Ta da! Chapter 7. In case I haven't reminded you in a few chapters, I sadly own nothing and scifi owns all things.


CHAPTER 7

Jeb dragged his belongings out of his tent into the crisp morning air at the edge of camp and started disassembling it. It wasn't as comfortable as his bed, but he'd get used to it again. He hadn't expected to run into the Rangers for at least a few days. Best to get back into the swing of things sooner rather than later, right? The second time around, this lifestyle didn't seem as appealing.

He stopped his work when the last person he expected to see emerged from around the neighboring tent.

DG marched over to him.

"DG, what are you-" The sound of her slap echoed in the clearing. "Ow, what the-" She smacked him again.

"You sonofabitch. I can't believe you did that to my sister, you insensitive idiot!" She kept going after him, calling him all sorts of names he'd never heard of until he grabbed her wrists and held on. He narrowly avoided a kick to the groin.

"Whoa, whoa there, Princess. Slow down." She was still trying to wrestle her arms away. "What are you talking about?"

"She trusted you, and when you found out she's been through a lot of crap, you cut and run!"

He froze. "Is that what you think happened?"

DG stopped struggling. "Yes." She said, now more uncertain.

"Wait." Jeb's heart stopped as he stared down DG. "Is that what Az thinks?"

DG's compassion for her sister was written on her face. "She thinks she's damaged. And you don't want anything to do with her because of it."

He couldn't get to his horse fast enough.

"Where's your stuff?" DG called after him.

"Behind the tent." He yelled over his shoulder as he spurred the horse and galloped into the woods.

"Sure, I'll tell Anaia you're leaving!" Called Wyatt, rolling his eyes. "How did you get me to swear to not interfere with your 'talk'? That could have been handled with a lot more maturity."

"Remember? This is the song that never ends, yes it goes-"

"Stop stop stop! I got it. I'll get his gear, go find Sloane and tell her she's down one man."

---

Even at top speed, the trip back to the palace seemed to take an eternity. It was early evening before he even caught sight of the palace in the distance. Suddenly her response to his resignation made sense. Of course she'd blame herself first. She must feel awful. He didn't slow at all as he burst onto the palace grounds, but continued right up to the front entrance before pulling the reins and leapt off while the horse was still slowing down. The steps he took three at a time and raced down the corridor and threw open the door to her quarters. Before he could get to the bedroom door, it was opened for him courteously from the inside by Raw.

Azkadellia stood quickly, her hand flying to her mouth in surprise. "Jeb!"

It was then he realized that after his hours to think, he had prepared nothing to say. He stood there, dusty and sweating, completely at a loss for words. He was vaguely aware of the seer excusing himself, just watching the emotions on the princess's face flicker from shock to hope to curiosity.

"What are you doing here?" she asked quietly.

"I…I…I'm sorry." He stammered. "I left 'cause I'm not competent enough to keep you safe."

She looked perplexed. "What?"

His eyes fell to the floor. "It was my job to protect you and Zero stole you from under my nose in a palace full of people and I can't let that happen again. My selfish reasons for wanting to remain on your detail can't outweigh your safety. You deserve the best, and I'm sure that's not me."

She stepped toward him, disbelieving. "That's what you think?"

Jeb shuffled his dirty boots, looking at the floor.

She let out a sound that was half-laugh, half cry. "You think you're not good enough for me?"

She approached him and lifted his chin to look in her wet eyes.

"You," she said, blinking back tears,"Are the very soul of courage and virtue. You made me believe people could accept me again. You've risked your life for me. You're everything good." Her eyes fell. "I, on the other hand-"

His index finger pinned her lips closed before she could continue. "Don't even start that." His voice was thick with emotion. "Don't ever talk about yourself like that."

"Please don't leave me." She whispered. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

He knew then he'd never be able to deny her anything. And he was going to spend his whole life that way. He nodded. She threw her arms around him and despite his better judgment, he breathed into her ear, "I love you."

---

Her lips were on his almost before she'd realized what she was doing. He was back, he was staying, and he loved her. She wasn't sure how she'd gotten so darn lucky. His jacket had that woodsy smell she identified as his, and when he pulled away moments later, she buried her face in it, taking it in. She felt the vibration of his voice when he spoke.

"You need to rest."

"Stay with me?"

"Of course. I'm a bit dusty, but-"

"Your stuff's in here!" DG called through the door as she set his bag down with an audible thud.

Az could feel Jeb suppressing a laugh. "Thank you!" he called back.

A few minutes later, she was laying on top of her blankets, curled up against his side with her head on his shoulder. His arm was around her and she really wished she could pause time. Tipping her head up, she whispered, "I love you, too."

Unable to stop his grin, he turned to look at her, brushing a stray lock of hair out of her face. "You, Princess, are supposed to be sleeping."

"I know, but I keep thinking I'll wake up and this won't be real."

He placed a light kiss on her forehead. "I promise I'll be right here the whole time."

She smiled and allowed her tired eyes to close, not worrying about her dreams.


Okay, so do I end it here? Do I put in a rediculously fluff-tastic final chapter to make you gag? Should I actually make sugar cookies out of the batter that's been sitting in my fridge? Or just eat it as batter? I need your guidance, faithful readers!!!