Author's note: Sorry for the wait! I have here second chapter to the awesome vahn/noa fic! (yeah right). Anyway, i hope you enjoy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chapter 2 - Longing
It took a few minutes until Vahn had the courage to look into her eyes and see what was the matter with her. He waved a hand in front of her.
"Noa? Are you all right?"
The red headed girl snapped out of reverie, holding Cort loosely in her arms and blinked twice or so. A few seconds passed by until she realized that she was acting like an idiot in front of her friend. Friend.... is that what Noa really wants to call him?
"Yeah, I'm fine..." Noa replied. She closed her eyes and thought for a moment of what she had to say to Vahn. She had to reject him. The longer she stayed with him, the more she felt attracted to him. "Vahn.... I appreciate the offer, but I would have to refuse it."
Vahn prevented a hurt look, by hiding it with a nod and a straight face. When he noticed her worried look, he sighed. He was never really good at hiding his feelings. Taking a deep breath, Vahn chose to make her stay. "Well, then I have to refuse your refusal," he answered.
Noa looked at him wide-eyed. A look of shock passed through her, but some bits and pieces inside her felt glad that Vahn had refused her decline on his offer. She frowned, not knowing what to think on this situation. Part of her wanted him to stay by her side, but part of her wanted him to leave her alone and the other part of her was confused with her feelings towards this man. Without another word, she nodded her head. She knew how persistent Vahn was, although in a quiet way. Taking another step towards him, she looked away and nodded shyly. She was too confused to see into his eyes. He loved Mei and there was nothing else she could do but let go of her feelings towards him. When he made that offer, he acted as though he cared for her. Was he acting out of pity or was he acting out of care for his friend?
"All right. I'll come with you."
Vahn nodded, hiding the happiness in his heart. Noa was coming with him on this journey. Whatever journey she wanted to go to, it was not safe for her or the baby in her arms. He didn't want to leave her all alone. Noa never wanted to be alone in the first place, why the sudden change in attitude? He had a feeling it wasn't just because she was with her brother.
Before Vahn could question more on Noa's tactics, Noa was not in front of him anymore. She was already up the hill waiting for him. Vahn hurried up after her and they walked towards the direction of the Wind Cave, where it lead to the Biron Monastery.
*****************
They were welcomed warmly by a Biron Monk in the Monastery. For once, Noa was glad none of them considered going after Cort, still vulnerable in her arms. The baby cooed and slept peacefully. Noa was worried more of his health, rather than see happily, his serene, quiet state. Cort was malnourished and in need of more protein in his body. For a long time, Noa ran from the clutches of men and women who wanted the baby dead near their feet. She hid in the bushes and into caves so no one could see her. She was too afraid to let Cort go or face the angry mob of the townspeople from all over while she was carrying an innocent child and while she was outnumbered. Neither did she want to hurt the people who are after him. Noa choked back the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes. Cort was getting lighter and lighter in her arms. The only food she could ever feed him were crushed berries from bushes and crushed apple from trees, which she used a stone to turn them into bits so the baby could swallow it and not choke on its large parts.
Vahn led the way in the center of the building, whereas, Noa followed closely behind. His thoughts were more along the lines of Noa and how close she was of being hurt by those 'hunters,' as they call themselves. Noa was his life. He wanted to tell her how he felt, but she left before he even had the chance to. Mei was just his friend. He never harbored any feelings towards her.
"Vahn! Noa!" They were greeted by Gala, the Warrior Monk who came with them on the journey all those few months ago. When Master Zupo died, Gala became the Master of Biron Monastery. Vahn saw Gala's surprised face as he and Noa walked to him. Gala glanced at the baby in Noa's arms, then Noa and then finally, Vahn. "What are you two doing here?" came Gala's question of the day.
Vahn nodded to his side, where Noa was cradling the baby.
Gala followed his gaze and was shocked to see Noa and a baby... Cort? He stared at Noa, not really sure what to think about. He thought Cort had died. There were news from around the world that the 'demon,' or what the media put it, had died of malnutrition. Yet, the baby was right in front of him. "I do not know how this can be true, but Cort has thought to have died due to lack of protein and such. Why is it that he is still alive?"
Noa glared at him. "What kind of question is that, Gala? He is well, but..." she paused, a look of sadness upon her face. "Cort looks weary. He is malnourished indeed, but he looks lively to me. Do you have any milk or any type to help strenghten his bones?" She looked into Gala's eyes, hopefully.
"Of course we do!" Gala replied with enthysiasm. "We do not starve ourselves clean! We have plenty of food to feed the child." For that, Gala called for a woman from the back row. He told her to take Cort and feed him well until there was warmth in his stomach. Noa looked at the woman in a state of shock, holding Cort much tighter in her arms. She shook her head.
"Don't take him!" Noa pulled the baby away from the woman. The woman looked at Gala confusingly, as if not really knowing what to do.
Vahn placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, Noa. He'll be fine. She'll just feed Cort until there's enough nutrition and he'll be returned to you shortly."
Noa looked up and stared into his eyes. Brown eyes gazed into green ones. They stared at each other for so long, that Noa did not notice Cort being hovered in air restlessly. He cried and cried, until Noa handed the baby to the woman. Cort immediately stopped crying. Noa, Vahn and Gala watched as Cort was taken to the back of the room to the kitchen to be fed.
Gala turned to the two and said, "You both must be tired. Go take a rest in one of the rooms. Dinner will be here soon."
Vahn nodded, glancing at Noa with the corner of his eyes. She seemed to be pre-occupied to answer Gala's offer. She was busy watching the kitchen where the baby disappeared to. Vahn understood how worried she was of him, but that is how he was feeling as well, towards the one girl he truly loved.
***************
Noa stared out into the window. It was good to see Gala again, but she couldn't help and wonder why some of those hunters were after her. She had to do something about this. She can't keep hiding. She must find a way to make the people understand that Cort was not born again to hurt other people. Gazing her eyes towards the baby on the bed, tears fell at once from her eyes. He was asleep, but Cort still looked weary and thin as a stick. What must she do? Cort was fading away. The only family left in the world was melting like ice. Soon, he would be gone. She can't bear it! She must find a way to make him stay. Noa hated being alone. She doesn't want Cort to go, she doesn't want Vahn to leave her.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. The door opened. Noa turned around, wiping the tears away abruptly with her sleeve and looked up. Vahn was standing there in worry. It was too late for her to wash her face from the redness on her nose and around her cheeks. Vahn had noticed she was crying.The blue haired man walked up to her, slowly and surely to the window where she was standing, careful not to disturb the baby on the bed.
"Noa?" Vahn whispered, under the darkness. He moved a little more closer towards her, the light from the hallway now shining on his face. His face seemed neutral, but inside, he was hurting, seeing Noa in pain.
Noa looked away, staring into the moon. She sniffed, wiping her nose. "What is it, Vahn?"
Vahn reached out to touch her, but withdrew it, not wanting to bring more pain in Noa. "Noa... are you all right?"
She turned to face him, more tears had streamed on her face. Slowly, she walked closer to him and landed into his arms without a second thought. She cried into his jacket, silence overcoming her. "Vahn, I don't want to be alone," she whispered under her muffled sound.
Vahn embraced her with as much as he could, stroking her hair and rubbing her back. "You're not alone, Noa. I'm here.... I'm here...."
Noa looked up and looked into his eyes. The eyes that she has been longing to look into were right in front of her. She reached up and stroked his hair. The hair so blue like the ocean.
Vahn closed his eyes and felt her soft hand stroking his hair, but she removed it quicker than he thought. Vahn looked down and looked into her eyes. The same emerald eyes were the ones that made him be strong. He couldn't get his mind off of those eyes. Inch by inch, their face moved closer and closer.
Noa took a deep breath, inching closer towards Vahn's lips. The lips she has been longing to touch. She placed a finger on his lips and stroked it.
Their lips locked into a passionate kiss. Noa has never been happier to have a man she loved all her life, finally held in her arms. "Vahn..." she whispered. Noa moved both her hands on his chest and pushed him gently away from her. She shook her head. "I can't... Not like this."
Confused, Vahn turned around and never said a word. Why did he do that? He knew she was hurt and he knew she was longing for Cort to be better. Why did he put the moves on her? "I'm sorry, Noa..." he mumbled. He stepped out of the room, glanced towards Noa and closed the door behind him, leaving Noa, once again, alone.
GodoGurl: Why did Noa let go of the kiss she has been longing? Is there something wrong with her? Find out on the next chapter!
Chapter 2 - Longing
It took a few minutes until Vahn had the courage to look into her eyes and see what was the matter with her. He waved a hand in front of her.
"Noa? Are you all right?"
The red headed girl snapped out of reverie, holding Cort loosely in her arms and blinked twice or so. A few seconds passed by until she realized that she was acting like an idiot in front of her friend. Friend.... is that what Noa really wants to call him?
"Yeah, I'm fine..." Noa replied. She closed her eyes and thought for a moment of what she had to say to Vahn. She had to reject him. The longer she stayed with him, the more she felt attracted to him. "Vahn.... I appreciate the offer, but I would have to refuse it."
Vahn prevented a hurt look, by hiding it with a nod and a straight face. When he noticed her worried look, he sighed. He was never really good at hiding his feelings. Taking a deep breath, Vahn chose to make her stay. "Well, then I have to refuse your refusal," he answered.
Noa looked at him wide-eyed. A look of shock passed through her, but some bits and pieces inside her felt glad that Vahn had refused her decline on his offer. She frowned, not knowing what to think on this situation. Part of her wanted him to stay by her side, but part of her wanted him to leave her alone and the other part of her was confused with her feelings towards this man. Without another word, she nodded her head. She knew how persistent Vahn was, although in a quiet way. Taking another step towards him, she looked away and nodded shyly. She was too confused to see into his eyes. He loved Mei and there was nothing else she could do but let go of her feelings towards him. When he made that offer, he acted as though he cared for her. Was he acting out of pity or was he acting out of care for his friend?
"All right. I'll come with you."
Vahn nodded, hiding the happiness in his heart. Noa was coming with him on this journey. Whatever journey she wanted to go to, it was not safe for her or the baby in her arms. He didn't want to leave her all alone. Noa never wanted to be alone in the first place, why the sudden change in attitude? He had a feeling it wasn't just because she was with her brother.
Before Vahn could question more on Noa's tactics, Noa was not in front of him anymore. She was already up the hill waiting for him. Vahn hurried up after her and they walked towards the direction of the Wind Cave, where it lead to the Biron Monastery.
*****************
They were welcomed warmly by a Biron Monk in the Monastery. For once, Noa was glad none of them considered going after Cort, still vulnerable in her arms. The baby cooed and slept peacefully. Noa was worried more of his health, rather than see happily, his serene, quiet state. Cort was malnourished and in need of more protein in his body. For a long time, Noa ran from the clutches of men and women who wanted the baby dead near their feet. She hid in the bushes and into caves so no one could see her. She was too afraid to let Cort go or face the angry mob of the townspeople from all over while she was carrying an innocent child and while she was outnumbered. Neither did she want to hurt the people who are after him. Noa choked back the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes. Cort was getting lighter and lighter in her arms. The only food she could ever feed him were crushed berries from bushes and crushed apple from trees, which she used a stone to turn them into bits so the baby could swallow it and not choke on its large parts.
Vahn led the way in the center of the building, whereas, Noa followed closely behind. His thoughts were more along the lines of Noa and how close she was of being hurt by those 'hunters,' as they call themselves. Noa was his life. He wanted to tell her how he felt, but she left before he even had the chance to. Mei was just his friend. He never harbored any feelings towards her.
"Vahn! Noa!" They were greeted by Gala, the Warrior Monk who came with them on the journey all those few months ago. When Master Zupo died, Gala became the Master of Biron Monastery. Vahn saw Gala's surprised face as he and Noa walked to him. Gala glanced at the baby in Noa's arms, then Noa and then finally, Vahn. "What are you two doing here?" came Gala's question of the day.
Vahn nodded to his side, where Noa was cradling the baby.
Gala followed his gaze and was shocked to see Noa and a baby... Cort? He stared at Noa, not really sure what to think about. He thought Cort had died. There were news from around the world that the 'demon,' or what the media put it, had died of malnutrition. Yet, the baby was right in front of him. "I do not know how this can be true, but Cort has thought to have died due to lack of protein and such. Why is it that he is still alive?"
Noa glared at him. "What kind of question is that, Gala? He is well, but..." she paused, a look of sadness upon her face. "Cort looks weary. He is malnourished indeed, but he looks lively to me. Do you have any milk or any type to help strenghten his bones?" She looked into Gala's eyes, hopefully.
"Of course we do!" Gala replied with enthysiasm. "We do not starve ourselves clean! We have plenty of food to feed the child." For that, Gala called for a woman from the back row. He told her to take Cort and feed him well until there was warmth in his stomach. Noa looked at the woman in a state of shock, holding Cort much tighter in her arms. She shook her head.
"Don't take him!" Noa pulled the baby away from the woman. The woman looked at Gala confusingly, as if not really knowing what to do.
Vahn placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, Noa. He'll be fine. She'll just feed Cort until there's enough nutrition and he'll be returned to you shortly."
Noa looked up and stared into his eyes. Brown eyes gazed into green ones. They stared at each other for so long, that Noa did not notice Cort being hovered in air restlessly. He cried and cried, until Noa handed the baby to the woman. Cort immediately stopped crying. Noa, Vahn and Gala watched as Cort was taken to the back of the room to the kitchen to be fed.
Gala turned to the two and said, "You both must be tired. Go take a rest in one of the rooms. Dinner will be here soon."
Vahn nodded, glancing at Noa with the corner of his eyes. She seemed to be pre-occupied to answer Gala's offer. She was busy watching the kitchen where the baby disappeared to. Vahn understood how worried she was of him, but that is how he was feeling as well, towards the one girl he truly loved.
***************
Noa stared out into the window. It was good to see Gala again, but she couldn't help and wonder why some of those hunters were after her. She had to do something about this. She can't keep hiding. She must find a way to make the people understand that Cort was not born again to hurt other people. Gazing her eyes towards the baby on the bed, tears fell at once from her eyes. He was asleep, but Cort still looked weary and thin as a stick. What must she do? Cort was fading away. The only family left in the world was melting like ice. Soon, he would be gone. She can't bear it! She must find a way to make him stay. Noa hated being alone. She doesn't want Cort to go, she doesn't want Vahn to leave her.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. The door opened. Noa turned around, wiping the tears away abruptly with her sleeve and looked up. Vahn was standing there in worry. It was too late for her to wash her face from the redness on her nose and around her cheeks. Vahn had noticed she was crying.The blue haired man walked up to her, slowly and surely to the window where she was standing, careful not to disturb the baby on the bed.
"Noa?" Vahn whispered, under the darkness. He moved a little more closer towards her, the light from the hallway now shining on his face. His face seemed neutral, but inside, he was hurting, seeing Noa in pain.
Noa looked away, staring into the moon. She sniffed, wiping her nose. "What is it, Vahn?"
Vahn reached out to touch her, but withdrew it, not wanting to bring more pain in Noa. "Noa... are you all right?"
She turned to face him, more tears had streamed on her face. Slowly, she walked closer to him and landed into his arms without a second thought. She cried into his jacket, silence overcoming her. "Vahn, I don't want to be alone," she whispered under her muffled sound.
Vahn embraced her with as much as he could, stroking her hair and rubbing her back. "You're not alone, Noa. I'm here.... I'm here...."
Noa looked up and looked into his eyes. The eyes that she has been longing to look into were right in front of her. She reached up and stroked his hair. The hair so blue like the ocean.
Vahn closed his eyes and felt her soft hand stroking his hair, but she removed it quicker than he thought. Vahn looked down and looked into her eyes. The same emerald eyes were the ones that made him be strong. He couldn't get his mind off of those eyes. Inch by inch, their face moved closer and closer.
Noa took a deep breath, inching closer towards Vahn's lips. The lips she has been longing to touch. She placed a finger on his lips and stroked it.
Their lips locked into a passionate kiss. Noa has never been happier to have a man she loved all her life, finally held in her arms. "Vahn..." she whispered. Noa moved both her hands on his chest and pushed him gently away from her. She shook her head. "I can't... Not like this."
Confused, Vahn turned around and never said a word. Why did he do that? He knew she was hurt and he knew she was longing for Cort to be better. Why did he put the moves on her? "I'm sorry, Noa..." he mumbled. He stepped out of the room, glanced towards Noa and closed the door behind him, leaving Noa, once again, alone.
GodoGurl: Why did Noa let go of the kiss she has been longing? Is there something wrong with her? Find out on the next chapter!