With a deep inhale and a slow exhale, Seren's eyes unlocked. She put her hands down to lift herself up. Instead of her hands firmly gripping the hard cold floor, they sunk it to a soft and warm surface. She looked down to see she was on the bed. A sense of confusion rolled over. She clearly remembered going to sleep on the floor. She wondered if perhaps she woke up in the middle of the night and collapsed onto the bed, but Seren knew thinking that was unrealistic. She heard the small creak of the door and turned her head. James was in the doorway looking at her with an almost surprised expression.

"I was just about to wake you."

"Did you move me to bed…again?" Seren questioned.

Seren had been training with James for a little over three weeks. She had grown to wake up promptly in the morning and every morning she always woke up on the snug and homey bed. Even if she placed herself on the floor the night prior. She would sometimes wake in the middle of the night to find herself on the soft surface. Frustrated, she would take herself off and put herself on the floor right next to bed. She had foolishly tried to move James on the bed before, but he was hard to move and it just ended up with him waking up. So she protested by sleeping on the floor anyway, but every morning she found herself back on the cushioned surface.

He hesitated before answering, "Yes."

Seren sighed and slugged her shoulders, "James, I can't have the bed the entire time I train."

"You need it more than I do. You're sore aren't you?"

Seren opened her mouth to retort, but stopped feeling the familiar throbbing sensation she had gotten accustomed to. Everyday James would increase the quantity of her performance each and everyday. Her agility had increased far beyond she could have ever thought. Her dexterity was also impressive as she embraced her combat training headstrong. Her mastery of it surprised her considerably. She learned new techniques every night and was able to get them down without much trouble. However, her mastery did come at a price seeing as how she was constantly sore.

"See you need it."

"I didn't even say anything about being sore." Seren mumbled.

"You didn't have to. The look on your face said it." James stated with a small smile before turning around to exit.

"We're still training today right?" Seren asked while standing up.

"Of course. I'll be waiting outside." James confirmed before closing the door behind him.

Seren smiled to herself. She was happy how James's mood seemed to brighten bit by bit. It was a slow process no doubt, but Seren chatted with James quite often. They conversed about many different subjects, but that did not bother Seren. She very much enjoyed speaking with James and enjoyed it even more when he seemed more off the edge. Each time they talked he seemed more and more off edge. Seren knew he needed that and it was suiting him well. Seren walked to the corner of where her stacks of belongings where as well as her now completely dry clothes. She changed into now clean and dry clothes and placed the ones she wore yesterday in her bag. Seren exhaled and put her hands on her waist. She pushed her lips to the corner and let out a questioning hum. She had some money with her when she found her bag and she was starting to think she should use it. How long could her and James live on fruit bars? They had simple supplies, but they where running out now that the supplies where now for two. She figured she could try her luck and ask James if there was a store around and, if there was, if they could possibly stop by. She didn't want to jeopardize their current under incognito status so she would be sure to bring it up James carefully. She picked up her wallet from the dust-covered floor and put in at the bottom of her bag, moving the clothes out of the way. She ran her fingers through her lengthy hair trying to push it back from her face. Seren stepped out from the shed and turned her head to James who was, once again, standing next to the old door. She threw him a small grin and began to walk towards where they trained. He lifted a brow before joining her at her side.

"What's on your mind?" He asked with his brow still raised.

Seren peered at him with her chocolate eyes holding suspect.

"The look on your face. It seems you want to bring something up." James explained. Seren was impressed by these observation skills. She thought her expression held nothing but content, not worry and edginess.

"I wanted to bring it up later, but there's no point now." She look a steady inhale of air before attempting to push her luck. "I was thinking maybe we should go for a supply run if there is a store nearby. I have cash on me. I don't want to risk anything but we need to get some things."

She looked to James to see if he showed any look of approval. However, she did not have the same skill of reading expressions and only saw a blank one.

"You need to train. You won't be done until late at night."

"I was planning, if you agree, to go to one of those twenty-four hours stores. It would be at night, like you said, which would mean there won't be many people around to see us. That is if there even is one." Seren explained all the while not taking her gaze off of James. She was hoping the plan would be strategically and safe enough for James to agree.

"There is one." James informed after a silence of stares.

"We don't need too much. I could easily carry it back myself." Seren added to try and persuade him.

James pushed out a large puff of air, "Alright, but only after you have completed today's training."

Seren nodded, "Of course! Thank you."

A wave a relief found its way through Seren and she, as well as James, remained quiet.

-0-

Her legs no longer burned as badly as they did when she first started running. She was able to go without feeling the intense need to rest her screaming muscles. She split through the air with increasing speed and agility. James, each time she grew faster, would pick up his own speed. Seren knew, however, no matter the amount of training she wouldn't get up to James's abilities. Though, she thought of his abilities as a positive. He was a great teacher and Seren was determined. She knew using her powers would risk her position as long as Hydra could trace her. Frustratingly, the complete cut off of her powers was beginning to put Seren on edge. She felt this immense mass of energy horde inside of her pushing at the back of her skin to try and escape. She was able to take out this feeling by executing her training process. She pushed herself as the amount of her tasks increased. Doing so helped the amounting stress, but it was always still there.

Seren let the frigid water consume her body. She relaxed as leaned her head back against the damp grass. She had already washed herself and her clothes. She let out one final sigh before stepping out of the water. She dressed herself quickly and packed up her bag. She no longer needed to wait for James to meet her to leave so she made her way back. It was always a long walk and it was rather boring walking back by herself, but James felt that she didn't need him to walk her back anymore. The tunes of wild kept her mind from wandering too far. She had grown to love her pure green environment and all the music that came with it. She saw the shed come into view, which caused her to increase her pace. She stopped once she reached the area where her and James would practice combat. She stretched out her back and arms. She brought herself into her fighting stance gently bobbing herself on her feet. She punched through the air and finished with the kicks she had learned over the weeks trying to finish the combo. She stopped herself and took a deep breath before starting again, but this time at a more rapid rate. She no longer in her combat practice simply just learned the moves; she now moved onto sparring each night. The fighting was nothing potentially fatal, but James showed her how it could be.

"Ready to get started?" Seren heard an all too familiar voice ask. She relaxed her position and, on her heel, she spun around.

"Yeah."

James got closer to her before preparing himself. Seren returned to her stance while taking silent deep breathes. James's only signal was his arm launching forwards towards Seren. She arose into action and hastily stepped to the side out of the way. She snatched his arm, managing to lowered giving her a clear shot to his throat. James caught her fist with his bionic hand giving it a tight squeeze. She ignored the slight sting and brought up her leg and harshly kicked him in the side with her heel. He released her fist with a groan. Seren quickly seized the opening and launched her leg up until it connected with his jaw. He lost his balance briefly, but he stood his ground. Seren stepped back and narrowed her eyes. She would be ignoramus if she thought he would go down after that. She had been told by James the first time they fought the first one to fall would be the loser and the fight would be over. The adrenaline that coursed through her veins whispered to her muscles to keep attacking. Her rate pumped and raced sending her blood running through her at lightening speed. James stood back up and wasted to time to strike. She dodged his strike, but failed to notice his leg swing at her. His iron legs crashed into hers and she fell with a small yelp. She caught herself with her hands and flipped back, away from him. She was breathing pretty heavily by now and James moved his feet. They pounced at each other like the animals that lived in their surroundings, attempting to strike each other. The two fighters dodged and grabbed each other's attacks. Epinephrine fired in her brain sending her movements into over drive. He spun to kick her, but she quickly ducked and retaliated by sending a harsh punt to his shin. His leg caved in and he leaned forward. Seren went in to strike, but he grabbed into her forearm and swiftly punched her in the gut with his bionic arm. She leaned forward into the punch and let out a choked yelp. The hit sent a shock wave of discomfort and pain. He let go of her forearm which allowed her to stumble back. She gripped her stomach before landing on her rear end. She gasped as her lungs clawed at the air and her body cringed. James rushed over to her and put his human hand on her shoulder.

"Seren? Are you alright?" He pressed with growing concern and perturbation.

She looked up to him and gave him a frail smile. "Yeah. I'm fine"

He sighed relieved and helped her up. She slowly stood up straight and moved her hand away from her stomach. Seren knew if that were his full strength his punch would have easily ripped and torn her stomach apart.

"Let's get ready to go?" She asked more than suggested. James nodded in agreement and the both entered the shed.

-0-

Seren changed into her hooded jacket and pants she wore the first day she was here. She pulled her hair back with her fingers and stuffed it to the back of her hood. Her hair was her biggest give away so she thought it would be safest to conceal it the best she could. She pulled her bag up and double-checked that her wallet was in it.

She turned around to see James wearing a dark shirt an equally dark leather jacket. It appeared to be the same jacket she first saw him in. His hair was pushed back lightly held in place by a baseball cap. Dim colored gloves covered both of his hands.

"Ready to head out?" He asked.

"Yeah. Lead the way."

"Just stay close. It's going to really dark out." James warned before walking out with Seren

-0-

A desperate root wrapped itself above Seren's shoe as she stepped. She stumbled forward, but caught her balance. She swore she could hear the laughter of the flora and fauna around her as she attempted to make her way. It seemed to her the plants purposely pulled at her as if it were a joke. The frigid air stung her hands like the thorns from the ground did to her legs. The walk was taking a very long time and it didn't help that James had told her to move slowly. He remained silent thought out the walk so far. The only sounds Seren could hear were the sounds of her feet tripping over herself and the echoing moans of the night's song. Seren could see a clearing in the thicket. She squinted her eyes until she could make out what appeared to be a road. She felt James take her wrist lightly and guide her to the small clearing. He let go of her and descended into the tangled branches. She was about to follow suit, but she saw a glimmer of metal. She recognized it to be his hand and grasped it. It was more cold than usual, most likely due to the air temperature. He guided her carefully through as the claws of the forest tried to grab and capture her. She tripped up as she escaped their clutches, but James kept her from falling. He released her hand gently. Seren could see across the way a small strip mall with only one store lit up. The area around the strip mall was under some sort of construction as there were powered down vehicles made for demolishing and a few cranes. The only person who appeared to be active in there must be the clerk for the twenty-four hour stores.

James and Seren approached the strip mall casually, but he stopped her before she could get close to the store. He pulled her close wrapping his arms around her. He leaned his head down. Seren's breathing tangled itself in her throat. From a distance it would surely look as if the two were hugging. She felt his lips graze her ear.

"Don't give away names and don't make conversation." He whispered quietly before pulling away. Seren understood his words and actions.

He opened the glass door for her and she walked in. The bright white lights blinded her chocolate eyes causing her to close them tightly for a moment. She heard the clerk at the counter greet the two. She continued on her way through the small store. James walked into another isle away from Seren.

She stepped lightly against the speckled tiles. Her eyes moved over the merchandise. She figured James wouldn't want her to take long and Seren wasn't too in favor of staying more than she needed to. She pulled a few things off the shelves. Basic necessities and hygienics. She found a new razor for herself. She was unsure if James needed one seeing as how he never mentioned anything about shaving. She didn't want to take any chances in buying something unneeded. Everything else she got two versions of. She quickly brought her items up to the clerk. He began to ring up her items. She pulled her wallet out of her bag and waited. She moved her gaze to the magazines. She aimlessly browsed through them. She pulled out one from the back and recognized the cover. It was detailing the Moss Astronomy Center craft. The cover read 'Explosion caused by first year student.' In the corner it also read: 'Parents shamed.' She snatched the magazine and opened it to the page the story was on. 'Explosion of revolutionary spacecraft caused by first year student, Seren Fay. Seren Fay snuck on board and, through some classified circumstances, caused the explosion and death of everyone on board including self. Her parents have refused to comment and have been seen hurriedly leaving their home.' Seren's face morphed into disgust and anger pooled into her body. She grit her teeth and shoved the magazine back. She closed her eyes briefly and took silent flaming breaths. She heard James walk up behind her and the clerk read out some number for her purchases. She took the money out of her wallet and gave it to the clerk. She collected her change as well as her bags and stuffed it untidily in her wallet. James and she calmly left the store and not once did they look back.

-0-

"I'm going to go on perimeter check. You can go back and get to bed." James finally spoke, as they got closer to the shed.

"How about we both do perimeter check? We'll cover more ground and besides I'm already out and walking." Seren suggested. James gave her a long and hard look before speaking again.

"You're exhausted, Seren."

"And you aren't?" Seren retorted. "If I help you can get to bed sooner."

"Alright. We'll meet back in front of the shed. Be careful." He said before he began to walk off.

"You too." Seren replied before going her way.

Seren noticed everything was normal on her perimeter check, much to her relief. She wrapped her arms around her body, bags still in hand. She wished James could give her another embrace. He was so warm and his grasp on her was tight; it made her feel safe and filled her with a sense of delight. She'd been noticing that quite a bit lately. The way she felt tender with James. It began so harmless, just a small flicker, but now it had developed into a blaze and it only burned stronger. She heard the twigs snap in front of her tearing her away from her emotional thoughts and honestly Seren was happy they were interrupted. It was James back from his half of the perimeter search. She gave him a genial smile before entering the shed with him behind her.

Seren had put down the bags, thinking she could sort everything out in the morning before she trained with James. The stood not too much distance from each other with their backs staring at each other. They where both getting undressed for the night.

"Are you going to more me to the bed again even after I insist you have it?" Seren questioned with a playful smirk as she folded her clothes.

"No."

Seren's attention perked up, "No?"

"No because you are going to fall asleep on the bed and not get off it until the morning."

Seren grinned to herself and let out a puff of amusement. "Whatever you say."

The pair grew quiet and Seren felt the growing need to peak over her shoulder. She carefully and slowly moved her head. Her eyes scanned over his firm and broad back. She could see the muscles in his back contract as he rolled his shoulders back. She noticed his scars on his shoulder stream down and dance together. His scars were different than hers. His seemed menacing and forbidding. She wanted to smooth them out with her fingertips, delicately tracing over their story. She sighed silently and turned her back forward again. She slipped her dress over her head and pulled the thoughts down with it. She took a step back only to be greeted by her back hitting against, what she can assume to be James. She turned making her assumptions correct. His gaze peered into her with a rare look she had seen before. His human hand reacted up to her face. His fingers glided over the smooth surface with heavenly gentleness. It slid behind her ear pushing her long hair aside. Her heart beat against her eardrums and pushed against her chest threatening to escape. His thumb glided across her face at an agonizingly yet pleasurable manner until it met the bottom of her lip causing her to gasp sharply. His thumb skimmed up to the corner of her mouth and trailed down under her lip. Her lip quivered under his caress and her pupils. Nerve racking anticipation and a sense of dream like ardor took over all emotion and thought in and around her. She opened her mouth wider and let out an exhale of labored desire.

"Seren…" He breathed. His breath was warm and collided with her like the sunlight did against the cold skin.

"Yes…?" Seren managed to achingly whimper as she body shook and trembled.

She felt his breath upon her once more she embraced it and let it wrap around her engulfing her in an aura of flaming yearning.

"Goodnight." He strained.

She felt his hand leave her making her feel hollow and cold. He laid himself on the ground without another word. Seren stood there unmoving as time blew past her. Her body trembled with a mixture and storm of emotions. She slowly laid herself down on the bed. She curled up against herself. Her eyes forcing themselves to stay ajar. The air around her was thick. It forced itself down her throat into her lungs. Her jittering ceased as the night darkened. She kept her eyes unhooked, but she could run from the song of the night no longer. No matter how hard her mind fought her eyes closed. Exhaustion had gotten the better of both of them she reasoned their actions. Exhaustion from the long day. Exhaustion from forcing down of scorching emotions.

-0-

-Sorry this chapter is so much shorter than the rest. I thank you for reading and hope you enjoyed!-