Her blonde hair fell across her face, blocking her view as her eyes slowly fluttered open. Rose felt well-rested, but she wasn't ready to get up. Lying on her side, she felt Jake's arm around her. His slow breathing indicated he was still asleep. She was content to continue to lie there with him, until a faint blue light near the floor caught her eye. The small light was blinking. She wanted to ignore it.
Blowing the rest of her hair out of her face, her view of the room improved. Jake's bedroom was dark, but a faint shining light coming from behind the blinds indicated that the sun had already started on its ascent into the sky. Trying not to stir too much to prevent Jake from waking, she reached down for her pager on the floor. The time read 5:21 AM. She had been paged at 4:52 AM, then again at 5:16. Supposedly, pagers were more secure, but right now Rose was just thankful that she couldn't use the device to send a reply. It was early. Unless she was starting her workout earlier than usual, no one would expect her to be awake. She had no reason to be on high alert, so she had an excuse for her pager being on silent mode. A late response would not be unusual or met with suspicion. She willed herself to place the pager back onto the floor, and turn around and go back to sleep. Instead, she didn't move, simply gazing down at the small, round blue device in her hand.
Though she hated the thought, again she had to wonder about the consequences of her actions. What if her clan discovered her allegiance had secretly changed, that she was no longer hell-bent on killing creatures? She was a top fighter, yet she had rejected the teachings and values of her culture. What would her master do to her if he knew of her relationship with the American dragon? She was literally sleeping with the enemy. She feared being found out.
Rose fought off a shudder. Though feeling secure in Jake's arms and in his home, technically enemy territory, she didn't know how their hidden relationship could continue. They brought each other happiness. She was finally happy, having found a true connection as well as companionship with someone. The kind of company and home her clan couldn't provide. Yet the more she snuck around, the greater the risk. Dating itself was bad enough. She'd be accused of neglecting her responsibilities as a member of the Huntsclan, a high-ranking one at that. But if the Huntsclan ever discovered the American dragon's human identity, she'd be in big trouble. The clan would put two and two together. Rose never had many friends at school, no thanks to the great amount of time she had to dedicate to the Huntsclan. People knew she had been friendly with Jake Long, long before she'd had any idea who he really was and before they realized they're better off keeping a low profile. The members of her clan had probably noticed that she had become somewhat resigned, that her hunts were unsuccessful, that she often disappeared for hours at a time. She was keeping too many secrets from them.
Rose gently placed the pager back onto the floor and gazed at the photos on the nightstand. There was an older picture of her and Jake at the school dance. It was one of her favorites. It was a nice memory as well. They weren't together yet at that point, but they were both ignorant of each other's roles in the city, and things were less complicated. Beside it was a picture of them on a camping trip a year ago. It was a relief to have gotten away from the city, embracing privacy in the outdoors of upstate New York. The landscapes had been beautiful and they'd enjoyed plenty of hiking. Next was a picture of them at their high school graduation, in caps and gowns with diplomas in hand. They were smiling brightly. Rose wished she felt the way she looked in that photo.
Rose slowly shifted, moving from her side to lie on her back. Jake's arm remained draped across her. He was on his side next to her, still fast asleep. Sometimes it seemed he could sleep forever. Rose stared at the ceiling. She didn't know the way forward. How long could she lie to her tribe? How long could she keep so many secrets from her family? She resented her duty as a member of the clan. Yet leaving her clan was no simple solution, if it were a possibility at all. No one had ever left the Huntsclan before. They didn't dare. Some had found easier jobs, away from dangerous fighting and tiresome hunting, but such a path didn't seem to be an option for her. Everyone had high expectations of her. She didn't see a way out. Rose sighed. Was she putting Jake in danger? What if someone managed to follow her, leading them to him? She didn't want to think about it.
Jake stirred. Rose lifted her hand and touched his arm. She began tracing the length of it lightly. Her birthmark catching her eye, she stilled. She wished she'd never been born with it.
"Hey," came a low, pleasant voice. She turned her head to look at Jake, smiling at her slightly with tired eyes. His gaze was content, calm, loving. She felt her worries were showing on her face. She didn't know what to say.
"Good morning," she eventually managed. Jake continued to smile at her lazily, then rubbed his eyes, yawned, and stretched before Rose turned to cling to him. Now Jake was lying on his back and Rose was on her side. "I should leave soon..." she whispered into his arm. He touched her head. "We'll find a way," he told her quietly. He was still smiling. Sometimes, Rose envied how sure of himself he tended to be. He always had confidence in their future together, despite the struggles and doubts. "Everything will be okay," he then said. Finally Rose felt herself smiling. She wanted to relish the happiness they had found with each other. She hugged him, which he returned. She started feeling positive. She could trust him. They had to try. They would continue to be together.
"Thanks," Rose said, before slowly getting up. Jake tried to playfully grab her and pull her back down. Rose resisted and left the bed. She began gathering her things from off the floor. She pulled a dark grey hoodie over her head before turning to face him again. They smiled at each other. "I'll come back tomorrow," Rose said to him. He nodded. "Sounds good."
Rose went over and leaned down to kiss him before heading silently to the door and out of the house. The streets were empty and quiet, still dim. She thought about heading straight home first to start her daily exercises and then shower. Instead, she thought better of it and entered the nearest phone booth after walking a few blocks. The Huntsmaster picked up on the first ring. "Huntsgirl," came his low voice, all business as usual. "We have good news. There is a lead on the true identity of the American dragon. This could help our pursuit of him immensely. A meeting will be held after breakfast. Don't be late." He hung up without letting her speak.
Rose gazed up at the glowing sky, a mix of yellow and blue. She peered down the street where she had come from. Then she turned and continued home.
Author's Note:
Hi! This is my first fic, and I appreciate anyone who took the time to read it. Any feedback is welcome!
I was watching AD: JL again after years and years and got this idea. I think Jake and Rose are my favorite part of the show. I haven't seen season 2 yet, but I'm sure it'll be interesting.
Any AD: JL fans still out there?
I can add that I don't intend to write a sequel to this.
