Ok, it's been 4ever since I updated, but I'm back, from outer space, haha, no kiddin', but that is really fun 2 say, ok, so I need help, nope! Kidding again!! Ok, on to business! Next chapter for all of my loyal readers.

Chapter 20, Sleepless Night

To recap, Ripfang and Meehara are hurrying back to the others, Razor is dead, Naomi is leading the Shrikans to Sora's house, and Sora and the others are helplessly trapped by Coronsoe at the abandoned stadium while a giant monster is ravaging the human world.

Sora and the others could do nothing but wait, parts of the ceiling were missing and so great heaps of rubble lay about the place. But a heavy rain had begun to fall and they were forced to pitch makeshift tents to keep dry. It was dark out, and many of them had fallen asleep. However, slumber was not so easily found for one, Sora lie awake, tossing about, haunting images of her dead son and husband overwhelmed her mind, and crushed her heart. Tears slithered over her cheeks and into her hair, she could not take it, and hurriedly left the tent without disturbing her roommates. The rain drenched her as she ran out under the moonless sky, her burgundy tank top and baggy black pants stuck to her as she walked bare foot over the crumbling marble floor.

A dim glow caught her eye in the darkness, it came from Ian's tent, and she knew he was alone. She knew not why this came to her mind so quickly, but any sort of comfort would be better than none at this point.

Ian sat dry in his tent, garbed in only dark blue jeans. He had taken a large slab of marble that was smooth and slanted on one side and placed it in his tent so as to use it as a sort of backing, he was propped against it quite comfortably, or as comfortably as a cold hard stone can be.

Suddenly, a wavering shadow passed along his tent side, he quickly grabbed a knife from his bag and readied himself to fight this unwelcome visitor. The shadow moved slowly, uncertainly, pausing briefly before his tent flap almost as though unsure as to whether or not they should enter. Suddenly, the flap burst open and low and behold in zipped Sora, breathless and soaked.

The knife fell from Ian's trembling hand as he realized what he was almost ready to do.

This was overlooked by the desperate woman, though, as she ran forward and threw herself down beside him, wrapping her arms about his neck and thrusting her head into his shoulder.

Ian slowly realized what was happening and wrapped his arms about her shuddering frame as she began to ramble on about things.

Sora: Oh I can't take it anymore, he took everything from me, Coronsoe will have me dead. Why won't he just leave me alone, my son, I can't forget him, and my husband keeps haunting me, why can't they stop, why can't it all stop and just go away.........

Ian: Whoa, whoa calm down, what's all this now, my God, you're soaked,

He reached a blanket and wrapped it about her; she proceeded to roll up her pant legs to get some of the wet cloth off of her, and since she had another smaller tank top on underneath she stripped off the first one (you guys all have seen that double layer tank top fashion I'm sure).

Sora began to relate to him her worries and troubles as she rung out her hair and tugged it behind her ears, some of the curly blond ringlets still hanging about her face. Ian smiled at her and just pushed back the rest of the stubborn hairs from her eyes.

Ian: Well, as long as you're here I might as well cheer you up. You look tired, have you been sleeping much?

Sora: Hah! I technically haven't slept for the past hundred years! Ever since my family was destroyed, I've only subconsciously lived through troublesome nightmares really, but I've grown used to it, and the sun's brilliant rays always end the few precious minutes of sleep that I ever do experience.

Ian stopped her from continuing and placed her gently on h is lap, she watched his green eyes as though they held some kind of hidden secret, one that she could read if only she stared long enough. He looked away though and tossed some more twigs onto his small fire, the only heat in the place. Sora slowly rested her head against his chest, her hands resting on his collarbones, as she stared into the fire. Her blond hair fell about her shoulders and cascaded over onto his chest.

He tugged the blanket closer about her, so as to keep it from slipping off of her thin shoulders.

Sora: (yawning) Why are you so good to me?

Ian: Why do want to know, is it bad that I care enough to worry about your well being?

Sora: No, I just am so cold hearted, and have so many dark secrets.

Ian: (Thinking briefly about the whole reason why he had even joined up with Sora and the others in the first place.) Trust me, we all have those.

Sora: I don't know, I'm so confused, it's just, it's just that, when I'm with you, I don't know.

Ian: Come on, you can tell me,

Sora: No, it's ok, I should go, placing my grief on you isn't going to make any of us any better, I need to go.

Ian: (stopping her from standing) No, I think you need to stay, don't ever think that I wouldn't help you out, or turn you away, because when I'm with you, I think it makes me a better person.

Sora was at a loss for words, how should she respond, she couldn't risk exposing her heart to him, or going any deeper than a friendship with him, it was never safe, love was the most dangerous game to play, yet she found herself giving in to him. She looked deep into his eyes again, and whispered to him, trembling as she did.

Sora: I want to stay, but there is no trust left in my heart, not even enough to afford a close friendship, and temptation is a poor substitute for trust.

She turned away, blinking quickly as she made to leave again, not wanting him to see her cry. Ian was not going to let her get away though, he acted quickly, gently turning her face back to him and trapping her with a soft kiss.

A single tear slipped down her face as she lingered a moment, emotions erupting and bursting within her, she had no idea what to do now, and no longer could she ignore him, she was too tired, too weak, too in love.

There was no feeling like it, and it was one she hadn't felt since the death of her husband all those years ago, Ian finally leaned back and looked at her, she didn't know what to do, and he could see it in her eyes. He wiped away the lonely tear and smiled at her, cupping the side f her face in his hand, she was elegant even now, and she leaned into his hand, eyes drooping with exhaustion.

Sora: I'm sorry; I shouldn't waste your time like this.

Ian just shook his head, smiling at her failing stubbornness, and pulled her close, she drifted to sleep quickly, uttering at last, so that she was barely audible,

Sora: I love.........you......

Ian: What?

Sora: I said thank you.

Ian chuckled and leaned back, drifting off to sleep as well,

Ian: I love you too.