A Boy's Heart

Fear shot through Virginia as she saw the earth crumble beneath her. Would she die? After all she did to help her friend, would she succeed at the expense of her own existence? She needed to let out a scream, alert Clive and Gallows that she was in danger. They could help her. But just then, the one thing she never expected happened. She should have seen it; after all that went on between them in the past.

"Grab hold," Jet ordered, fear in his voice as well, "I'll pull you up." The tone was the part she would never have guessed. Jet never sounded scared, he was always fearless. How could the danger she was in cause him to fear like that? Especially after he claimed that he could survive the fall? Was it that he did think that his lab made body was stronger than hers? Or did something else cause him to fear for her life?

Virginia wasn't a fool. She reached up with her left hand, as her right was holding the rock, and caught Jet's. He then grabbed her with his other one, and began to pull. The girl let go of the edge, since she knew and trusted Jet would be able to save her. And sure enough, he pulled her to safety in a second.

"Thank you. I don't think I would have made it if you hadn't helped me," she replied. Virginia forgot to add in him not making it if he fell. She was just too relieved to be alive. That was until she saw where she was. Jet had held the young girl in his arms, and his face was incredibly red. Instantly, she blushed.

Jet thought, 'Why did I fear so? She's only one girl? I was like this at Serpent's Coils too, and when Leehalt infected her with that virus. When she's hurt in battle, I'm the first to give her a Heal Berry, and she's the same way with me. Neither of us seem so concerned with Clive or Gallows. What is it about her that makes me act so odd? Get a hold of yourself Jet, you need to finish the job you set out to do.'

Suddenly, a voice was heard in the young boy's mind. It was female, and extremely angry. -You are starting to infuriate me Jet Enduro. You hide the answers in your mind, refusing to allow anyone to have access to them. But I'm the Guardian Lord of Love, and I know what you want. This girl is trying her best to help you, she isn't repulsed by you like you fear. There is a lot of love and respect for her inside of you, but your stubborn pride makes you keep it locked away. Yes, you love her. When Leehalt told you the truth, she didn't shrink away in fear of your power, and she even stuck up for you, calling you 'one of us'. How can you ignore her feelings? All she wants is for you to be happy. She loves you just as much as you love her. I know you think you can't feel those emotions, but you can. I should know, I have looked into your heart many times before. Also, she didn't lie about her ancestors, the girl's love really did call me to save a man who was laboratory born, just like you. So get your act together boy, and allow this girl to help you.-

Jet looked down at his blushing teammate. That made his face get even redder. There was truth to the Guardian's speech, he did care about her. But if he told her, he feared she would move away. Truth be told, he really didn't want to forget her. Perhaps, like with many suicide cases, the victim is crying out for attention. Jet wanted someone to help him, but didn't know how to ask for it. Or rather, his pride wouldn't allow him to ask for it. Thus, he had to risk his life to get it. That way, he didn't have to ask. Also, he knew deep down who would help him if he cried out like that; Virginia always was the sappiest of the bunch. If what Raftina was saying was true, he didn't have to fear like that. She wanted him to ask her for help.

"Please, Jet," Virginia cried, "Don't jump like that. I was scared when I looked down, thought I was going to die. If you do that, you may very well not make it. I couldn't bear it if I lost you Jet, you have to live on and make a life of happiness. Like I said before, dying with only sad memories will leave you incomplete. And I don't want that to happen to any of my friends." She took his red scarf and blew her nose in it.

"I do have happy memories now, thanks to you. So I'm not incomplete," he informed her. But he still didn't lose his stern face, and his voice showed signs of annoyance. It was almost as if he was telling her that he didn't need her help, he'd gotten enough of it, and was ready to jump. Of course, that wasn't the case. Jet had no idea of the polite way to tell someone "Thank you" when she helped him with a problem.

Virginia, fearing the former, latched onto him much tighter, and bent down to bury her face in his chest. Feeling almost like his body was on autopilot, Jet took his arms and pulled her towards him. This act made Virginia look up into his amethyst eyes. They shone with warmth, the first time she ever saw it.

She whispered, "Jet, please don't let go." Then, she rested her head on his shoulder, and lay peacefully against his body. The boy felt his legs turn to rubber, this was getting too emotional for him to take. Jet ended up collapsing, falling onto the ground with her on top of him. When Virginia looked up to see what happened, she felt him move one hand to the top of her head and pet her like she was a cat. It was extremely out of character for both of them; especially Jet. What in Raftina's name had happened?

Meanwhile. . .from the top of a nearby tree. . .

"Man Clive, look at those two go at it. I wouldn't be surprised if they both get naked next. My bet's on the punk taking it off first, surprising as it may seem. After all, Virginia's a polite young lady, wouldn't be caught like that in just any situation." Yup, Gallows and Clive were watching. Well, Gallows was doing most of it. Clive was there just in case something like that happened, so he could make sure that the two would be left alone when they got intimate. Even if he had to push the former priest out of the tree to do so.

"I am not betting on something so foolish," Clive informed him, "What they do is their own business. Now then, Gallows. I think it's time we returned to camp. It will do no good for them to find out what is going on. You know how Jet gets, he might just shoot you." The man gave his friend such a glare that Gallows knew it was time to go. He did, however, take one look back. They still had their clothes on.

. . .

"Jet, I wish this night could last forever," said Virginia. Yup, she's one for the cheesy lines.

Jet, being Jet, replied, "Whatever." But they both knew he didn't mean it. He really wanted to be with her. She understood him, he might give into his emotions but he'd always be the rude, antisocial punk he'd been when they first met. And she didn't want him to change; if that way made him happy.

However, even through his harsh words, Virginia could still tell that Jet cared. His actions, always protecting her in battle and saving her life, spoke much louder than said words. Those actions were the true soul of Jet. As she reflected, Virginia felt her face moving towards his, and they shared a passionate kiss.

- - - -

Teefa's Last Words...

Show of hands, who in here knew that Jet would save her? I'll never change, eh? Well, until next fic, see ya.