Title: The Threads Tighten Around Us
Author: NexustehULF0o
DISCLAIMER: DO NOT OWN.
Nexus: Chapter 4 is up! Yay! Sorry it took so long. XD
"So, lemme get this straight."
A few stray billows from the fire's dying coals escaped the chimney, floating into the large cabin room. Two long couches stretched along both sides of the wall, separated by a large wooden coffee table that currently supported a few plates holding an assortment of hors d'oeuvres and a lukewarm cup of coffee.
Zelos ran his hand through his wet red hair, looking to the animal skin mat underneath his feet.
"Your name is Andraste. You're a hunter and you live here in this forest. There's also some old lady around here that thinks she's really a witch. You're telling me that you don't know how to get out of this forest, but the old lady - "
"Lady."
"And – wait, what?"
The archer picked up his cup of coffee. "Just Lady." He interrupted before sipping and grimacing at its lack of heat.
" – Lady. Whatever. 'Lady', does. And you're going to take us to her and SHE'LL take us outta this forest."
"Yes." Andraste nodded, placing his mug back on the table with a small thud of china against wood. "Although I cannot guarantee that Lady will show you the way out. She is very picky about those she meets."
Zelos rolled his eyes. "Oh, great." He mused. "You hearing this, Sheena? We'll be stuck here because the ol' bat won't remember how to get out of this damn forest."
The redhead turned to see his companion reclining delicately on the couch next to him. Her head lobbed to one side and her eyes were shut lightly, her mouth somewhat agape.
"She's tired." Andraste mused, standing. "Not only did the wound bleed profusely, but the adrenaline of staying awake has probably left her exhausted. She'll be better with a night's rest."
Zelos looked up, standing as well.
"S'pose you're right. It's late, and I don't think this rain's gonna stop any time soon." He agreed. Andraste nodded.
"I'll show you to the guest room, then."
Zelos watched warily as Andraste calmly turned his back to him, waiting for the redhead to lift the girl into his arms before leading them into a small, dark room big enough for one bed and a nightstand, as well as a small chest sitting in the corner. A large window looked over the headboard. The archer waited for Zelos to gently lower Sheena into the bed before leaving the two and closing the door.
Zelos smiled weakly for the motionless girl next to him as he tried his best to remove the comforter from underneath her without waking her. He knew she wasn't watching, but he felt it was necessary anyway for her to get well.
"Look, Sheena, I…" He muttered under his breath, the smile quickly fading from his face once he had the cover safely over her shoulders. He carefully reached out to touch her. "I…I'm sorry. You've kept the faith in me so long, and I…I just keep screwin' up." He cringed for a moment, pulling his hand away before balling it and his other hand into vicious, violent fists.
"But I'll make it up to you. One of these days, just know that I will." He watched her, his voice wavering, but confident. "If it's the only thing I ever do for you."
He was silent for a moment, reflecting on what he just said as the rain picked up outside the open window.
Zelos shook his head, then rubbing the back of it with one of his hands.
"Goddess, that idiot's rubbed off on me. I can't believe it…"
With that thought, he moved to the other side of the bed and carefully lay on it, far enough away from her that she wouldn't be frightened in the morning but close enough that all of him actually rested on the firm mattress.
He awoke with a sharp intake of breath.
Zelos' eyes shot open in panic, unsure what had caused him to awaken. It was still dark outside, the only noises being a quiet rustle of the wind blowing a tree or the rhythmic drops of rain hitting the muddy ground below.
Why was he awake…?
Wait.
Something was touching him. Something gentle –it almost felt like nothing at all.
Suddenly, lightning flashed, thunder crackling harshly through the air moments after.
He turned his head after the sides of his sleeveless black shirt tightened around him, watching the ninja tense at the sound of the boom. Her two hands held tight to the sides of his shirt, grasping him tightly with her eyes shut tight. A pained look crossed her face.
He was rudely reminded of the terrible trials he'd witnessed at the Temple of Lightning, causing Sheena's fear. Volt, on both accounts that Sheena had attempted to make pacts with him, had decimated Sheena to a raw, bloody core. She withdrew into herself for a solid month or two after the loss of Corrine – and although Zelos kept up a carefree front in order to help her, the rest of the party scolded him and babied her along through it. She'd never fully recovered from it. Ever since then, lightning terrified her. And…to see her in so much agony like that…he didn't blame her…
The reminiscence left a bad taste lingering in his mouth…or he had been sleeping with his it open. One of the two – he hoped the former.
Her fingers loosened on his shirt as she calmed back down, and he carefully wriggled himself free of her grasp. Turning over, he watched the hurt expression fade into tranquility, and she heaved in another soft breath through her nose. She exhaled heavily, unconsciously scooting closer to him. He smiled weakly for her, even if he wasn't watching him, and carefully brushed the damp black hair that had been splayed across her face away. He ran his finger lightly across her cheek, chuckling to himself.
"You're gonna hate me in the morning for this, but…I can at least do this much for you." He told her in a light whisper, softly lifting his head on top of hers and contentedly closing his eyes, reaching across and gently swaddling her in his embrace.
The rain and thunder only got worse from that moment on, but lightning, for the remainder of the night, did not trouble Sheena Fujibayashi.
Nexus: LOL So it's a fluffy chapter. XD Along with everyone's favorite angst!Zelos along for the ride. Hopefully the net chapter will be longer as I try to explain more about Andreyella and her…shall we say, worshipper. XD Reviews are welcome! Kthx.