I sighed as I flopped down onto my bed, Orion circling me, smiling down at me… I think he was as happy as I was at the outcome of this evening…
Once we had both finished our pudding we sat talking about life and about how being Guardians had affected our lives… we also sat cuddling.
"I think not knowing our past life gives us very little else to focus on or any other purpose… Maybe if we knew we potentially had family out there we could pursue them or our family lines. We would not be as focused on fighting back the Darkness and helping secure a home for humanity" Zavala stated and I nodded in agreement.
"True, though then again, with how long we had been dead before we were reborn and the devastation the darkness left in its wake, what is the chance any of our family survived… I mean, I was most likely heading for one of the various ships leaving Earth from the Cosmodrome in Old Russia, potentially with family and if I didn't make it, what are the odds they made it?" I stated, Zavala just looked down at me, a sad expression on his face.
"That is a rather glass half empty way to look at it" he stated and I shrugged, I found myself tracing the same patterns over and over again on his leg as I leant back against him… I knew the symbol... Why couldn't I place it?
"I just don't see the point in thinking about what happened to us before our re-birth… We are no longer that person, all that is gone, all our family has gone… I mean, even the Exo's woke up with no memory there must be some reason, they rarely forget unless they have been reset as many times as Banshee has… I guess… I guess I don't like to think about it because it means realising that I don't have any family… Yes I have Jackal and Luca… You, Cayde… But… I have no one I have known my entire life other than Orion, and he is very obviously not related to me" I sighed, Zavala just pulled me closer.
"Well, from now you have me… OK. I am going to be here for you… All or nothing Sera" Zavala stated and I looked up at him, smiling. He was such a caring man, it made me feel extremely lucky.
"Thank you…" I whispered, craning my neck upwards and connecting our lips. As the kiss slowly deepened I slowly moved to turn around, coming to face him, his hands coming to rest at my hips and I manoeuvred myself to sit in his lap.
"Sera…" he whispered against my lips and I hummed, letting him know I had heard him but we continued to kiss. "Remember… We… Don't have to… Do anything…" he muttered between kisses. I pulled back slightly and smiled at him.
"I know… But you have really soft lips" I chuckled and Zavala just smiled, pulling me in closer, turning the kissing into hugging.
You look very happy… I am glad, like I said; you deserve to be loved…
I looked to Orion and chuckled, "I know… Now come on, bed time" I sighed, the sigh turning into a yawn as I wriggled out of my clothing and under the covers, happy and content and very ready for a good night's sleep after an emotional rollercoaster of a day.
Zavala – Tower Courtyard – Two days later
I stood looking out over the city; I had spent the night at Sera's apartment after having enjoyed a bottle or two of wine together and now had a hangover and was stood hoping Cayde did not come for an early morning visit with that damned chicken.
Zavala… Having never seen sexual intim…
"Let me stop you right there Neptune… Me and Sera have not spent the night together in that way and when we do neither you nor Orion will be in the room" I stated and Neptune looked at me a little annoyed but nodded, seeming to understand.
Very well… Oooh… Look who is coming over, all geared up as well!
I turned to see Sera walking over, conversing with Orion and checking over a sniper rifle.
Ooooh, shiny…
Neptune stated, starting to float over to Sera who looked up and greeted the Ghost as you would a dog, petting him on the top of his shell which Neptune seemed to enjoy. As they got closer their conversations became clear.
"Oh I am only going out for a couple of hours… See Devrim and test this beauty out. If he is nice and makes me a cup of tea I may even let him have a go" Sera chuckled, Neptune returning to my side and Sera holstered the weapon across her back. I had to admit, it was a very interesting looking sniper rifle.
"You feel up to going out there?" I enquired; Sera gave me a reassuring smile and nodded once, her body language showing how determined she was to head back out there. "OK… You just be careful out there, don't you and Devrim go getting into too much trouble" I stated, Sera chuckling and looking to Orion who just sighed.
They will… I can pretty much guarantee that, last time they have a competition to see who could get the most kills… One of them almost shot another Guardian after the other shot and killed a Cabal Phalanx a Hunter was sneaking up on; luckily the Hunter had to dodge to avoid the body.
"Devrim almost shot them… Not me, he just won't admit that… Anyway I best be off, just thought I would see how you are holding up after so much wine" Sera chuckled and I smiled at her, waving her last comment off.
"I am fine. You seem no worst off despite having drank at least three glasses more than I did" I stated and Sera shrugged.
Turns out Hunters can hold their alcohol rather well…
Better than Titans most likely… And don't lie, you have a hangover, you just won't admit that.
Sera seems to be able to avoid hangovers, part of me thinks it is how little she sleeps, what was it, three hours last night?
"Yeah about three, maybe four… though to be honest after a really long day I can sleep through the night and the morning so I more than make up for it" Sera commented, Orion let out an exasperated sigh whilst I just looked to Sera, slightly concerned.
"I didn't realise you got so little sleep last night" I stated and Sera just shrugged, her expression one of slight boredom, probably because it was a topic that had been unnecessarily dragged out in her eyes.
"Like I have said before, Hunters are notorious for suffering with Insomnia… Some more so than others" Sera shrugged, Orion just rolled his eye whilst I simply nodded, if it was not having a negative effect on her I was not going to comment. "Anyway, I have Devrim to annoy and trouble to cause… I'll see you tonight…" Sera half stated, half asked, I smiled.
"Maybe, it is the movie night tonight and I am going to head down and make sure my Titans are not getting themselves or the children into trouble" I stated, Sera let out a small laugh before taking a few steps back.
"Maybe I'll come down and see just how childish Titans can be then… Oh… And keep an eye out for Cayde's chicken, he lost it again so it is wandering freely round the Tower" Sera chuckled before turned and heading off… I just sighed, that chicken was going to cause more trouble here than she could in the EDZ.
STAY SAFE!
Neptune called after the Hunter earning himself a thumbs up which seemed to make him rather happy.
I think she likes me too…
He smiled and I looked to him, "You are aware I am your Guardian right, you and Orion cannot do a swap, you know that right?" I jokingly asked Neptune who looked to me and chuckled.
What makes you think he would swap for you? If I was to leave you to serve as Sera's Ghost she would end up with two… But don't worry… I won't leave you, you are my Guardian and I am loyal to you Zavala, nothing will change that.
"Good to know Neptune… Now keep an eye out for our less fine feathered friend running round the Tower" I stated and Neptune nodded and went back to looking out over the city and at the Traveller… If that chicken got up there I would be more than impressed.
An hour or so passed, a few Guardians coming over to divulge information or hand in interesting objects they had found out in the field… The Tower actually seemed quiet, we at least it did until Shaxx yelled out.
"CAYDE! I WILL COOK THIS CHICKEN FOR DINNER IF IT GETS UP THERE AGAIN!" The Crucible Master yelled, and despite Cayde being in the hanger I was pretty sure he heard him.
I sighed and glanced over to see the chicken had somehow found its way onto the skull he had hanging above him. I just chuckled and Shaxx looked over in my direction, seeing my amused expression and deciding that it was my turn to be yelled at.
"ZAVALA! GET YOUR HUNTER VANGUARD TO PUT A LEASH ON THIS THING!" Shaxx yelled and I sighed and turned to head to the hanger to fetch Cayde when the Exo came racing into the courtyard and over to where the chicken had decided to take up occupancy.
"DON'T COOK HIM! SHAXX IF YOU COOK HIM I WILL… I WILL DO SOMETHING! SO YOU BEST NOT COOK MY CHICKEN!" Cayde yelled at Shaxx who just let out a booming laugh as the Exo Hunter waved a finger in his face, because that was going to intimidate Shaxx.
"TRY ME HUNTER! I WILL SQUISH YOU!" Shaxx roared in laughter causing Cayde to re-evaluate his tactics and he whispered something to the Crucible Handler causing him to take a step back and look at the Exo, regarding him for a moment before gesturing to the chicken. This prompted Cayde to begin to try and tempt the chicken down whilst Shaxx started to make his way round to me.
What do you think Cayde said to him to get him to calm down and leave the chicken alone?
"Not a clue, however I imagine I am about to find out" I stated as Shaxx approached me and leant against the railing and looked out over the city before glancing over to Cayde still trying to coax the chicken down.
"He says you did not spend the night at your apartment… But with a female friend" Shaxx commented and I glanced to him, suddenly a little unsure of myself, I had known Shaxx a long time and he had the ability to tell when I was lying.
"Did he now" I stated looking back out over the city, Shaxx just let out an uncharacteristically quiet chuckle. He knew there was something up, our years of working together under Lord Saladin and building the city up to what it was today had forged a very close friendship… closer than we had admitted at times… but it meant he knew when I was lying and when something was bothering me.
"If you told Cayde you have a partner before me I will not be impressed" Shaxx commented and I shook my head, Neptune circling Shaxx's Ghost Hercules, the two seemingly playing a game.
"I didn't tell him, at least not directly" I stated, Shaxx looked to me, waiting on an explanation, and for once I was thankful Neptune decided to step in and explain the situation for me, even if it did mean I would be telling another of a relationship myself and Sera had decided to keep quiet.
OK… Here is the short version. Zavala likes Sera, he became aware she was in a relationship with her former Fireteam member Alexis Ward who was killed when the Red Legion attacked… This prompted him to seek advice from Cayde having arranged to cook Sera a meal as a show of appreciation for all she has done for the Vanguard over the years. He basically told Zavala he would be an idiot to let a woman like Sera slip away and that the story of her and Alexis was not his to tell… He also told him to cook her chocolate pudding.
"OK… So, I take it the evening went well if you spent the night with her" Shaxx chuckled, louder than he had earlier causing a few nearby to look over but they quickly looked back away, not wanting to be seen staring.
"We have not spent the night together like that Shaxx… She has been through a lot since the attack took place; I want her to be sure this is what she wants… What we both want" I stated and Shaxx looked to me. I knew the look he was wearing under his helmet; I knew exactly what it was. Concern, worry… his own uncertainty.
"Do you want to be in the relationship? Do you want to call her yours?" he asked his voice cautious… He probably did not want to pry too much but at the same time he wanted to ensure I was not in the relationship for any other reason than I wanted to be… to make sure I truly cared for Sera.
"Of course I do Shaxx… Whenever I am around her I feel calmer, happier… When she smiles, have you ever noticed how beautiful she is when she smiles" I sighed, Shaxx placed a hand on my shoulder and squeezed it reassuringly. "I… I think I am falling in love with her Shaxx, but I am not sure if she feels the same. You know I have not been with anyone in that way since my re-birth so this is all new to me" I admitted, Shaxx removing his hand and chuckling once more.
"Zavala, has she given you any reason to doubt she does not have at least some feelings for you past lust, because… well, who wouldn't" he commented and I found myself smiling, he always knew what to say to cheer me up.
"No, she hasn't… In fact, she has only ever given me reason to believe that she feels the same as I do, she is just more cautious I imagine. Probably due to whatever occurred between her and Alexis" I sighed, Shaxx glanced back over to his usual spot in the Tower where Cayde was now sat throwing bread up at the chicken, the bird not budging an inch.
"Look… you are a good man, a very caring man and I am sure she is aware of that, but if she has been stung by love before she may simply tread more carefully. Maybe you need to ask her what happened between her and Alexis, then put any fears she has to bed, get yourselves on the same page" Shaxx stated standing up right… I had almost forgotten how tall he was.
"Thank you" I stated and he just nodded and started to head back to his own little spot in the tower.
"Though if you two want to keep things under wraps Neptune may want to be a little less affectionate to the Huntress… It is not like him to leave your side for just anyone" Shaxx suddenly commented glancing at me over his shoulder, chuckling at my most likely shocked expression before carrying on back to his station, picking up a broom on the way… That chicken was in for a shock.
Sera – In the church tower in the EDZ – Two hours after departing the tower
I sat drinking my cup of tea; my rifle leant up against the wall whilst Devrim was taking out Fallen with his own. He had tried mine out but found it 'too complicated' and gone back to using his own.
"So… who left those marks on your neck Sera?" Devrim asked coyly, causing me to choke on my tea, almost spurting it out my mouth causing him to laugh. "Did you not realise they were on show…" he commented and I brought an un-gloved hand up to my neck, with my helmet off part of my neck was exposed… Shit.
"Damn that Titan" I hissed looking to Orion who just looked back at me a little confused for a moment before understanding what I was asking of him and 'healing' the love mark I had on my neck.
"So, a Titan…" Devrim commented, looking thoughtful for a moment and I just sighed, this was not going to be fun, he was like a dog with a bone with this sort of thing, he was not going to let it go until he knew who it was.
"Yes, a Titan" I commented, returning to drinking my tea, maybe if I dragged it out he would get bored and just give us with asking me about it… Maybe.
"Which Titan would that be?" he asked, I just sighed and he glanced back at me, his usual smirk on his face, it made me want to punch him at times like this. And it was not often I wanted to punch people who were not Cayde or Luca.
"Well, you could just not tell me or I could ask every Titan who comes in here if they are the one you are jumping into bed with" he commented and I groaned, damn this man.
"I have not slept with him… we just got carried away last night is all" I stated, thinking back to our wine fuelled make-out session on my sofa…
I let out a satisfied groan as Zavala's lips latched onto my neck, teeth grazing my skin, his tongue tasting my skin before he kissed back up my neck and along my jaw-line, his hands running up my sides, sending sparks dancing across my skin.
"Zavala!" I gasped as he kissed his way to the other side of my neck, sucking and biting feverishly at one particular spot, eliciting moans of pleasure from myself as I moved my hips against his.
"Hmmmm, I don't think I have ever liked the sound of my own name as much as when you say it" he whispered into my ear, I swore I was going to melt… He was driving me crazy, those beautiful eyes, that voice… Oh god that voice!
"Zavala… I, I don't want to stop, but… I don't want things to go further" I sighed as his hands started to slip under my top, making their way up my torso. And like the gentleman he is his hands immediately retreated and he looked up at me and smiled.
"I could kiss you all night Sera… Or I could cuddle you all night, whatever you want" he whispered and I felt my own teeth sinking into my bottom lip… Surely no one could have a voice that sexy…
"Sera… You still on this planet?" Devrim asked and I looked to him, shaking my head to rid myself of the thoughts of Zavala's eyes and voice… of his lips on my skin and hands roaming my body…
Damn it Sera!
Sera… are you feeling OK? You look a little flushed… are you coming down with a fever?
Orion asked and I just pushed the little Ghost back a little, watching as he looked to me a little confused whilst Devrim just chuckled. "She is just thinking of her special Titan friend… He obviously does it for her" Devrim commented and I glared at him, though he just smiled back, damn him.
Well, Commander Zavala is a considered physically attractive by many female and male inhabitants of the Tower…
Orion commented and I groaned as Devrim let out a hearty laugh. "The Commander and a Huntress… Well, I never would have guessed. Don't worry, your secret is save with me" Devrim commented and I just smiled at him before downing the last of my tea and putting my gauntlets back on.
"Thanks for the tea Devrim, now if you will excuse me I think I may pay the Cabal a visit at their Firebase, at least if they figure out who I am dating I can kill them" I commented causing Devrim to smirk at me before waving me off as I grabbed my rifle and strapped it to my back before pulling my helmet on.
"You take care out there Sera" he stated and I nodded and headed out the church and towards the Firebase… Hopefully Zavala would not be too annoyed at the slip up… at least it was only one person.
Zavala – In the city orphanage – Five in the evening
"Commander! Good to see you as always!" A familiar voice called and I looked over to the entrance of the orphanages kitchen to see the individual who ran the orphanage stood smiling over at me.
"Miss Glass... How is everything?" I asked glancing round and surveying the hall I was stood in. Surprisingly the orphanage had not taken any major damage during the attack, though some areas of the building needed repairs the building was still structurally sound as well as water tight and warm.
"Oh you know how it is after an event such as the Red Legion attack" she stated and I simply nodded. Executor Hideo had commented on the number of orphans within the city walls had risen since the attack prompting all the factions to put some funds towards essential items for the children.
"How are the children holding up?" I asked and she gave me a soft but sad smile.
"Exactly how one would expect them to. They are scared, many have nightmares and many feel useless, all they could do in the attack was run and hide whilst their parents fought off any attackers... more than a few children who came in after the attack witnessed the deaths of their parents and older siblings... I cannot begin to imagine how they must be feeling, what must be going through their minds" she sighed. It was a sobering thought.
"Hopefully tonight can bring some joy into their lives, show them we are here for them and will always do our best to protect them" I commented, Miss Glass smiled at me and nodded.
"Hopefully..." Miss Glass replied, she continued to smile at me, letting out a small sigh.
"Would you like to see the area your Titans have set up for the movie? They have done a marvellous job" Miss Glass then asked, I simply nodded and followed her through the hall, down a hallway and into another hall, this one larger and kitted out with various sofas and chairs, cushions on the floor as well as a table full of snacks and drinks set up against the left wall.
"They have done a marvellous job haven't they... Hopefully the children will think so too" I stated and she nodded, smiling as a group of Titans walked in carrying various bowls and plates, setting them out on the table.
"Commander Zavala! Good to see you here" one of the Titans exclaimed causing the trio to come over.
"Just came to make sure everything was going alright with the set up" I stated and all three nodded.
"It is going fine... you going to stay and watch the film like usual?" One them asked, I nodded smiling at the three.
"Yes I am, however I have a meeting with the other Vanguard first so I shall leave you to finish setting everything up and come back to appreciate all your hard work" I commented. Miss Glass chuckling slightly.
Ikora - Ramen shop near the orphanage – Half five in the evening
"Of all the places we could have a meeting and he picks somewhere I can't bring Colonel" Cayde sighed before taking another sip of his drink. The liquid bright green and rather sweet smelling.
"After today's incident I wonder why that is" I muttered though I don't think Cayde heard as he just sat staring into his glass. Probably still thinking about the chicken.
I simply took a sip of my water before glancing round the shop. It was rather quiet, most the patrons were simply enjoying their meals before heading out to go about their evenings.
"Sorry to have kept you both waiting" Zavala's voice stated and I looked to the Titan who was taking a seat at our table. Cayde smirking at him, something was telling me he knew something he shouldn't.
"How was your chat with Shaxx?" The hunter seated next to me asked causing Zavala to sigh.
"Cayde... not a topic I am willing to discuss right now" the Awoken man stated, Cayde simply nodded and downed the rest of his drink.
"What did you wish to discuss with us?" I enquired; Zavala took a deep breath before looking to myself and Cayde, a serious expression on his face.
"Recently I have found myself under more stress than usual and it is taking its toll on me... And instead of just forging a path forward and dealing with it as I usually would Neptune has suggested I ask both of you to take command of the Vanguard for a day a week allowing me to take time to relax and to spend time with... with those I care about" Zavala stated, Cayde reached across the table and clamped a hand down on his shoulder.
"Buddy... we are here for you. Anytime you need our help all you need do is ask. We can handle it... Can't we Ikora" Cayde asked and I smiled and nodded. My mind replying Zavala's last sentence. He has stopped himself and changed what he was going to say... who was it he wanted to spend time with.
Zavala... May I also point out you have slipped up and Ikora is now studying you with a suspicious expression
Neptune whispered to his Guardian, I looked to Zavala; having heard his Ghost as well Cayde chuckled whilst I simply raised a brow.
"I have begun dating Serafina... however we did not want to tell anyway until we were both sure of where the relationship was going. Though thanks to Cayde and his paternal instincts towards that chicken Shaxx also knows" Zavala sighed and I smiled at him.
"I am happy for you old friend. You deserve to be happy in life, after all, ours is a long one... And you do not have to worry, I shall not speak a word about it to another" I stated causing Zavala to smile whilst Cayde chuckled.
"I won't tell anyone else I promise... Sera would be out to get me" Cayde muttered. I just sighed causing Cayde to glance to me and shrug.
"She would. And she can be scary when she is out for revenge or mad... you see Hunters don't get violent, they get even. And that woman is cunning... she also has a short fuse. Don't annoy her, not unless you want to wake up with this horrible feeling that something is wrong... the feeling that you have when you are pretty sure one of your limbs is no longer in your control but are not certain..." Cayde muttered, I just looked to Zavala who shrugged. Cayde did have some odd stories to tell, then again most Hunters did, it was like they were drawn to trouble and had a disposition for pranks for the sake of laughs and revenge pranks.
Sera – Returning to the City – Quarter to six in the evening
Sera… Do you think you have time to shower and make it down to the orphanage?
"I am sure we won't miss much of the movie Orion… Not that we are going specifically to watch it mind you" I replied, Orion simply nodding, though he did look a little upset, I think he had wanted to ensure we were able to see the movie from the start.
Sera… You are not flying too fast, just so you know…
I chuckled and took his comment as an invite to floor it and I quickly flipped a few switches and we darted forward our speed increasing rapidly for a moment before steadying out.
NO! I LIED! YOU ARE! SLOW DOWN! PLEASE!
I chuckled, flipped a few more switches and we slowed down to a more appropriate pace, probably for the best as we were approaching the city and other ships would be coming and going as well. Bad weather conditions lately had led to more than a few close calls between ships coming and going, luckily none had crashed.
City Hawk Seven Two Three requesting permission to enter hanger bay…
I waited a moment and a green light came on in the cockpit and Amanda's voice crackled to live over the comms. "Hunter… Good to see you back, hanger bay slot three please. Hope you've not wrecked that beautiful ship of yours, or your sparrow again" Amanda laughed over the comms; I chuckled, flicking the switch to reply.
"All in one piece Amanda… Confirming entry to hanger bay, slot three" I replied, slowing down sufficiently and carefully steering us into the hanger and into slot three where I hit autopilot and both myself and Orion transmatted down to the hanger floor.
"THINK I SEE A SCRATCH SERA!" Amanda yelled over and I looked back at the ship… To be honest there probably were a few scratches on her but it didn't bother me too much.
"GOT TO KEEP YOU BUSY!" I called back heading towards the courtyard and elevator down to my apartment. Amanda yelling after me, something about Cayde keeping her busy enough, I just laughed, he probably did cause enough chaos in that hanger to keep everyone busy.
"Ah, Serafina… Just the Guardian I was looking for" a very familiar voice suddenly stated and I turned to see Lakshmi stood talking with a member of the FWC who quickly departed with a nod from their leader.
"Lakshmi, I have somewhere to be and I am already late… Walk and talk" I replied earning a sly smile from the Exo who nodded and followed me through the hanger corridors towards the courtyard.
"As I am sure you are aware the Factions return to the tower in a couple of days, and I was hoping I can count on your continued support" Lakshmi stated, she was not a woman to beat around the bush that was for sure.
"Of course you can Lakshmi… Nothing has changed with regards to my views on the Factions, just keep up your end of our bargain and we are good" I smiled, Lakshmi smiling confidently.
"Good, because I have a small favour to ask you…" she stated and I looked to her and she handed me a piece of paper which I took but did not read right away as others were around and she did not always ask for the easiest or most legal things to be done.
"Just, think about it… We shall speak soon" she said before walking away and I just nodded as I reached the elevator, pressing the button and waiting. Why did she have to be so damned mysterious, then again, the other factions had their fair share of mystery surrounding them.
After a moment the elevator doors made their usually ding sound and opened, no one exited and only I got on giving me the privacy required to open the piece of paper and ready Lakshmi's request.
Sera -
I am not expecting an answer immediately as what I am going to ask of you is nothing like the favours I have asked of you in the past. I require you to gather information from all three of the Vanguard on their views on the factions and important topics regarding the city and rely the information back to me… In a nutshell, spy on them, gather information that I can use to gain favour amongst them.
- Lakshmi
I screwed the piece of paper up in my hand and looked to Orion who had been reading over my shoulder. His expression one of concern.
You aren't going to spy on them for her are you? Especially not Zavala, that would be extremely immoral considering your personal relationship with him, it would make it easier to gather such information and more personal information as well…
I shook my head, stepping out the elevator as the doors opened and heading towards my apartment. "I am not going too…" I muttered, though Orion looked at me, a sceptical look on his face, he didn't believe me, and to be honest I didn't believe myself… Gaining the FWC favour amongst the Vanguard could help us better prepare for the next war to come knocking at the walls… But, they trusted me and I them, could I really break that trust. And Zavala… could I betray his trust like that?
Sera! You cannot! How could they or anyone trust you after doing something like that? If you are found out that is it, the trust the Vanguard has in you will be gone, the trust other Guardians have in you gone as well… and your relationship with Zavala… As much as he seems to admire and adore you, it is early days; do you think it would survive a revelation such as that?
"I know… I know…" I muttered, heading over to my oven and turning on one of the rings on the hob, placing the piece of paper on it and watching it burn, watching the paper fold in on itself, as if trying to protect itself from the flames, but to no avail. "I will just tell her I don't feel comfortable doing that, she has never been one to pry into my reasons for either doing or not doing something for her" I sighed, turning off the ring and sweeping away the ashes.
Just to let you know, your shower is running…
"Thanks Orion… and don't worry, I am not going to spy on them OK" I reassured him, he nodded, happy to have been reassured I was not going to go do something to screw everything up.
Good… Now, shower then to the orphanage!
Zavala – The orphanage – Seven
The movie had not long started when I heard a few people start talking in the doorway to the hall; I glanced over to see Sera being greeted by Gray, one of the members of the Fireteam who had put the movie night on.
I smiled to myself before looking back to the screen, various children had settled on the sofa next to me, all greedily guzzling down their snacks, eyes fixated on the screen, entranced by the events playing out on the screen.
Eventually the talking died down and I glanced back to see Sera and Gray very quietly chatting away whilst Orion's gaze was fixated on the screen, I smiled and glanced to Neptune who was also intently watching the movie play out. Though something caught my eyes, a young boy making his way over to Sera, tugging on her cloak to get her attention.
I watched as she knelt down to his level, smiling at him and nodding at him as he spoke… Once he seemed to have finished speaking she looked thoughtful for a moment before picking the child up and placing him on her shoulders, Gray helping ensure the little boy was safely on, a grin spread across his face.
She seems to be good with children… Probably because she comes across as a very stable and centred person, I think children are drawn to that…
Neptune whispered, glancing down at the children sharing the sofa with me, two were already asleep whilst the others were intently watching the movie, enthralled, heads bobbing along to the songs, smiles on their faces.
Sera – The orphanage – Just over forty-five minutes into the film
I stood watching the film, the little boy, Ty, sat on my shoulders, leaning on my head watching the film. One of the bigger kids had kicked him out his spot and he could no longer see the screen from where he was sat.
Sera… You seem to have a child sat on you… were you aware of this…
Orion stated turning around and looking at me a little confused I just smiled at him and nodded, causing him to shrug and return to watching the movie. The sound of someone munching on popcorn coming from behind me, no doubt Gray was dipping into the tub one of the staff had given him.
"Sera… Why do all the Ghosts look different?" Ty asked his voice very quiet though very serious. I found myself chuckling a little whilst Orion who must have heard the question moved to float beside the child.
Because our Guardians can put shells on us, they make us look nicer and enhance our abilities…
Orion replied, his answer seemingly satisfactory as both went back to watching the film whilst I wished I had not agreed to let the child sit on my shoulders for the rest of the movie, it was not exactly comfortable after a while. Though, I could put up with it so the kid could watch the movie, I would just have to ask Zavala nicely for a shoulder and neck massage afterwards.
Zavala – The Orphanage – Credits of the movie are rolling
Once the movie had finished I glanced around at the children on the sofa, only one made it to the end, a small girl who reminded me of a certain blonde mechanic I knew in the tower. She looked up at me, a curious look on her face.
"Do you have someone you love liked Simba loves Nala?" the child asked, she was as curious and open with her questions as a young Amanda was as well. I quickly glanced round, Sera was still stood talking to Gray, the child no longer on her shoulders but in her arms asleep.
"I do… She is a very special person" I replied, the young girl smiled at me, though I could tell she had another question ready and waiting, most children always had a few questions banked up I had found.
"Do you love her?" she asked, I smiled and took a deep breath… Did I love Sera? Is it was something I could say and mean?
"I think so…" I replied and the child smiled and nodded before slipping on the sofa and skipping over the room to the snack table and shuffling popcorn into her mouth before a staff member stopped her and told her to go prepare for bed.
"Children ask the oddest things don't they" a voice stated and I glanced over my shoulder to see Sera and Gray stood there, the boy asleep in Sera's arm had a rather tight grasp on the strap of her top, Gray slowly trying to unclench the child's fingers.
"I did not realise you were stood there…" I commented and Sera chuckled, smiling down at me.
Hunters tend to do that… It is a thing they do… A very annoying thing… They like doing that thing…