I slept well. For once..I did. And I think the only reason that happened was because of the man beside me. Nate. I felt weak still. The initial shock had been replaced by numbness and denial over night. And I knew it wasn't healthy. I laid in my friend's arms all night, and slept peacefully. He was warm and big, comforting. And I..liked that. I liked it a lot.

I opened my eyes, remembering how two days ago, I had woken up seeming fine.

But I wasn't. I'm still not.

I leaned up, pain in my abdomen making me collapse back onto the bed.

But it wasn't only that, that made me fall back. I laughed to myself as I looked down at big, tan arms locked around me, Nate's head rested on my chest peacefully. I relaxed, remembering our conversation from last night. And I smiled at him, twisting his dark locks in my fingers, and gliding my fingertips across his face.

I opened up, I'm not a loner anymore.

And I feel closer to him, more then anyone I've ever encountered.

I'm scared, I realized. Scared of commitment.

But what was I even committing to? We aren't in an intimate relationship.

I'm committing to my feelings. Accepting them. My fingers stopped as I sucked in a breath.

I tried moving my legs, to get out of bed. But our legs were almost interlaced under the burgundy duvet. My bed was big for me, but for a burly Titan plus me..it was cramped. He made up for it, I realized, by keeping his body molded to mine.

I need to get up. I feel trapped. My mind raced and I felt claustrophobia coming on.

Re-fucking-lax! I yelled at myself, It's Nate. Only Nate. I know who this is. This isn't Cabal, or Thrall trying to climb up my body and devour me..

I closed my eyes as I separated from Nate slowly, voices becoming apparent again. And my head hurt once more.

I turned on my side and scooter closer to him, giving in.

I tucked my head under his chin, pulling the covers over us so I was warm and glued to his being. I feel his hair on my cheek and I breathed in his man-smell.

The voices stopped again. And my head was silent.

I looked up, and shifter closer. Pressing my lower body to his and intertwining our legs. My hand pressed to his cheek.

This was more physical contact then I had ever allowed myself. I was comfortable. But not uncomfortable either. I looked across his face, studying his appearance. The dark circles have faded somewhat now that he's rested.

And not worrying about me...

I felt guilt scratch at my brain, then I pushed it back. I have no reason to feel guilty, what happened to me.. My thoughts paused as Nate shifted, wrapping his arms around me as I tensed.

Is he awake? I retracted my hand, placing both on his chest as I curled into his heat.

"Morning, Rine." I fisted his shirt into my hands and my eyes flew open, and my heart stuttered.

Please. Please, don't let him have been awake the entire time.

I leaned away, looking at him. His brown eyes were tired and smiling.

"Nate." I murmured quietly.

"I like it when you get closer, and I know that you haven't done it before but..I want you to know I understand."

With that, he drew me further in bed and I was surrounded in warmth once again.

"What do you mean, understand?" I asked.

His head was on top of mine. "That you're in a bad place now, and that you've never allowed yourself much physical affection." He was the only reason I wasn't yelling and screaming in pain from Oryx's torment.

I tucked my own head into the crook of his neck. He sucked in a breath, and his emotions, I felt, changed from understanding to something stronger that I couldn't decipher.

"Thank you." I told him, my breath fanned his neck and I felt his heart beat faster.

Why's it doing that? I wondered, placing my hand on his chest.

"Are you alright?" I mumbled against his neck, feeling his heart stutter again.

"Nate?"

I looked back up to see him looking down at me. Hellooooo, earth to Nate. Answer!

"I'm fine, Kyrine." His voice was different. Husky, almost. Filled with an unknown emotion.

I rolled on top him. "No you're not." He looked at me, fully awake now I noticed.

"Get off." He said as I crawled up him, then I placed my chin on his chest.

"Whys your heart beating so fast? And why did you gasp? Do we need to go to the Tower?" My blue hair fell infront of my eyes as I shifted, pulling my legs onto his.

"What," I came closer, feeling his heart. "are you feeling?" I demanded.

"Kyrine. Get off." He said more forcefully.

I braced my hands on his broad shoulders, my hair falling beside me as I looked into his confused eyes.

"What's wrong?"

"You." He said and I stopped, confidence coming to a halt. Me?

What?

"What? What do you mean you?" I asked calmly.

"You, are what's wrong with me, Kyrine." His dark hair was splayed on the dark pillow and his eyes were hooded. His voice, was calm.

How could affect him that greatly? The only thing special about me now is that fact that Oryx has his eyes set on me. He's had other women in his life, I've seen them come and go. I have watched as he picks them up and then leaves them.

I was quiet, staring at him. Now that the room is quiet and my mind is partially done overthinking, I can hear my own heart thump against my ribs. I'm affected by him. Somehow he's gotten under the thick skin that I have. I feel tingly and paralyzed.

I laid down on top of him. "You're whats wrong with me, too, if that makes you feel any better."

Now I really do feel comfortable.

"What?" He said.

"You're what's wrong with me. You always have been." I mumbled, my ear on his chest. He was, not being close to him was what was wrong with me, I lacked a close friend.

He was silent. Then he put his arms around my thin frame, and hugged me to him.

"Even with the changes, Kyrine, you're still the same person to me." He started. And I listened.

"When Erin told me that you were gone, I knew what I felt. How I felt. And stuff. And then Morn told me that you couldn't be helped, I realized that you were a bigger part of my life then what I thought."

Now that scared me. Because while he knew exactly what he felt, I was still half in the dark about my feelings.

So I got off of him, making sure to grab his hand so I didn't loose contact with him.

"I'm sorry I worried you." I told him.

"I need to worry about you, Kyrine. You're my friend."

I almost flinched. Friend. Was I hoping for something more? A relationship? He's never been in a steady one. I'm a fool.

"You're..you're my friend too." I smiled at him.

Something in him spiked, and I didn't know what it was. But he wasn't satisfied with my answer.

And they say women are confusing.

I looked down. And my eyes widened when I realized that I had been rolling around on top of him in nothing but my underwear.

I looked over to him, and he was staring at my stomach. My hands immediately went to the ugly wound.

"This is were you got scratched." He said. His warm fingers touched it and I jumped. Skin on skin.

"Y-yeah." I replied as he continued touching me.

"You know it's not awkward for me to see you in your underwear." He said, sincere. "I've seen plenty of women." His tone changed to arrogance.

"You-you ass!" I screeched and I reached over the the nightstand, grabbing the necklace when I was pulled back, once again to him.

"You don't need it. And I what I meant to say was that..I like you in your underwear. It uh, came out wrong." He said.

MASOCHIST! I yelled in my brain.

"I kinda do. I'm going to get up and eat. And that means," I paused for dramatic effect. "no physical contact from you. And plus, it's only normal you'd LIKE me naked. You're a guy."

I grabbed the necklace, when he took my small hand in his.

"Doesn't mean that. I just..I don't want you to feel insecure around me, I'm
your friend." He mumbled into my ear beside me. His face was on my shoulder and his chest was on my back.

I shuddered.

He brought my hand down to the nightstand, laying it there. And I let go of the necklace.

"Okay." I moved to get out of bed, and he moved with me.

I stood, and looked at my Ghost on the couch across my room. And decided against turning it on. Excuse me, him.

I walked out, and the windows were closed, only a little light filtered into the kitchen.

"Y'know." Nate started, his hand tightening around mine. "You have a nicer place then I do."

"And the only reason that is, is because I prefer windows and you don't like renovating." I said, throwing his own smirk at him.

"Whatever." He muttered.

I pulled the pantry door open and grabbed a granola bar.

"Is that all your gonna eat?" Nate breathed.

"Yes..?" I questioned slightly.

"Kyrine you have to eat more then that, really. Plus. Those nut bars are nasty." He said pulling me back to the bedroom and handing me the black rock necklace.

Is he leaving? I thought as I put it around my neck.

"Are you leaving?" I voiced as he walked out of the room.

"No."

"Then what are you doing?" I questioned as he opened the cabinets, looking for something.

"I'm making something." Then he growled. "Is all you have here processed food?"

I blinked. It was actually true. I never really cooked because usually just came home, grabbed something to eat, then went bed. The only time I cooked is when I had things to cook.

And I don't have that often.

I winced. "Possibly."

His face came into view and I jumped when he lead me back to the bedroom again.

"Get dressed." He said, and then pulled the blue curtain that separated my room from the rest of the loft.

"Hey! Asshole! What the hell?!" I yelled after him.

"Get dressed!" He yelled back.

I growled. And I walked into my closet, shooting for leggings and a simple shirt.

I found my black leggings and a old faded purple sweatshirt. I didn't bother with a shirt. Putting on the clothes, I put my head down, and wrapped my hair up in a bun, then grabbed my red glasses.

I pushed the curtain aside, adjusting my sweatshirt.

"Nate?" I called out, looking around the loft for any sign of him.

But he wasn't there.

I tread into the living room. Not here either.

I grabbed my granola bar and opened it, taking a small bite out of it as I scratched the nape of my neck. The mark from Oryx still present there.

I sat on the leather couch, and picked out the chocolate chips out of the bar. Yeah. I don't like these fuckers. I mean freakers.

Instead of waiting around picking chocolate out of a chocolate chip bad, shouldn't I be out there doing what Guardians do? Protecting the city, exploring the remains of Earth for trouble?

I shouldn't be sitting in my loft, waiting idly for danger to come.

"Ghost." I yelled, activating him with my voice.

"Yes, Miss?"

"Goodmorning," I smiled. And though he wasn't programmed to smile or didn't have the function of facial expression, I felt him become lighter and happier. Usually, I don't talk extensively with him or use him for much. "Contact Cayde-6 at the Hall of Guardians, please."

He made a nodding motion, before there dots appeared in his optics, signaling him calling.

I looked around, making sure Nate wasn't hanging around before I turned back to my Ghost.

"Guardian!" Cayde's hologram appeared, fuzzy.

"Cayde," I greeted back, not as enthusiastically as him.

"Everything alright?"

"Oh..y-yeah?" I mumbled, looking elsewhere. Then I cleared my throat. "I was wondering if you required me at the Tower today."

"No, no, Guardian. We have matters taken care of here. Rest for a few days. Then, I know for sure we will need you. I'll have your Ghost notify you when we need your presence." He nodded to himself.

I frowned. "What about Oryx?"

"I have put some of my plans for you in motion. When you are requested, everything will be fine. I had Titan are friends with, Nathaniel, stay after for me to talk to him. You will be under his watch for a few days until you are needed."

I was silent. "So the only reason he came last night was at your request?"

That would mean he didn't come voluntarily. And that everything he said was just to make me feel better.

That would mean he could have been lying this morning too.

Don't think like that. He's loyal. He always has been.

I jumped. Who's voice was that?

"No Guardian. He asked for permission. As you know, Guardians of the opposite sex are not allowed to be in the same quarters, unless there is verification from a Vanguard. It's almost amusing how he chases you around like dog trying to get his fix."

His voice brought me out of my thoughts. I looked at Cayde, who looked thoughtful himself.

"Come to think of it. He demanded to partner with you on the Phobos mission four days ago.."

He laughed then, and I forced one out. Demanded? To accompany me?

Odd.

"Really?" I asked, giving a blip of laughter.

"Yeah. The mans whipped I tell you-" I swiped at his hologram, ending the call. Cayde wouldn't get butt hurt over that, right?

"Who were you talking to?"

I squealed and fell off the couch, hitting my head on the wooden coffee table. What the f- My thoughts stopped midway when a shirtless Nate appeared in my line of vision.

"Cayde!" I shouted, louder then I needed to.

He narrowed his eyes. "About what?"

I got up, turned around and spoke. "None of your concern." I felt the pressure of where he stepped, and he was walking around the couch. So I walked around the couch to the kitchen. And I had a motive too. I had to throw my wrapper away.

"Kyrine."

"Nathaniel." I said as I chucked the wrapper in the blue waste bin.

He growled. And I yelped, again, as his body trapped me between the black granite counters and his naked chest.

Naked. What- My eyes where focused on the piece of dust on the tiles. Oh. That nakedness.

He leaned forward, and his wet chest made contact with my clothed one. I scowled up at him. He towered over me, and I was short for a Hunter. I noticed his hair was wet, so he must've taken a shower. In my bathroom.

With my watermelon scented shampoo. I had to do this. I must. My nose itches to smell. I. Have. To.

I hopped back onto the counter and grabbed his wet hair, pulling his head towards me.

Yeah. He totally used it.

"Kyrine what the hell?!" He yelled as I breathed in my watermelon shampoo.

"Knew it." I let go of his hair. Even with me sitting on the counter he was still taller then me.

"Knew what?" He seethed.

"You used my shampoo."

"And?"

"You smell fruity." I simply said.

"Shut up," he growled and leaned forward again. "And tell me."

I rolled my eyes at him mentally, but still maintained the glare I was directing at him. "Why?"

"Because you are my responsibility." He said. His hair was longer now that it was damp. It went past his shoulders. And he was still shirtless. And Titans, are buff. And he was broad shouldered, and thick.

I stuck my nose up. "I am my own responsibility." He leaned his head down closer until I could feel his hot minty breath on my lips.

"Tell me."

My head was going in a billion different directions. I am his friend. Friend. Friiiiiend. Friend. Friend.

"No." I smiled and hopped off the counter onto the floor again in front of his person. Now that I thought about it, I'm not sure as to why I'm denying him. It's not like me and Cayde were planning to drop him off on the moon. Maybe its because I don't enjoy being bossed around.

What alarmed was not his eyes narrowing, or the water from his hair and chest dampening my sweatshirt. What alarmed me was the fact that he was bold enough to push his lower half into me, pinning me against my counter. He smirked darkly. I ducked and went between his legs, skidding onto the tile like the soccer players I've seen from old movies.

I was about to start army crawling to my bedroom when I felt myself being lifted up into the air like a doll.

"No! Put me down you masochist!" I screamed as I was held against my will to his chest.

"Masochist?!" He yelled.

"Masochissssssst." I hissed.

With both of his arms wrapped around my mid section, and my feet not touching the ground. I was immobilized, I couldn't lift my foot or knees to deliver a swift kick to the testicles or anything.

Is he not a masochist?

"I'm not a masochist, Ky. I swear to the devil." That's not very reassuring.

I wriggled in his grip, and I swallowed when my sweatshirt rode up and I realized I had been almost grinding on my friend. And that my rump and back were skin to skin with his abs. I writhed some more. Down down down.

He put me down. "I just want to be near you. Not that necklace thing." Oh. So he wants to be the one to help me. Not some magic necklace Eris gave me.

"Oh." I turned to look at him but he stopped me by placing a hand on my shoulder.

"What's on your neck?" He whispered. More to himself then to me.

My hand flew to cover it, but he caught it. Then I felt his finger tracing it. I suppressed a growl.

"What is it?" He demanded.

"The Mark." I snapped, suddenly moody. "I told you. That I was marked. And I meant that."

"Literally." I finished. Before turning around. "And permanently by the looks of it."

"You're still my friend. A mark from Oryx won't change that." He looked at me. "Let me grab a shirt and we can go out." He said passing me, patting my head. He disappeared into the bathroom.

I took my hair out of my bun, and the curls bunched up below my collarbone to hide my Mark.

I sighed when the door shut. At least I didn't have to tell him what-

"And while we're out you're telling me about Cayde!"

A small 'ugh' slipped from underneath my breath and I got my white combat boots from the shoe rack. I laced them up to my knees and zipped them up. Then I clamped on a holographic bracelet. It was white, and had the red Hunter insignia on it as it oversee above my skin.

A few decades ago, there was an incident over Guardians being allowed to venture out into the City. Many viewed us as a danger to the populous, despite our job being to protect the City from Darkness. And sometimes the rouge Guardian went into the city. Then the Vanguard and City Senate told us that we had to have Guardian identification on us. Hence the band I'm wearing. Usually I wore it on my thigh, so everyone would know. But as I tugged my sleeve over it I realized that I didn't want to be associated with the Tower today. I didn't want to be a Guardian today. I pushed my glasses up my nose for a snake of normalcy.

Ever since my first incident with the Thrall on the Cosmodrome, one had weakened my vision. So unlike more Guardians, my vision was damaged slightly. My helmet fixed that when I had it on, but I didn't want to walk around with my helmet on today.

I sat back on the couch. "Ghost, stick with my today. But not in sight." I told him as I bounced my foot.

"Yes ma'am." He said and disappeared. I rubbed the back of my neck, and pulled out my phone. Or the sleek metal surface with a button on it. The Button Device.

I pressed the button and watched as it suspended in air and my homescreen projected. I forget the exact science of it, but the electrons are projected through the atoms until they built up and thus creating a hologram. Sounds about right.

I scrolled through my applications, Guardians aren't permitted to engage in social media. I go against that, having a few apps in which I go under an alias by. Only because they provide me with entertainment, and news of the ongoing things in The Last City. I was about to press the call button under Erin's contact when Nate walked out of the bathroom in a white shirt and the Titan band hovering around his bulging bicep.

"Ready to go?" He asked. My finger hovered above the call button.

"Yes." I swiped right and the hologram dispersed and I slipped it into my pocket.

I got up, following him to the door. He held out his hand, and his Ghost appeared.

"Min, central City."

"Yes, Master."

I closed my eyes as we were transported.

Central City, 10:23 a.m.

I opened my eyes and looked around the building we were in. It was empty aside from a few people lingering.

This was where the Guardians are entered into the City.

The building had a glass ceiling and I could see the Traveler above.

I felt Nate's hand on my shoulder, guiding me into the quiet streets. Central City was shadowed by the Traveler, and it was also where most of the Last City population resided. Towering skyscrapers and flashing light, this was the center of the City.

I didn't like to go to Central. Because I usually liked to explore the empty expanse of what remained of Earth. That didn't thrive with people. I didn't like humans or humanoids. Being alone was much simpler.

We walked in silence. He always was in contact with my person, not letting me go.

I didn't know where we were going, I didn't even know where we were in Central. I saw some hoverbikes and cars, but not many. It was the ending the week, not working hours. Or at least not for the people down here. By 'down here' I meant those that don't reside in the Tower. Or close to it.

"Inside." He leaned to mumble in my ear. I turned to the left and stepped inside a small café. Turning, I rose an eyebrow to him. I located the absolute farthest seating from the entrance and I sat down in the back.

"You sure are reclusive, Ky." There isn't anyone here. I nodded and looked at my lap.

"I took you here to eat properly. Smile, please. For me." He said and took my hand.

My hand felt tingly. I smiled at him, genuinely. I leaned forward to trace the tattoos trailing from his hand up his bicep. "Thank you, and I contacted my mentor this morning to offer my assistance. " I said, and looked up at him. I took my back hand.

"Why?"

"Because. I don't feel strong enough to be a Guardian. I feel like a child I you're watching over."

"I'm not watching over you forcefully. I volunteered -"

"I know."

He nodded. "Thank you for telling me, and letting me stay with you."

"Thank you for sticking with me."

He ruffles my hair and leans back as a bot wheels up to our table.

"Hel-lo." It croaked out. "H-ow may I b-e of service of y-ou?"

"Four scones with cream, please. Two
milks." Nate said. He passed glimmer to the robot, who reached out a metal hand and took it.

"No-Ted." It wheeled off.

He looked at me. "EXO owned. The owner engineered his own bots to run it."

I nodded. I was begets feel out of place again.

"Kyrine."

I smiled up at my handsome friend. "Yes?"

"I will be staying with you for a while. I just wanted you to know."

"I don't have a spare room. You'd have to sleep on the couch." I said.

His heart faltered. He didn't want to sleep on the couch, I guess. But he nodded the bot came back with our tray of food and drink, and I stuffed my face with sugary scones, downing it with milk. Ever since I woke up, my senses have been in over drive. I'd have to talk to Eris about it.

"So, I was thinking." I paused. I didn't know what I was thinking. "That when my presence is needed back at the Tower I want you to be by my side."

His eyebrow shot up.

"Missions and stuff." I finished, swallowing the rest of the scone. "And Oryx." I didn't see his reaction as I took a gulp of milk. Way better then the crap I ate at the infirmary.

"Of course."

I looked up at him. "Nate..do you think I'll survive?" I asked him. A question that had been rolling around in my subconscious ever since I woke up.

He coughed. "K-Ky what are you saying?"

I looked at him in the eye. "I've been thinking..I don't think I'll live through this Oryx ordeal. The Taken..the Taken are formidable as we've seen. And.." I pressed a hand to my stomach. "felt."

"You will live." He got up, walking over to my side of the metal table and sitting. "Don't you ever doubt yourself."

"Nate, two fireteams barely took down Crota, four not making it out alive. This is his Father. Who wiped out a whole army of Awoken warriors." I mumbled, my gut sinking as I realized the Queen's status was unknown. And Uldren was most likely dead.

He tapped on my plate to get my attention. "And since then. We have only become stronger. You have as well. Your appearance may have altered. But your bravery is untouched." Leaning back in his booth, he crossed his arms. "And I know that." He finalized. "Watch them burn with Light. Don't let yourself fade to Darkness."

Completed; 1/13/15 - 9:48 p.m

EDITED.