Stronger

Chapter Ten
Companions

Hector would have never guessed that he would someday be sitting by the fire with Florina. She wasn't exactly pouring her heart out, he never expected her to do that. She was quietly sitting beside him sewing up the tear in his cloak, listening as he explained why their latest mission was a failure and nodding at appropriate times. The thing was, she was near him, without fear. She was still uneasy, but at least she wasn't running away. Things could only get better from there. Even though he was doing most of the talking, Hector found it a little comforting to realize that he didn't have to tell Florina to shut up and listen because she was actually doing that already. If he was patient enough, maybe she might start to talk a little more. She already seemed to be a bit more talkative than usual.

"So…Florina…" he said. "You have any more sisters I should know about?"

Florina became suddenly very occupied with her sewing and grinned sheepishly, "Just Fiora and Farina."

"Older siblings are a pain sometimes. They're always doing things better than you and telling you what to do," Hector said as he reclined on the grass.

"I…I know. But it's…nice sometimes too," she said and darted her eyes at him. He looked up at the sky.

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Hector said after a while.

"I don't know what I'd do without Fiora."

He snorted and put his hands behind his head, "I wouldn't know what to do without Uther either. You should meet him. You'd like him."

Florina flushed and shook her head, "I-I don't think…I mean he's…"

She pricked her finger and hunched her shoulders as she popped it in her mouth.

"…Mm shorry…" she said, looking down. Hector sat up and took the cloak and needle from her.

"Well, I'm distracting you," he said. "Let me try. This sewing business doesn't look too hard."

Florina looked over at him, her cheeks still pink, but a slight smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. He threaded the needle again and carefully stuck it in the fabric.

"This doesn't seem right," he said.

"You're um…you're starting the seam too far…" she said.

"So, here?"

Florina giggled, "No, you want it there."

She pointed to where the seam should be, near her neater stitches.

"Oh, I see," he said. He started to make a few clumsy stitches. He hoped Eliwood wouldn't catch him sewing, but it would be worth it even if he did because he had gotten Florina to laugh.

"I never thought I'd see the day Lord Hector did anything remotely quiet or domestic," Serra said. Hector glared at her as she sat beside Florina. He finally got a moment with Florina and she was speaking to him and then she had to come.

"My, my, sewing? You're really bad at it," Serra said leaning over Florina to see what he had done.

"Well, if you let Florina finish teaching me, maybe I won't be so bad."

"See it's that bad attitude that makes me second guess your worth as Florina's lover," Serra said. Florina drew her breath in sharply.

"Serra…" she said in a tiny voice. Her blush crept up her neck all the way to her hairline. Serra only tossed a pigtail and eyed Hector.

"I mean it. You'd better treat her right," Serra said.

"Serra. don't…"

"You're making her uncomfortable," Hector said.

"I'm making a point," Serra replied. Florina looked down, her hair hid her expression from Hector's view. He saw her shoulders stiffen and she grabbed his cloak out if his hands and ran off. He stared after her for a moment before he turned to Serra in a rage.

"Why the hell did you scare her off for?" Hector shouted. No way she was just getting away with that. No way under Elimine's blue skies.

She didn't answer right away, she looked off into the fire and twirled her hair.

"Answer me! Why did you do that to her?" he cried. Serra narrowed her eyes at him in an expression he couldn't quite read. He had never seen her so serious before.

"Do you like Florina?" she asked.

"Of course I do," he replied.

"Be careful, Hector. Don't hurt her," Serra said in a solemn voice. Her tone was so soft, Hector was taken back. She looked back at the fire and drew her knees up to her chest.

"I would die before I ever did anything to hurt Florina," he said.

"You're right, you will. If I don't Lightning you to a crisp, Fiora is pretty good with a spear and Farina is pretty good with a sword. Let's not forget Lyn would be there to get whatever we missed."

"What is with you? I'm not a monster, I know how to talk to people! Florina and I were fine until you came."

"Florina isn't just any person. You can't deal with her the same way you deal with just anyone, you should know that by now," Serra said, irritation creeping into her voice. Hector felt his temper skyrocket, but he clenched his fist and took a deep breath. Quite a few deep breaths. No point in flying into a rage in front of Florina's close friend.

"Trying to get Florina to talk to me was the most frustrating thing I've ever done. Waiting on her nearly killed me," he said. "But it taught me a degree of patience. Excuse me now, I have to make sure Florina's not too upset."

He got up and walked in the direction of Ninian and Florina's shared tent and Serra blinked wide eyed and some what stunned.

"Florina may have had to work up the courage to talk to him," she said standing up and brushing off her dress. "But Hector had to slow down long enough to listen."

In the morning after breakfast and a meeting with Lyn and Eliwood Hector found his cloak on his cot repaired. He ran his finger over the fine stitches that held the tear together. Florina's rough yet slender fingers had quickly adapted from attacking to the fine detail work of sewing. He threw his cloak over his shoulders and set off to go find her. He had to make sure she was still talking to him and that Serra hadn't scared her off.

It took him a while, but he found her talking with Lyn and Farina. She looked dreadfully embarrassed sitting in between the two of them as they seemed to be talking animatedly. He knew that he should save her from that situation, yet at the same time, he was fearful for his own safety. Farina already didn't like him and Lyn…well she was very prone to misinterpreting anything he said. Florina's face swayed him. Only Florina would make him go right into a lions' den like that.

He walked toward her putting his best foot forward. She looked up at him and smiled. Hector never thought he'd see the day Florina was relieved to see a man, but he was glad if it was anyone it was him.

"Good morning, Lord Hector," she said. He knew that once his presence was acknowledged Farina and Lyn would be glaring daggers his way. He was fortunate that Lyn wasn't upset with him (for once) and greeted him amiably. Farina only gave him a cold glance. Florina stood up and wringing her hands walked over to him.

"I um…I-I see you got your cloak back," she said. "I did my best, but it…it won't last so…"

"It's okay, I don't need it to last," he said. "But I do need you to come and discuss an issue I noticed with your armor with Merlinus."

"I didn't…" it took her moment to realize that he was trying to rescue her. "Oh…um…yes I'll come with you."

She waved to Lyn and Farina and as soon as they were no longer within eye shot she let out a deep sigh of relief.

"Thank you," she whispered. He put an arm around her shoulders and messed up her hair a bit.

"Any time," he said.

"So…what are the plans for our stay in Bern?" she asked.

Hector shrugged, "Eliwood, Lyn and I are planning on sneaking up into the Bern fortress."

Florina's eyes widened and she looked up at him. He couldn't help but notice what a nice shade of icy blue her eyes were. He never really noticed before.

"If you need me in any way, please do not hesitate to ask," she said.

Hector grinned. It was nice to have someone who was supportive of everything he did, and not critical.

"You're too sweet for your own good," he said. She blushed and twirled a lock of her hair. He smirked and nudged her. She hunched her shoulders, but her smile grew.

"I've got to meet Eliwood and Lyn soon," he said.

"Please be careful," she said.

"I will, who else is going to look out for you if I don't?"

He waved to her as he left. Hector couldn't help but miss his normal cape. It was so much cooler than this old one. It had such a dramatic flow when he walked. He looked over his shoulder. Florina waved to him and gave him an unguarded grin. Suddenly what cape he was wearing wasn't so important.

After narrowly escaping the Bern Castle, Hector, Eliwood and Lyn were met with a whole new set of problems. Nils had been captured by a wyrvern rider. They were fortunate that she was more interested in drawing them out than in hurting him. Mark instantly set to work, adjusting his glasses.

"We have to get to the others. But as long as that wyrvern woman watching us, we're in danger," he said. "That's why we need to give one of you a bit of a boost."

Hector grinned as he saw Mark pull out the Heaven's Seal. He had seen what happened to others when they used their magical upgrades. After using her Elysian Whip, Florina was easily the fastest flying unit they had. Farina was close, but Florina was still his first choice. Perhaps he was a bit biased. He was waiting for the day he'd get his hands on a power up.

Mark headed straight to Lyn with the Heaven's Seal. Hector wished he could hide his disappointment. Who cared right? After all, Lyn probably needed the boost. She was fast but her strength could use some work. He flinched after he thought that and Lyn eyed him suspiciously. Great, now he couldn't even guard his thoughts from crazy women. What did he do to deserve this?

Hector found that he couldn't wallow in self pity for long. Mark went right to work, "Pent, Louise, head back toward the armory and the general store. Stock up on supplies. Whatever you can't hold, send to Merlinus. Eliwood and Hector, cover Pent and Louise should they run into trouble. Lyn, you and I will work our way back to the others. I'll send Florina and Heath to come get you all. So stay put."

That last sentence was directed at him, Hector knew it. Eliwood always followed Mark's instructions to the letter. Lyn raised her eyebrows at them and she followed Mark along the rocky mountain pass.

"Well it seems we have an assignment to do my lords. We shall see you both again shortly," Louise said with a wave. Eliwood waved back as the two of them ran toward the shops. Hector rolled his eyes. Eliwood was so overly congenial sometimes.

"What's with the sour face, Hector?" he asked. Hector grimaced and shook his head. Eliwood raised his eyebrows.

"I know it must be tough without Florina around, but I'm sure you'll manage with just me," he said. Hector glared at him at first, but Eliwood's over congeniality did have this way of making it impossible to even pretend to be annoyed with him. Hector punched him lightly in the arm and Eliwood feigned injury.

"I'm kind of jealous of you, to be honest," Eliwood said. "Your relationship with Florina finally seems to be taking off."

"Things still bad with you and Ninian?" Hector said. "That's unusual. You're quite the charmer from what I remember."

"Shut up, Hector. Just because I danced with all those girls at that one party," Eliwood rubbed his forehead and shut his eyes tight. "I'm getting off the subject. Well, it's not bad. She lets me hold her close and comfort her, but she pulls away a lot. I don't know what's wrong."

"She still won't tell you?" Hector said. That worried him a bit. What did she have to hide? He might have asked Eliwood what he thought, but four wyrverns caught his eye. He readied his axe for battle and Eliwood drew his rapier. They were at a bit of a disadvantage. All they could do was wait for the wyrverns to strike. They neared all at once. Hector was rushed by three at once. He hefted the weight of his axe onto this shoulder before heaving it with all the force he could summon at one wyrvern. He managed to sever the wing of that one. He focused on the other two. Eliwood had just felled his foe and would be coming to his aid soon. He swung for one rider and missed as the wryvern took to the air.

No sooner did it ascend out of reach was it struck by an arrow. Lady Louise was closing in from some distance away. Eliwood removed his sword from the hide of another wyrvern. Just when they thought they could take a rest, another four showed up.

Louise snorted, "Won't back down, eh?"

She twirled an arrow and shot one down before it could even take off from its perch on the rock ledge above. Another started to fly nearer, but its body erupted in flames before it got too close. Pent was coming, and Hector couldn't have been more grateful. Finishing the other two wryverns wasn't much of task. Another set of four wryverns came.

"This is getting a bit ridiculous," Eliwood said. Louise plucked one off again, but before Pent could cast another Elfire, Florina and Heath swooped down from the clouds and took out the rest of the oncoming warriors.

"More are on their way," Heath said.

"Take Pent and Louise back to the others. Hector and I can hold our own," Eliwood said. Hector nodded in agreement. Florina's gaze lingered on him before she helped Louise onto Huey's back. She looked over her shoulder at him as they took to the sky. Four more. He hadn't been hit yet, but the relentless wave of soldiers was getting overwhelming. He crouched down in a battle position. He couldn't show signs of weakness, not now. He had to prove he deserved a Heaven's Seal. They were rushed again, this time Hector's side was grazed by a spear. The gash stung and bled, but it didn't impede his movements, and he took out his opponents.

Heath and Florina were coming into view. Hector was somewhat relieved, but couldn't help but feel somewhat inadequate. How could he not easily defeat a few wyrverns? He had to prove he was in no way winded. He looked off down the rocky ravine and saw the wryvern leader perched like a proud eagle glaring down at them. Deciding he was worthless. He took off running down the ravine toward her.

"Hector wait!" Eliwood cried. No more words were exchanged, Hector had already rushed out of earshot. No one would stop him. He could easily take her out.

"Hector!" Florina cried, flying just ahead of him.

"Don't try to stop me. I have to do this," he said. Her concerned expression didn't change, though it seemed she was searching for words. She eased behind him. He sighed. Finally, someone who understood that he needed to be let go. She understood that he had to ––

He felt something hit his back with extreme force. He fell forward, his face hitting the grass. He might have taken hostile action, had he not recognized Florina's arms splayed alongside his own. She tackled him to the ground. He moved to get up, but she hugged his neck and he froze.

"Don't fight her!" she shouted.

"I have to, if I don't I'll––"

"You can't go! N-not without me."

He froze and he felt her tighten her arms around his neck just a bit. He closed his eyes.

"All right. We'll go back to the others," he said. She sighed in relief.

"I didn't want to have to fight her. She's got some sort of magic...something on her, I don't know what that would have done to her. Huey...um...can sense that sort of thing."

"Really?" he said. "So your flying horse is good for something."

Florina smiled and climbed back on Huey. She held out her hand to him. He took it and climbed behind her and held her waist. She didn't gasp or hesitate like the last time they rode together, but she ushered Huey up into the air and over the mountains. He pressed his forehead against her shoulder. He still didn't like heights, more specifically falling.

"Still don't like flying?" she said.

"No. Can't stand it," he replied. They were silent for a few minutes.

"Is your wound all right?" she asked.

"Still hurts, but I'll be fine," he said. "Florina?"

"Yes?" she said turning slightly. Her hair tickled his nose. He thumbed it out of his face.

"You knew that rider was dangerous to fight, but if I went, you would still go?" he said.

Florina lowered her head, "Y-yes."

"Why?"

"W-well…you did say to stay by your side."

He laughed and squeezed her a little tighter, "This is why I keep you around."

Hector wanted to see her face, just to see if she was blushing or not. He secretly hoped she was.

Camp was on the move again after the battle died down in hot pursuit of Black Fang operatives. For the time being, Hector enjoyed resting by the fire with Florina. She wasn't mending tonight, but listened as he regaled her with tales from Ostia and of his escapades away from home. She seemed to find them entertaining. She didn't say much, but her eyes were widened and fixated on him. Florina seemed captivated by his stupidity, and her smirks were cleverly hidden behind her arms that folded across her knees that she brought to her chest.

Hector found himself liking this way more than he should. Even though he was doing all the talking, he was actually admiring her. He wondered if she could tell. He had no way of knowing for sure. He reached out and tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear.

"It was out of place and bothering me," he said. She only grinned and curled a bit tighter. She wasn't used to casual touches, he took note of that. He would still have to take things very slowly with Florina. He was finally patient. He would wait.

Oh I know you all hate me for making you wait. I'm sorry! *grins sheepishly* Happy New Year everybody!