Remember when I said that theword length won't be consistent?

Yes. This is a short chapter.

Chapter 7: Deceptive Uncertainties

I couldn't figure out if I was spent from the ordeal, or if my sanity hadn't caught up to the present day.

Perhaps both.

There was an underlying tension surrounding our demeanors that wasn't there before, preventing us from speaking. The tatty bath sheet laid heavily upon my damp strands, but it didn't compare to the relentless, watchful gaze drilling the back of my head, expecting answers.

Answers that I too, was searching for, and wouldn't obtain by staring mindlessly at the wall while my companion dried my hair inside the lonesome mansion.

… I didn't have the heart, nor the guts to deny him.

(Lies never hurt anyone.

It was always the truth that shattered us.)

There was nothing I could use to describe the emotions coalescing in my gut at the many, many unresolved questions, nor was there an opportunity to ruminate about my circumstances properly.

And I don't think there ever will be.

Paws gradually abandoned the arduous chore of drying my soaked locks, and the shift in temperature that followed caused me to sigh under my breath.

Although I couldn't see his face… Somehow, I could tell the corners of his mouth were curved down.

Wisps of flame flared, and heat licked my hands as I brought them closer to the make-do campfire to free myself from the moisture and doubt that clung to me.

Everything was too confusing and impossible for my brain to process. It was waiting to be shut down from the emanating implications of this world, longing for better times.

Before waking up to a fiction-turned reality and walking around eggshells with a bipolar akuma.

Before pretending to be a vexing teen, and memories not my own pervaded my soul.

Before roaming in a frozen landscape, devoid of hopes, wishes, and dreams. Where ice fragmented and water invaded my lungs and darkness inundated my vision and everything burned-

The rag seamlessly fell to the floor as warmth spread on my back, a warmth that didn't belong to the ardor kindling.

.

.

When did I started trembling?

.

.

I didn't glance in Blanc's direction. There was no need to.

Words weren't exchanged, yet the simple act of his arms encircling my neck without my prompting, and the rhythm of his heartbeat, served enough to comfort my shaky frame.

(A state of enduring affection, supporting others in their times of need; caring during the highs and lows, and being there for one another…

Lila understood the concept behind 'friendship'. How else would she have crafted her veneer of composure?

Whispering words everyone wants to hear takes practice.

But this?

"I didn't expect this!" She couldn't help it.

An unrestrained cackle escaped from her vermilion lips as she closed her locker.

"I thought you were friends." She raised a hand to her cheek.

It was too hilarious and ironic to think about.

By now, she was used to being called out in a meager and futile attempt to expose her. Yet Adrien Agreste, recognizing the type of person she was, stood by the sidelines as she abashed his 'good friend'.

Each to their own fool's paradise, she supposed.

.

.

What a bunch of hypocrites.

"That's why you're so easy to control. Besides fame and fortune…" An unreadable expression arose as she mulled it over.

Everyone seeks to gain something, and when that necessity is fulfilled…

"What does a blank canvas with no dreams have to offer?" We are discarded.

Simple as that.)

I saw no value in forcing either agitation or ease into my thoughts. It would lead to nowhere once again. Taking things one step at a time was the only way to continue forward.

Starting with the task behind me.

("You shouldn't be preaching about what's right or wrong." She didn't flinch when the golden boy cornered her.

But he certainly did by what she stated next. "Especially when you don't have the will to act on it, Adrien.")

Hot air hit my ears as my eyes drooped, truly fatigued by the predicament this sequestered place had hurled at me.

The cracking embers died out, and what remained was the sounds of our breathing intertwining with the rising of our chests, giving off the notion that everything was going to be okay.

(Believing in lies, even after acknowledging the truth...

Does that mean she's already broken?)

ฅ-*୨୧*-ฅ

A/N

Guess who's feline good for a little interlude next chapter?