Stories from the North…Part 2
"Just one more day…..I just have to hold on for one more day."
That was what "Phantom" Miria had been telling herself since this day had started.
They were finally on the way back to meet the others, and then she would
finally be free of Helen.
It was bad enough that Helen had embarrassed her a great deal by talking about
sexual intercourse with men during the second day, as well as
giving her pointers over the finger points in "pleasuring one self", a topic in which
Helen displayed a disturbing amount of insight in.
It got worse on the third day, believe it or not, when Helen started talking about
how she and Deneve used to…..experiment….as in…with each other
"It wasn't really something either of us could get into to be honest" Helen
remarked, ignoring Miria's shocked expression.
"It was just too awkward, for both of us."
Miria knew she would never be able to look at Deneve the same way again,
Helen had scared Miria's image of the cool-headed yet confrontational Warrior.
Time could not pass quickly enough for Miria, so she did her best to keep Helen
busy. They were now in the process carrying back some useful material they had
salvaged from a nearby abandoned village.
"Tsk, I really wish we could get some new clothes."
Helen said suddenly. Shrugging the materials she was carrying to a more comfortable
position
"I am getting sick of these old outfits we have been wearing; they are
starting to develop holes"
Helen demonstrated by poking a finger through a hole in her body suit.
(She does have a point), Miria mused. (We could use some new clothes, maybe I should
get the others to check out the towns, we might be able to find something that
would suitable.)
"It would be nice to change our image I admit, I do dislike the fact we can still be
associated with the Organization with these uniforms." Miria said, relieved
somewhat that Helen had picked a subject she was actually willing to talk
about.
"Oh not just that, I think the new clothes we have to wear should be stylistic,
something sleek, something with impact!" Helen said, more then a little excitement
entering her voice.
"I suppose it is reasonable wanting to change our image……" Miria said, unconsciously
tugging at her hair.
"Hehe, I don't blaim you for wanting to change your hair a bit." Helen said
with a grin, noting Miria's gesture..
Silence
"What is wrong with my hair?" Miria asked.
"Well..er" Helen said, suddenly looking nervous.
"Well what Helen?" Miria said, feeling a twinge of impatience.
"Um..a, weren't you saying something about searching for some new clothes
Miria?" Helen said, obviously not comfortable with the subject anymore.
(She doesn't want to tell me!) Miria realized.
"Helen, don't change the subject." Miria said, using her "commander voice",
as Helen had put it in the past.
Helen jumped a bit, and avoided eye contact with Miria, like a child caught doing
something she shouldn't.
"I'm waiting Helen"
"You'reforeheadishugeandIjustthoughtyoumighthavewantedtochangeyourhairtom
akeitlessobvious!"
Helen blurted out in a rush.
"………What?"
(Did she…….just say my forehead was HUGE!?)
Miria stood their in absolute silence, no longer staring at Helen, her gaze now
focused on the ground.
There was a long silence.
"Um…….Miria?" Helen began hesitantly.
"……."
"Errr…I didn't mean to offend you or anything Miria, I really didn't!" Helen said, a
hint of worry entering her voice.
Miria simply turned around and began walking away.
"W-w-wait for me Miria!" Helen said; quickly in pursuit.
"I'm really sorry! Please forgive me!" Helen said, a pleading tone entering her
voice.
Miria eventually slowed down, and Helen followed suit.
There was a pause…then;
"Back when I was in training, people used to make fun of my forehead" Miria
began quietly.
Helen shifted uncomfortably.
"But a close friend of mine told me I should be proud of my features, and to not hide it
behind my hair (which was pretty long even then). So I started wearing my hair so
it showed my forehead instead of hid it." Miria said, still facing away from Helen, now looking up into the air.
"Miria I didn-" Helen started, suddenly feeling bad.
"But that was a long time ago, and I was just trying to make a point" Miria said,
turning around with a wry grin on her face.
"S-so your not mad at me?" Helen said hesitantly.
"No, I am not mad at you Helen." Miria said changing her expression to one of
amusement. It was kind of nice seeing Helen off-balance for once.
"Err, if that's the case….if you feel like fixing your hair a bit, you know…..just
because…., could I maybe do it?" Helen said looking embarrassed.
Miria's expression changed to one of surprise.
"Only if you want to!" Helen said, her face reddening further.
"You want to fix up my hair?" Miria asked.
Helen nodded, still looking embarrassed.
"I saw Cynthia helping Tabitha with her hair the other day, and I have been
wanting to give it a try since then." Helen explained, looking slightly ashamed.
Miria assumed a thoughtful look, Helen continued to shift-her weight, obviously anxious for a reply.
A small smile placed itself on Miria's features, and she nodded.
"Really!? Thank you Miria!" Helen said; her usual cheer suddenly restored.
----1 day later----
"I'm surprised" Deneve said.
"I'd have thought those two would be here before any of us."
"Why do you say that, Deneve?" Yuma asked politely.
"Because Helen could test anyone's patience" Clare said "It becomes a lot clearer
when you are stuck alone with her." Clare shook her head, remembering her own
experience in teaming up with the resident trouble-maker.
"Is she really that bad?" Cynthia asked, curious.
"She can be, but she can be fun to hang around too" Deneve said, a rare, and mysterious smile showing on her face.
"There they are." Clare said suddenly, staring off into the distance.
Everyone turned their heads to where Clare was looking, and several eyebrows raised.
"Hello everyone, I'm glad you all made it on time." Miria said, greeting everyone, not even pausing to acknowledge the curiousity written
on their faces.
The difference was striking to say the least.
Helen followed a few steps behind Miria, looking slightly nervous.
Their was a brief pause, and then;
"Your hair looks wonderful Miria!" Cynthia said with approval in her voice, Obviously pleased with her commander's new look.
Everyone else quickly nodded their heads in agreement.
Helen looked relieved, and Miria smiled.
"Why thank you Cynthia, Helen did the best she could with my hair, it was pretty
stubborn" Miria said, noticeably cheerier then usual.
Clare and Deneve traded surprised expressions, and then smiled.
(I'm so glad they liked it) Helen thought, immensely happy with her decision to
leave Miria's forehead revealed.
(I guess being paired with Helen really wasn't that bad) Miria thought, feeling
happy with her decision to trust Helen with her hair.
"Now everyone, enough of that." Gesturing for silence;
everyone switched to "listening to the commander-mode."
"Helen brought up a good point while we were paired up" Miria began.
"It's about our uniforms and how we need to change our look."
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What Helen said was; "You're forehead is huge and I just thought you might have wanted to change your hair to make it less obvious!"
Please Read and Review!
3rd Chapter might take a bit, but reviews motivate me :D
