Series presented by: Tori Bradley
AN: Response to the Ars Amatoria's Ranger Romance Themes Challenge
Set During 'Return of Thunder Part 2'
Fight…
Tori's POV
"I can't believe you guys are serious!" I shouted at Shane and Dustin as they lay Blake's lifeless body on the ground of the cave.
Moments ago, me teammates were suggesting that we leave Blake alone in hopes of finding a way off this stupid island. I knew better though.
"Tor, we didn't mean it like that," Dustin attempted to sooth me. It wasn't working. Shane moved over to where I was kneeling next to Blake. He placed his hand on my shoulder.
"There's no way we were just going to leave him here for Hunter to find him," he said softly. "We just need to get out of here."
I sighed. I knew he was right, but I was ready to pounce on him.
"You guys don't get it," I said as he placed my hand on Blake's chest. "He's not under a spell anymore. He wasn't completely gone… you didn't see him before all this happened."
I had a suspicion that they knew what I was getting at. Hell, they had been teasing me about it ever since I took Dustin's bike out. They knew I had some sort of feelings towards the Navy Ranger… but what are they? Do I like him? Care for him? Could I love him?
The answers all hit me as soon as I had ran over to his fallen body, shielding him from his brother… Yes. I cared for him… and I think I'm falling on love with him.
The inner battle in my heart and my mind was raging. I had literally been fighting myself ever since I saw Blake.
It was kind of Shakespearean when you really think about it. We were both on opposing sides, and no matter how much we had pleaded with out respective teammates to join forces, it never worked.
Well, that's just in my mind… Could we truly be star-crossed lovers? I hope so. I feel something for him that I've never felt before in my life. I can only hope that he returns my feelings.
But then there's my mind that tells me that it can never be because life is never that perfect. Then my heart comes in and says anything is possible, and the battle rages on.
A sudden movement from beneath my hand makes me jump back to Blake. I start shaking him gently, calling his name in hopes that he'll wake up. Shane and Dustin are now by my side, no doubt to make sure he doesn't try anything.
Moments later, Blake opens his eyes and looks nervous as he tries to sit up. I gently push him back down.
"It's alright," I say to him. "You're alright." Blake blinks a few times and breathes heavily. Our eyes lock for a moment, and I know that the fight within myself is over…