Author's note: Thanks to everyone who reviewed. It's much appreciated!

Chapter 2- Jill/Lethe

Lethe sat at Jill's bedside. Her face remained emotionless, but the tension in her shoulders and the extreme straightness of her back, never quite touching her chair, betrayed her worry.

Jill had been knocked unconscious and brutally savaged by several soldiers before Lethe had reached her, and the beorc was near death's door. They'd healed her, of course, but she had lost so much blood, and it was anyone's guess whether or not she would pull through. Rhys had said that if she woke up, her chances would be much better, but so far Jill hadn't done much more that twitch.

It was nearing midnight. The camp was dark and silent and the moon cast a silvery light throughout the infirmary. Lethe held Jill's hand, wondering why she felt so panicked. Sure, she and the Daein had formed a solid friendship, and the two spent hours together training, sharing meals, and often talking late into the night. But that didn't explain why she felt so protective of her. It wasn't as though Jill was weak, or needed protection; the wyvern rider could take care of herself as well as the next soldier. And Lethe definitely didn't feel this protective of her other friends, friends who also risked their lives on the battlefield. So why Jill?

If she were being completely honest with herself, the laguz would have admitted the reason. But if she admitted it, even to herself, she would have had to accept it, and that was something she just couldn't do. Being honest would mean accepting that she was not only in love with another woman, but that that woman was a beorc. Both were said to be forbidden by the goddess.

Idly she traced a faint white line running across Jill's cheek, thinking she'd still be beautiful, even if it scarred. The wyvern rider stirred and woke at her touch. "Lethe? What happened? Why aren't we in battle?"

Lethe snatched her fingers away quickly, grateful to the darkness for hiding her blush. "The battle's over; we won. You received an injury to the head and passed out. Rhys treated you but you lost a lot of blood and we didn't know if you would make it through the night. How do you feel?" she spoke quickly, impatient to discover the state of Jill's health.

"I'm… alright. I've got a bit of a headache, and my ribs feel a bit bruised, but I'm not too bad." Jill struggled to keep the pain out of her voice.

Lethe sighed. "So what you mean is, you've got the mother of all headaches, you think your ribs are broken, which they are, and you feel terrible."

Jill laughed softly and winced. "You know me to well."

They sat in companionable silence, enjoying the cool night air. After a time, Jill asked, "Lethe? Was it you who rescued me when I was injured?"

"Yes."

"Thank you. For saving my life."

Lethe smiled gently, something hardly anyone ever saw. "Pay it no mind. You're very special to me," the laguz said, then silently cursed herself. Why in the world had she let that last part slip out?

"You're very special to me, too, Lethe."

Something in her voice made the cat's heart pound. Violet eyes met ruby, and they unconsciously leaned closer together. "It's just that I…I…" Lethe's voice trailed off as Jill ran her hand along the cat's arm.

"Yes?" she whispered, leaning even closer. The two women were nearly touching, their faces only inches apart.

Lethe swallowed sharply. "I love you."

"I love you too."

And before either really knew what was happening, they were in each other's arms, kissing passionately, neither caring what society would think.

Sorry for any mistakes. I finished this at one in the morning.