Chapter 29 : Heart to Heart

* Runo's POV *

I watched as the huge rock fell from above . It wasn't a matter of time before both Dan and I would be crushed ... Oh why oh why didn't he listen to me and leave ?

"Bakugan Brawl ! Baku Skyraider , Jump !"

Drago burst open from his ball form and easily caught the rock with his muscular arm . He threw the rock to one side and got the rubble off me . Dan gave me a hard tug and pulled me into his embrace . I tried to walk , but could only stagger .

Dan put an arm around my waist and wrapped the other around my legs , picking me up bridal-style . I nervously wrapped my arms around his neck as I watched the ground beneath us collapse .

Dan hopped onto Drago's palm , and Drago flew away from the tower .

"Where do you suggest we head to ?" Drago asked .

"I don't know , let's just find a hideout first . The others have yet to tell us anything ."

Drago nodded his head and swooped down into the forest at the boundaries of the city . He turned back into his ball form and retreated into Dan's pocket .

Dan gently put me down .

"Can you stand ?" he asked gently .

I nodded my head , standing on one leg .

"Why ?" I said quietly .

"Why what ?" Dan was dumbfounded .

"Why did you save me ?" I felt tears pricking my eyes .

Dan chuckled , pulling me into a hug as he crashed me onto his chest .

"How could I leave you behind ? You're my life !"

I felt tears roll down my cheeks . Dan pulled away gently , gingerly stroking a thumb over my cheeks .

"Don't cry . You know I don't know how to handle crying girls ," Dan teased .

I laughed , punching him on the chest .

"Thanks , Dan ," I answered , giving him a quick kiss on the lips .

"That isn't really like you to do that , Runo . But , I could get used to it ," the brunette grinned cockily .

I shrugged . "I don't know , I just ... like doing it ." I felt myself flush red .

Dan chuckled , stroking my hair lovingly . "Yea , me too . Ever since I lost you that day , I guess I've been trying my best to be more affectionate towards you . But , you could try doing that longer next time . "

I raised an eyebrow at the brunette with a cocky grin . "Make me ."

"Hey , you did say I could have you close to me as long as I want after that was over !" Dan protested .

"Nuh-uh . I meant the whole saving the Bakugan thing ," I wagged a finger .

Dan smirked , earning a puzzled look from me . He tightened the arms he had around me and fastened his lips onto mine , moving his over mine wildly .

I hadn't been expecting it , but that didn't mean I couldn't enjoy it ! Smiling between the kiss , I threw my arms around Dan's neck , returning the kiss happily . It started from a small kiss , but it grew deeper and deeper as Dan smoothed his hands up and down my back and through my hair .

Things got more out of hand when Dan smoothed my lips with his tongue , tracing it lightly as he requested for entrance . In my heart , I giggled as I opened my mouth , returning the kiss .

We soon pulled away , gasping for breath .

"Hey , what did I say about kissing me for as long as you want only after the whole battle ?" I teased the brunette .

He smirked . "Well , I guess someone couldn't resist returning it either ..."

I blushed . I backhanded the brunette in an attempt to hide my embarassment . Dan rubbed his sore spot and looked at me , laughing .

I stared at the brunette , and started laughing too .

"Dan ," I smiled . "Next time , just don't do something so foolish again ."

Dan rubbed my head . "No promises ."

"Dan , Runo , are you guys there ?" Marucho's voice echoed in our ears .

"Yea , we're here ."

"Was that explosion from your area ?" Ace asked .

"It was ," Runo replied shortly .

"Good . Just to let you know , we've destroyed the tower in the South area too ," Ace's voice came in .

"And us at the East ," Julie added .

"And us ," Alice's voice sounded .

"Good . What do you say we meet in the centre of the city ?" Marucho asked .

"I have a casualty with me ," Dan reported .

"Runo ?" Julie asked .

"Don't listen to him , I'm fine ." I rolled my eyes .

"Fine ? You had a pile of rubble on your leg ! You couldn't even walk and I needed to carry you !" Dan half-yelled .

"Ooo ! You carried her , Dan ? Why wasn't I there to see it ?" Julie screamed in disappointment .

"Julie , please focus on the mission ," I could hear that Mira was annoyed .

"Anyway , I think Runo should retreat from the mission , especially since she is injured ."

"What ? No ! I'll be fine ! Don't be worrywarts ! You need me !" I protested adamantly .

"For now , I'll take care of her . We'll meet you guys at the Central ." Dan looked at me seriously .

"Roger that ," everyone else complied .

I raised an eyebrow at Dan unhappily . If I hadn't had an injured leg , I would have tapped my foot too .

"Come on now , we have a long way to go ."

"You are not dumping me behind in the trailer , Dan Kuso !" I warned .

Dan sighed . "I'm not , I'm not . I'm taking you with me . Besides , who knows what could happen if I left you in the trailer all by yourself ?"

I beamed , enveloping the brunette in a big bear hug .

"Don't get too happy . I still don't know what to do about your leg ."

"Milady !" Tigrerra flew to my side .

"Tig , when did you and Aerogan even disappear ?" I was surprised .

"Right before you and Master Dan started to make out -" Aerogan was interrupted by Tigrerra who knocked him to the side . Both Dan and I turned beet red at the comment .

"Anyway , we found this herb . It would help your leg to heal ," Tigrerra said , turning to the forest .

"I'll go get it ," Dan sat me by the tree . "Tigrerra , lead the way ."

A while later , Dan came back with a white flower with yellow stripes .

"Are you sure this will work ?" I asked Tigrerra , feeling a little nervous .

"Of course it will , milady . We had this plant back in my homeplace too ."

I nodded my head as Dan handed me the flower .

"Just tilt the flower and let its sap flow out onto your wound . By tomorrow , your leg will be as good as new !" Aerogan was being bubbly again .

I did as he said , and the sap felt cool on my leg . It sank into my skin , feeling prickly .

"I feel better already ," I gasped as Dan helped me up on my feet .

"Well then , let's go ," Dan bent down before me .

"What are you doing ?" I was confused .

"Giving you a piggyback , what else ?"

"Dan ..."

"Don't worry , you're not that heavy , all though you could use a little slimming down ..."

The brunette was cut off when I backhanded him .

"Okay , okay ! I was just joking . You're really as light as a feather ! Besides , I do train everyday ."

I nodded my head and climbed onto Dan's back .

"My , my , Dan is a fit boy ," Tigrerra remarked .

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