A/N: It's time for the sixth chapter, the longest so far.
I'll quickly comment the reviews (many thanks for them! It just feels so good to know that you like the story):
LittleLives: I actually thought I should express Sheena's thoughts more while I was writing the fifth chapter - however, I didn't do it yet because I thought it would interfere with the dialogues at that time. But this chapter starts with inner monologues of both Lloyd and Sheena, I hope you (and everyone else of course) like it.
Macross-Green: I'm afraid I don't really understand what you mean. You want more detail or is it okay the way it is? Maybe you could give an example of a certain scene?
Anyway, now lean back, relax and enjoy the new chapter! As always, please review!
Cleanup
What has gotten into her? Lloyd thought while he and Sheena were flying to Mizuho. I just don't get it. She came all the way to find me, and I still don't know how she made it - and what does she do? Scares me to death. Man, I really thought she would have killed me if I had done the slightest mistake. I even haven't had the courage to apologise to her yet.
Then, on the other hand, she suddenly snuggles against my back, but also tells me to shut up? I - really - don't - get it... Why can't she just be happy that she has found me, that I'm back, just as Colette did? Even Presea seemed somewhat happy, at least for her means. Well, I guess Sheena has the right to be angry about me, it for sure wasn't nice what I've done.
Preferably I would ask her what the meaning of all that is - but I'm afraid she will become upset again, and I don't want her to be upset. It just feels so good to have her that near... I hope she will forgive me...
You really don't always have to talk, Lloyd, Sheena thought after she had told him to shut up. There are other ways to express yourself than talking - are you even aware of that? You don't notice the way I express myself, do you? I guess you don't have any clue what you mean to me. Maybe you're the only one who doesn't.
It's in your eyes. The look isn't the way I'd like it to be, especially when you look at me. Every time you do, they say 'friends', just 'friends'. Maybe it's not your fault, maybe you really think being friends is the greatest thing there is. Or is it my fault? Am I expecting too much? Am I too rough to you? But you never complain about it, you never really complain about anyone, so how can I tell what you think of me, how you feel about me?
Maybe I was really to harsh to you when I found you - but you deserved it! You idiot, you have no idea how it pains me being so close to, yet so far away from you. I'm sitting here, holding you, but you don't realise what I'm actually doing, do you?
I'm forcing myself not to cry on the outside, but my tears keep falling inside me. I was used to everyone not liking me or even hating me for my failure at summoning Volt the first time, so I just learned to be alone, to keep my feelings hidden. Now, that I know you, Lloyd, I've already forgotten how to share my deepest emotions.
I didn't want to get hurt again, and what do you do? You run away while I'm trying to help you, trying to get closer to you, trying to be there for you! It could be so easy... If I only could see this special look in your eyes...
"I'm going down now!" Lloyd shouted and decreased the speed of the rheaird, descending towards Mizuho.
The whole flight, neither Sheena nor Lloyd had said anything, Sheena even hadn't move at all except for breathing. After landing the aircraft, she just dismounted and said: "Let's go."
Lloyd didn't know how to treat her, not knowing what was going on in her head. The only thing he knew was he better followed her. The last time she looked at him was before he left, at the fire. It feels like it's days ago... he thought.
"You wait here", Sheena said, pointing to the ground in front of the chief's hut. Her voice didn't reveal any intention, any emotion.
Talk to me, Sheena, Lloyd thought, watching her enter the hut, and stuck his hands into his pockets. What's that? Oh, right, that crystal I found. Hm, I wonder if I may use Altessa's workshop? I will just ask Sheena if we can stop by there. At least something we can talk about.
A few minutes later, Sheena came back. "I'm done here, let's head to Flanoir then."
"Uhm, Sheena?" Lloyd asked.
"What is it?" she asked back, still refusing to look at him.
"Well, I, er... could we stop by at Altessa's? I want to ask him if I could use his workshop for a while."
"What do you need it for?"
"Huh? Oh, I want to... uhm, I... I want to craft... something for... someone", he stuttered.
"However, as long as you don't dawdle", she sighed.
"Oh, I won't!" Lloyd said happily. At least she doesn't hate me - I guess.
The two of them remounted the rheaird they left outside Mizuho and went off to visit Altessa. A bit to Lloyd's surprise, Sheena again clasped her arms around him, causing a shiver to spread all over his body.
Shortly after, the rheaird landed in front of Altessa's house.
"How long will it take?" Sheena asked as she dismounted the aircraft.
"Oh, well, about an hour I think", Lloyd answered.
"Then give my regards to Altessa and Tabatha."
"Huh? You don't come inside?" Lloyd asked being surprised.
"No, I'll stay here and do some practice", she replied and pulled out her cards.
"Oh, all right. See you later then", he said and opened the door.
"WELCOME, LLOYD", Tabatha greeted in her monotonous voice.
"Hey, Tabatha", Lloyd smiled. "Is Altessa at home?"
"THE MASTER IS AT THE WORKSHOP."
"Ok, thanks. Oh, Sheena sends her regards."
"THANK YOU."
Lloyd went to the workshop to meet Altessa, seeing him assembling a little, expensive looking machine.
"Hey, Altessa!"
The dwarf looked up from his work. "Oh, Lloyd, what leads you here?"
"Uhm, I just wanted to ask if I may use your workshop for a while."
"May I ask what for?" Altessa asked.
"Well, I found this crystal this morning", Lloyd said and took the crystal out of his pocket.
Altessa raised his eyebrows in curious interest. "Hm", he grumbled. "Let me take a look at this."
"Sure, here you are."
The older one took the stone into his hands, turned it around and watched it intensely. "I haven't seen a crystal like this for a long time. It is for sure of high grade. You said you found it?"
"Yeah. I, er... well, I stumbled over a root, and there it was, right before my eyes, waiting for me", Lloyd grinned.
Once more, the dwarf raised his eyebrows. "You were very lucky, indeed. Some people would kill to get their hands on a stone like this."
Lloyds chin dropped. "Really? Hm, then perhaps it isn't a good idea..."
"What idea?"
"Uhm, I wanted to craft a frame for it, make a necklace."
"As a gift?" Altessa asked.
"Well, yeah, I thought so."
"For whom?"
Lloyd blushed. "Er, well, I thought... maybe Sheena will be... you know, she's quite upset right now. Oh, she sends her regards by the way."
"Hm, I see. Well, I think she can take care of herself, the rest is none of my business."
"Yeah, I suppose you're right", Lloyd said, scratching his head.
"However. Feel free to use anything you need. You can decide later if you'll give it to anyone or not", Altessa suggested.
"All right. Thank you!" Lloyd smiled, then immediately got to work.
Cards whirled through the air, cutting imaginary enemies into pieces. Sheena felt relieved during her practice, because she could escape from her thoughts at least for a while. Nothing to worry about, no doubts, no pain. No Lloyd.
"Hey, Sheena, I'm done here!"
Lloyd... Sheena thought, sighed. Immediately, her cards returned to where they came from, leaving order where chaos was before. Then, she turned around and mounted the rheaird behind Lloyd. "Did you have success?"
"Yeah, I'm quite satisfied with the result", Lloyd answered.
She wrapped her arms around him as the rheaird ascended. "So, you're not gonna show it to me?"
"Er... no... not yet..."
"Could you hold my arms again?" Sheena asked, then quickly added: "Just in case I fall asleep. I'm getting tired and don't want to slip overboard."
"Sure!" Lloyd said and smiled happily, placed his right hand on Sheena's arms. Well, she doesn't seem to be that upset anymore.
I wonder if I should give the necklace to her. She can take care of herself, that's for sure, but... I don't know, such a valuable present... I don't want the others to feel to feel left out when they don't get something like that. On the other hand, Sheena is special to me somehow. I feel... complete when she's around. Even Colette didn't give me this feeling in all the years we have known each other.
It wasn't far to Flanoir anymore when the clouds decided to unload masses of snow, making the flight quite uncomfortable. Lloyd felt how Sheena tried to get even closer to him. Her slight shiver caused him to strengthen the grip of both his hands, wanting the rheaird to go faster.
However, after a few more minutes, they reached Flanoir and landed outside the wall. Without the air stream, the snowflakes were floating peacefully to the ground. It wasn't that late, but it was already dim. In Flanoir, it never was very light.
After putting the rheaird back into the wing-bag, Lloyd noticed that Sheena held her arms, still shivering. "You should get yourself a jacket", he said without sounding accusing while taking his one off, laying it onto her shoulders.
"Thanks", she said.
"You know where the others are?" Lloyd asked while they entered the town.
"I suppose they will be at the inn."
"All right, let's check it out." He felt a bit nervous, not knowing how the others would react, especially when he thought about Raine. Eventually, he stopped moving by thinking about the Professor's 'greeting'.
"Lloyd?" Sheena asked. "Anything wrong?"
"Huh? Oh, you're asking because I'm not moving? Er, well, you know the professor, don't you?" He scratched his head.
Sheena did, causing her to smile although she didn't feel like smiling right now, so she quickly turned her head aside. "Yeah."
"Well, I don't want to freeze to death, that leaves me no other choice then facing whatever will come." Lloyd went to the inn's door, took a deep breath, then opened it and entered.
In the foyer, there was a fire burning in the fireplace, emitting a cosy warmth. Near the fireplace stood a table with some chairs and a couch around it where all the others were assembled and were talking to one another.
Lloyd hesitated, but an unmistakable push from behind forced him to step forward. Colette was the first to notice the arrivals.
"Oh, they're back!" she shouted, waving her arms, shocking the others.
"Lloyd!" Genis joined the shouting, jumped up and ran towards his friend.
"Hey everyone", Lloyd said quite abashedly.
Genis gave him a little punch. "You really worried us all! I'm glad to see you again!"
"Yeah, thanks to Sheena", Lloyd commented. Suddenly, he felt a hard smack on the side of his head. "Ack", he yelled, and being surprised by the unexpected attack, he nearly stumbled over his own feet.
"You are definitely the dumbest person I've ever met!" Raine shouted at him, causing Zelos to chuckle. "Maybe besides that idiot chosen", she hissed, causing the chuckle to die.
"Don't hit me!" Lloyd finally managed to say. "I've already had my punishment!"
"You deserved it!" was Sheena's statement.
"Ok, fine! Just go on if you want me to leave again!" he shouted, with the result that Raine smacked him again.
"Don't act so childish, Lloyd Irving!"
"Stop that! Somebody help me! Anybody!" he called for help.
"All right, sis, I think that's enough for now", Genis said.
"Yeah, for now and forever", Lloyd grumbled - loud enough for Raine to hear it.
She quickly moved her hand backwards, indicating another smack, yet not executing it. However, Lloyd shuddered and threw up his arms in defense.
Genis grinned.
"Yeah, I'm feeling at home already", Lloyd said sarcastically, taking a step back to get out of Raine's range.
"Now, everyone, calm down!" came up Colette's voice from behind. "We all are happy that Lloyd is here with us again, right? So, why do we have to punish each other? There are a lot of bad people wanting to harm us, isn't that enough?"
After some seconds of everybody looking to the floor in silence, Raine spoke again. "Whatever. Lloyd, you will do the dishes today, understood?"
Lloyd grumbled again.
"I guess that means 'yes, professor'."
"You got any rooms yet?" Sheena asked, changing the subject.
"Yes, we did", Raine said. "You have a room with Colette and Presea. Presea has the key."
"All right. Presea, would you lead me to the room then? I'd like to take a bath."
Presea nodded.
"May I also take a bath or am I arrested?" Lloyd asked.
Raine gave him an evil look. "You'll do the dishes tomorrow, too, young boy!"
Lloyd sighed and dropped his head.
"You share the room with Regal and Zelos. Do what you wish."
"Yo, Lloyd, I'll lead the way!" Zelos announced.
"Wait a second", Raine interrupted. "Why did you arrive here so late, Lloyd? We expected you much earlier?"
"We only stopped by at Altessa."
"What for?"
"Nothing you need to know about."
"Oh, really?" Raine asked, crossing her arms.
"Yeah, really! I'm serious, you don't need to know everything!"
"Stop that you two!" Colette shouted. "That's enough!"
This time it was Raine who grumbled.
"Zelos, please show me the room then."
"Sure thing!"
They went up the stairs, meeting Presea on her way back, Lloyd's jacket in her hands. "Sheena asked me to hand your jacket to you", she said.
Suddenly, Lloyds eyes widened and his chin dropped. Damn! I forgot about the necklace, I hope Sheena didn't find it! he thought. "Uhm, thanks, Presea", he finally said and took his jacket.
"What's up, Lloyd?" Zelos grinned as they continued their way to the room. "Did you think about Sheena taking it off?"
"Huh? No! It was just - ah, forget about it."
"Oh, sure that was what you thought about! I'm Zelos, I know what I'm talking about."
"Whatever. You can leave now, I prefer to take my bath alone."
"As you wish! Oh, and welcome back."
"Yeah, thanks", Lloyd said, then closed the door. Then he searched the pockets of his jacket and was relieved relieved to find the necklace where he had put it. Afterwards, he enjoyed a hot and soothing bath.
"Man, that was tasty!" Lloyd said and leaned back in his chair. He and the others just have had dinner Genis had prepared.
"I know", Genis replied grinning.
"I think I'll go for a walk, it seems nice outside."
"First, you'll have to do the dishes!" Raine told him.
The smile vanished from Lloyds face. "Oh, man, I hate doing the dishes."
"That's why you will do them."
He sighed, stood up and started to collect the dishes from everyone - slowly however.
"Well, but I like your idea of taking a walk. Anyone who wants to join me?" Raine asked.
"Yeah, I'm coming, too", Colette said.
"Me, too", Genis added. "What about you, Presea?"
"All right", she simply replied.
"I think I'll have to join my hunnies, so I'm going as well", was Zelos' comment, causing Raine to roll her eyes.
"You're really mean", Lloyd claimed.
"Fine", Raine said, ignoring Lloyd's reproach. "Regal, Sheena, what about you?"
"I'll stay inside, don't feel like walking around in the cold right now", Sheena answered.
"So do I", Regal confirmed.
"Whatever you like. Let's go everybody", Raine suggested.
Regal and Sheena where the only ones sitting at the table as Lloyd disappeared into the inn's kitchen. A couple of silent seconds later, Regal said: "I think I'll lend a hand to Lloyd, it would take him forever to do everything alone."
Sheena wondered of how much help Regal would be due to his shackles. "Well, I don't have anything else to do", she said, standing up.
Lloyd reentered the dining room, seeing the two collecting the dishes. "Oh man, thanks for your help, that's just what I need if I wanna have finished before midnight!"
"I'm just watching out for you not to do anything foolish", Sheena commented, though Lloyd thought he spotted a little flighty smile on her face.
"I don't care as long as I don't have to do all the work", he grinned.
Shortly after, Lloyd was mastering the sponge while Regal was drying and Sheena was putting the dishes back into the cabinets.
"Lloyd, I haven't had the chance to talk to you yet", Regal began. "So, you feel all right now?"
Lloyd held his actions for a moment. "I don't know for sure. I mean, it feels good to be back, I'm not really the one enjoying to lurk around on my own. But - there are some things in my mind I can't get rid of."
"Yes", Regal commented. "Maybe you're just becoming an adult. I remember that time as being quite trying."
"I don't know... What does it mean to become an adult?"
"Well, I think becoming an adult means to look at life from a different perspective. You try to figure out what lies beyond the things you see, why they are the way they are. Becoming an adult also means to think about your future, make plans."
"Yeah, maybe..."
"Take all the time you need, don't worry about that - some people never grow up, but I'm convinced you will make the step."
"Do you think so?"
"Indeed", Regal nodded.
Lloyd sighed. "Running away is not very mature, is it?"
"Well, I think everyone wants to just run away from time to time."
"Yeah? Have you ever run away?"
"I have", Sheena said, looking to the ground.
"Really?" Lloyd asked curiously.
"I've been running away since my first attempt to form a pact with Volt..."
"Huh? What do you mean by that? I thought you had stayed at Mizuho?"
"Well... I run off physically, but in my mind I... since then, I tried to avoid all problems, to get around them somehow instead of solving them... until... until you got me back", she said, blushing slightly. "You gave me the strength to face Volt again, I couldn't have done it without you... and that's why I felt responsible for getting you back. I just owed it to you."
"Sheena, I... I didn't know..." Lloyd stuttered, then sighed. "I'm sorry, I..."
"It's okay", she interrupted him. "Just don't do it again."
"I won't! I promise! I promise I will never run away again!"
"You better keep it", Sheena said quietly.
"I will, and Regal is our witness. Right, Regal?"
Regal nodded. "I shall witness what you have promised, Lloyd Irving."
"You see? Now I can't break it, so don't worry", Lloyd said, smiled.
"Whatever. Looks like we still have work to do", she replied.
A/N: Well, another note, didn't want to do this at the beginning, too, because it's related to the contents of this chapter.
At first, you may have noticed that there is still no scene regarding a deeper conversation between Sheena and Lloyd. Well, I have several ideas for such scenes, but they didn't fit into the story or the setting yet. I'm sorry if I have you wait too long, but I hope to get at least one scene into the next chapter.
Secondly, I want to ask you how you like the scene when Lloyd enters the inn the first time, since I'm not really satisfied with it (maybe due to my lack of vocabulary and expressions). I'll appreciate any suggestions on how I could have done it a better way.