Chapter 7: Falling

"…Jill… …Jill! …JILL!"

I heard someone calling my name, bringing me out of unconsciousness. It grew louder and louder as I slowly came back. Someone was holding me, fingers running over my face with careful, anxious strokes.

I tried to open my eyes to see who was there, but they refused to move. My body screamed in protest at movement as well. I had to settle for a pathetic moan.

"Jill! Jill, please be okay!" the distressed voice begged. I fought to open my eyes, just a crack, and won. My eyes revealed a very distraught Skye above me.

"Skye…?" I mumbled unintelligently.

"Jill! Oh, Jill, you scared me half to death. I'm taking you home, okay?"

I stared blankly at the thief, unable to comprehend the situation I was in. I mean, I knew that I had fainted and what not, but I couldn't understand why he was here trying to help me. See, he is not all bad! He cares about you, give him a chance… sang that happy voice in my head. I almost fell into the lie until I remembered my mantra. Harden my heart, harden my heart, harden my heart.

My mental debate continued, but before I could protest his offer, strong arms wrapped around me. Skye cradled me delicately, holding me so that my head rested on his chest. He was pressing me close enough that I could hear his heart's steady rhythm.

My hand reached up and rested on his chest, clutching his shirt softly. I heard his heart beating slightly faster at my touch… but maybe I was just imaging that.

"It's gonna be alright, Jill," Skye muttered quietly, almost to himself, "I promise." I closed my eyes and drifted. I could feel Skye's muscles working as he ran towards my house. He was clutching me tightly, yet gently at the same time. It was as though I was the most important thing in the world and he didn't want to lose me, but he was afraid to hurt me.

The humid night air brushed my cheeks as he ran. The security of Skye's arms relaxed me to the point where I nearly fell asleep. This is so nice, I thought idly. No, wait! This can't be nice. It isn't, I told myself angrily. Get a grip, he's a thief. I'll be lucky if he actually takes me home and doesn't steal me! Don't think of him kindly… harden my heart.

My mental struggle extended to my body. Groaning, I shifted in his arms, causing him to slow his pace slightly. "Please don't be hurt, Jill," he whispered, clutching me tighter so I couldn't move as much. I cried out in frustration at myself; for being caught so helpless, for not taking better care of myself, and most of all, for liking how it felt when his arms tightened around me.

Skye slowed, and I managed to open an eye to catch a peek of my farm. He shifted me gently so that he could reach for the doorknob. The door made a dull thump as he twisted the handle back and forth.

"Locked…" I breathed, "To keep out thieves like… you…" Skye's face darkened and he laughed. I cringed at it, because it was a forced one, to hide the pain of my comment. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean…"

"It's fine, you're smart to keep your door locked," he replied sadly. "Where's the key?"

"Oh, uh, I keep it clipped here," I explained, reaching towards the waist of my pants. My hands fumbled awkwardly; I couldn't unclip the chain in my exhausted state. Skye's hand appeared at my waist, reaching for the key. While unclipping the key, his fingers brushed the exposed skin at my waist. It sent tingles right to my toes, and I shuddered. If Skye noticed my reaction, he didn't say anything.

He unlocked the door and strode into my house quickly, leaving the door open. Using the little light provided from the moon and stars, Skye managed to find my bed. He laid me down gently. Brushing back loose strands of my hair from my face, he murmured, "Are you okay? What hurts? Do you need anything?"

I couldn't help but notice that he hadn't said 'beautiful' or 'maiden' or any of his normal pet names that he usually used. "I'm fine, I guess. My head hurts a little, but I mean, I fainted, right? Dehydration, exhaustion, whatever, I just need sleep." I tried to roll over, but Skye's hand held me in place.

"May I?" Skye asked, gesturing to my head. I nodded, and winced. Skye frowned at my distress before reaching out to gently probe my head. His fingers were cool and slender, feather-light against my skin. He pressed lightly every so often, testing for…

"OW!" I cried, reaching up to grab his hands. "That hurt!"

Appearing annoyed, he caught my hands before I could grip his. "That's because you fainted and hit your head. Lucky for you it's not a concussion. It's just a bruise, and a big one at that. Now stay here," he commanded.

I pouted, but stayed put. He walked to my kitchen and sifted through my refrigerator. Skye quickly made an ice bag and walked back to me. "Now keep this on your bruise. It should numb some of the pain, but the bruise is just going to have to heal on its own."

"I know that. I'm not stupid," I muttered indignantly.

"Well I have trouble believing that. I don't think you understand that you aren't invincible."

"W-what is that supposed to mean?" I sputtered.

"Jill, you fainted!" Skye exclaimed, exasperated, "You can't push yourself as hard as you have been. Your body can't handle it. You are not invincible! I thought maybe you would have gotten it when that stupid farm boy-"

"Wait a minute!" I cut in, "Are you talking about Marlin? Were you spying on me again?"

"I happened to be in the area when you had to be caught by that Elvis-wannabe, Marlin," Skye said. He spit out Marlin's name.

"Why does it matter that Marlin was helping me out? He's a good friend," I retorted.

"Hm, sure. That's not what I saw from the way he looked at you," Skye scowled.

"So? What's wrong with the way he-" I paused, thinking. Suddenly, it clicked. "Are you… are you jealous, Skye?" I asked tentatively.

"What?" Skye said, looking slightly taken aback. A faint blush rose in his cheeks, and I held back a giggle. "Don't be ridiculous, Jill," he said smoothly, his normal charm suddenly returning. "What do I have to be jealous of? He wouldn't stand a chance against me. Besides, you're too good for him anyways." He winked at me.

I couldn't stop the blush from coloring my cheeks. Skye smiled, satisfied. I rolled my eyes and sighed. "Um, thanks for, well for everything tonight, Skye," I said softly.

"It was my pleasure, Jill. But please, do take better care of yourself. I'll be watching to make sure you do."

"I'll consider that friendly advice. Now get out of my house," I ordered. Skye nodded and headed towards my door. "And… leave the keys." Stopping, he turned around and tossed them on my table.

"Can't blame a guy for trying," he smirked.

"Watch me. Now go, and lock the door from the inside." He did as I requested, and as the door clicked shut, I groaned internally.

I forgot to say the mantra.

He was just so different tonight. I was trying to avoid falling for his usual smooth-talking, but tonight he seemed genuine. Is it different if I'm falling for this hidden personality? I wondered. No, he is still a thief, whether or not he has a humane side, and I need to treat him like one. Harden my heart. I fell asleep repeating that sentence again and again in my head.