before me stood Jared and Ian, both looking little startled. "You shouldn't talk so loudly. You're lucky I'm the only one who woke up."
"No you aren't," came the disgruntled sound of Mel's voice from down the hall.
"Sorry, honey," Jared called. All we heard was Mel grumbling.
I smiled. Mel never was a morning person, even when we shared the same body.
As Jared turned to make his way down to his and Mel's room, Ian gave me a tight smile and a mumbled "Good morning." It was disheartening to see him this upset so early. I closed the short distance between us and slowly wound my arms around his neck. I could feel the tension slowly leave his body as he wound his arms around my waist.
"Good morning to you too," I murmured against his lips before giving him a light kiss. When I slowly backed away, Ian followed, and I smiled before he claimed my mouth in a much more effective manner.
When we eventually broke apart, I took the opportunity to ask him what the problem was.
"It's Burns Living Flowers," Ian admitted. "He apparently came here last night, asking if he could join our raid party today. His logic is two native souls are better than one."
I thought about it. Logically, it did make more sense. We could get twice the amount of supplies in half the time. However, one look at Ian's expression told me to not say otherwise. Although I may agree with Burns, Ian was my first priority.
"What did Jeb have to say about Burn's request?" I asked.
"Of course the old coot is all for it. He thinks it a great idea and inspires inter-human relations. To start building bonds amongst us survivors. In reality, we just met these people yesterday, and I don't feel entirely comfortable putting my life into the hands of total strangers."
"We'll talk to him later, I promise," I said. "For now, let's go get some breakfast." Ian finally conceded as I dragged him down the hallway.
Once we reached our destination, Ian stopped abruptly in the doorway, and I almost groaned. Standing before us was Burns Living Flowers, speaking amicably with Lily. Upon closer inspection, the woman looked happier than she had in a while. Ever since Wes was killed by the Seeker, she had been almost a shell of herself, doing chores and speaking only when spoken to. It was good to see her smile, even though her eyes still seemed haunted by her loss.
When I looked up at Ian, I could tell it was going to be a long day. He was glaring at Burns, as if willing him to suddenly disappear from the cave altogether. I squeezed his hand, trying to remind him to behave himself. When he looked back at me, he had that special smile on his face, and I couldn't help but smile back. Given his mood from only moments ago, it must have taken a lot for him to look unaffected. The fact that I knew he was doing it for my benefit only made me love him more. He kissed me quickly on the forehead before walking off to go get food.
"Wanda!" I turned at the sound of my name. Burns was smiling at me, gesturing to a seat beside him. "I saved you a seat."
"Thank you, Burns," I said politely. "Just wait until I get me food and then I'll be right over."
When I walked over to the counter to pick up our breakfast of oatmeal and bread with honey, Ian was talking with Judy behind the counter.
"Yes, we're leaving later tonight," Ian was saying. "It will be a long one, since we haven't been out in quite some time."
Judy looked thoughtful. "Yes," she said, "but the raid won't be as long this time because of Burn's presence. Two helpful souls are better than one," she said, smiling in my direction. I quickly glanced up to Ian's face, hoping I wouldn't see the same irritation from earlier. Although there was a definite set to his mouth, his anger seemed to have dissipated slightly.
"Doesn't he have to get back to his group soon, though?" Ian inquired. "It seemed to me like he is a major contributor to their livelihood. He was their Wanda." When he said my name he looked at me, his expression softened ever so slightly. I slipped my hand into his while smiling slightly at him.
"Oh, to be young and in love," Judy sighed wistfully. As we both turned back to look at her I giggled. I wasn't exactly young, but Ian always made me feel like the most beautiful person in the world.
" And Ian," she continued, "I don't know what's happening with Burns. He seems to get along well with everyone in the community, besides maybe Maggie and Sharon, of course. As a matter of fact, he asked me earlier if I knew where Jeb was. He wanted to speak with him in private."
"Thanks Judy," I said. "I'll speak with you later before we leave for the raid."
As Ian and I walked together back towards the tables, Ian had that same set to his mouth again. Before we reached the spot where Burns was waiting for us, I stopped Ian with a gentle touch on his arm.
"I love you, you know that right?"
His gave softened again. "And I you," he said, kissing me softly on the forehead.
I smiled. "Ok, just as long as you remember that, then we won't have any problems."
It wasn't until that night when we departed our home for the raid that I realized my statement would not always be true.
