::-::

The town was one of sleepy atmosphere and the street lights glowed dimly. The sun had set and any signs of the day's bustling work were gone. Many residents were closing up shops or finishing their errands to return home. A place of dreams, and of peaceful repose.

Chaos and the others were patiently waiting outside the inn, but it seemed as though Loki would be fairly late. Iris gave a listless yawn to break the silence.

"I think we should wait for Loki inside," suggested Chaos. "We could check into our rooms too."

Iris gleefully nodded with a delighted grin; however Fenris was still distant since the incident. She felt like a stranger.

They act as though nothing happened, like everything is normal and everyone is happy...

Fenris glanced up quickly to see the couple expecting an answer from her.

I must not appear too sullen or the others may suspect something. But...

"Will Loki not mind? We said we would wait here..." Fenris demurred.

"No of course not. It's getting cold and he wouldn't want us to freeze," replied Chaos with a smirk.

Fenris gave a slight smile and curtly nodded.

"Alright then! Let's wait inside the inn," Chaos opened the door and followed after the girls.

::-::

Iris heavily plopped down on her bed and stretched out her arms.

"Finally a soft bed! I feel so tired," she exclaimed as she snuggled into a pillow.

Yet, just seconds later her eyes lit up and she was sporting a mischievous grin on her face. She looked over to the warlock and noticed her to be appearing melancholy.

"Fenris.... You look kinda sad... I know what will cheer you up!!" Iris looked at her with a very sly and cunning expression.

"You know... Let's sneak over to the Boys room and.... Scare them!!!" she gave a snicker before continuing.

"Chaos won't be able to sleep... and I might even be able to see him without any pants!" Iris could not hold the laughter bursting at her sides.

She really is like a child... so carefree and mischievous...

Fenris couldn't help giving a modest smile.

I can understand why he holds a place in his heart for her...and yet...

"Iris... have you ever... loved someone?" she hesitantly inquired the cleric.

Iris blinked a couple of times before blushing deep crimson.

"You don't have to answer... I was just wondering..." Fenris rushed in to prevent embarrassment.

"No..." Iris looked away and she gazed off solemnly.

"I do love someone. He's very special to me and I miss him when I can't be near him.... Chaos... But when we are together, I get all warm and fuzzy inside. It's such a wonderful feeling," she replied with a dreamy look on her face.

"I see.... That's what it's like... It really must be special."

So special... it hurts...

Iris looked up with her brows furrowed in confusion.

"Fenris, you've never loved anyone?" she asked curiously.

The warlock tried to mask her emotions, but she could only look away and in silence, she grasped her left arm.

Iris gave a nervous laugh, trying to ease the awkward situation.

"You look really tired... I think you should have some rest Fenris," she gave a weak smile.

"I don't want to bother you. I'll be over at the Boys room. Call me if you need me.. okay?" she quietly left after saying good night in her usual cheery voice.

As Fenris sat down on her bed, she leaned back and closed her eyes.

I feel so hopeless and lonely... Am I... a hateful person...? Please forgive me...

::-::

Author's Notes: Well... it looks as though I'll have the story wrapped up in two more sections. The story is coming off a bit more depressing than I had hoped... but we'll see how it turns out. In addition to this, the next section takes place simultaneously with this one. I'll note it again in the next chapter, but I wanted to state it here as well. :p

Do you like how it's coming so far?

Happy Reading! - Siye