Black and Blue


Seven

Raven got up before dawn; it was still dark, and the silence was absolute. Reese was still asleep; her shirt was pulled halfway up—caused by rolling in her sleep—leaving her growing belly exposed. Raven smiled. She looked so vulnerable that it made him want to lock her in a room forever, safe from harm. He pulled her shirt down and covered her with the thin blanket they were provided with. He then left the room to buy breakfast.

The air outside was nice and cool. The rainy season had brought with it a slight breeze that seemed to spread over the entire continent. Rave enjoyed it so much that he barely noticed where he was going. He followed the smell of freshly baked bread, guided by the wind which carried its scent.

Many shopkeepers were up and preparing for another day of work. Early risers roamed about, saying greetings as they passed each other. Raven liked how serene and simple this town was. He suddenly realized that living among others wasn't such a bad thing after all. Ever since Prozen took him in, it had always been just hi and Shadow. He had grown accustomed to loneliness and forgot what it was like to be around people.

"Hey!" somebody had touched his shoulder. Startled, he turned around and grabbed the stranger's arm, twisting it in self defense. "Relax, Raven," Van said.

Raven's scowl vanished and was replaced with a confused expression. What a coincidence.

"Van," he said stupidly. His rival grinned at him.

They bought a loaf of bread and slab of cheese then headed back to the motel.

"Where's Shadow?" Van asked.

"With the Geno Breaker."

"I see. Hey, what happened to Reese?" Van looked around as if expecting the Zoidian to appear out of the blue. "Weren't you together last time?"

They had entered the motel room, with Raven leading the way. The bed was empty, the blankets a mess. He placed his purchases on the small table and looked around. He could hear the sound of running water coming from the bathroom. Reese was probably taking a shower.

"I…er," Raven began, not knowing what to say to Van. The latter took up the single armchair in the room. He crossed his legs and looked up at Raven.

"You're skinnier than the last time we saw each other," he remarked, squinting at Raven.

The bathroom door opened and Reese came out, clad in a bathrobe. She blushed upon seeing Van. Hastily, she grabbed the dress that was sitting on the cabinet and retreated to the bathroom.

"So there's Reese." Van chuckled.

She came out a minute later, fully clothed. She saw the bread and smiled. So that's where he went, she thought.

"Whoa," Van said suddenly. He looked at Raven and smiled at him sheepishly. "I think someone's been busy."

Raven turned beet red. Van approached Reese and laid a hand on her slightly protruding stomach.

"How far along?"

"Almost five."

"Wow. Congrats, buddy!" he said, grinning at Raven.

"What makes you so sure that it's his?" Reese teased, cocking her head in Raven's direction. Raven's embarrassment turned into alarm.

"What…" he muttered.

Van laughed. "I can tell," he said simply.

Raven cleared his throat. "What about Fiona?" he asked, hoping to change the subject.

"I think we're too young to have kids," Van said.

"No. I meant where is she?" Raven's mouth twitched. Come to think of it, they were quite young to have children.

"Ah. She's back in the Wind Colony. She's helping out there. Maria, my sister, is glad to have her around."

"And your Organoid?"

"Back at the base."

Seeing Van alone was a rare thing.

"We're patrolling towns. You know, 'maintaining the peace'," Van said, making quotation marks with his fingers. He sat back down on the armchair. "Apparently some people have started Zoid battles for gambling purposes. We're trying to discourage it. Can't be too lax about violence, you know."

Van left half an hour later, much to Raven's relief. The encounter with his old rival caused him confusion, especially when Van asked him to join the Guardian Force before departing.

"I'll think about it," he had said.

Reese looked at him concernedly, trying to determine what his thoughts were. She didn't want to invade his mind as much as she can help it.

They tucked into breakfast with Raven chewing quite audibly. He looked up at Reese's surprised expression.

"I'm hungry," he said.

"I know."

A minute of silence passed…

"About Van's offer…"

"Yes?"

"I don't want to take it. I don't want more responsibilities. Right now, you are my priority."

Reese's heart swelled as it filled with affection. She suddenly felt elated and grinned as she bit into her piece of bread. She yelped as she accidentally nipped her lower lip.

"You're ridiculous," Raven said.

End


Note: Did I get Van's character right? LOL. I messed this chapter up.