Chapter 2

A/N: Updated, Revised and Edited: 03/19/2021

Disclaimer: Attack on Titan does not belong to me, I only own Emalina and any other OC's. The new story picture does not belong to me; I hold no Copyright and found the picture through Google Images.

~ oOo ~

EMALINA

The early morning bell was struck, signaling all new recruits of the 104th Cadet Corps to awaken from their deep slumber. It was time to commence our first official day of training. The echo of the bell swept through each barrack and forced all individuals to rise; some were easily awoken, others curled into their sheets, begging to attain more slumber before beginning their day. My eyes had already been open long before the morning bell had rung as I was used to the annoying sound.

By the time I was dressed in the required soldiers attire – harness, belts and everything else – all the other females in my bunk were barely stepping away from their bedside.

The morning routine encompassed such as this: the bell would ring, one would dress, head to the mess hall for breakfast, the first segment of training would begin, followed by a break, another lesson, lunch, afternoon training, and, finally, dinner. Sometimes there would be additional training after dinner once the recruits had time to rest. Seeing as we're all rookies, I knew Shadis wouldn't conduct nightly training for at least a few months.

My leather clad feet prodded across the dirt as I was fixated on the Mess Hall, stomach already growling in anticipation. As expected, I was the first within the wooden building, the workers setting the food greeted me with smiles as I grabbed what I wanted and maneuvered towards a spot in the back. The rest of the recruits gradually filled the hall and the morning was soon overflowing with laughter, whining and those discussing what the life as a soldier would be in three years. Lackadaisically stirring my spoon, I circled the metal trinket around my bowl, chin held by my hand, eyes drifting from here to there; a sudden call of my name drifted through my eardrums, causing my head to lift.

"Good morning, Emalina. Did you sleep well?" Marco's bright smile allowed my lips to curl slightly as he resumed the same seat from the previous night. Jean was right behind as he sat beside his friend, nodding in my direction as I swallowed the last bite of my breakfast.

"Hey, how're you already done, Ema?" Jean asked, his mouth frowning at the taste of his meal.

Wow, straight to using my nickname after one day, huh? "I'm an early riser, so I was here before anyone else."

Marco beamed, question after question falling from his mouth, mainly wanting to know if I could teach him to awaken earlier to be prepared. Crossing my arms upon the table, I mainly listened to his words, watched his reactions, Jean occasionally joined in with his own questions. I rarely spoke as the two developed a conversation between them as they asked me numerous inquiries. My lips gradually curved upward even more, a laugh escaping here and there, my heart beating in a manner I missed with people my age.

These two…I'm not afraid when I'm with them.

The bell rung once more, signifying the end of breakfast. My feet maneuvered to put my used dish away and waited for both males outside, my chin raised to the sun as I soaked in the morning light. The crumble of dirt beneath their feet diverted my eyes to see Jean and Marco walking in my direction, Jean's smirk already on display so early in the morning. "So, I informed Marco of our little bet. Are you ready to lose?"

"Not on your life, Kirschtein."

"You two seriously made a bet to see who would state their nickname first?" Marco teased, but his light-hearted tone stated he was just as excited to see the outcome.

Jean wrapped an arm around his new friend's shoulder. "And you'll be the one to determine who wins if we both are successful with this training."

"Oh boy…" the freckled boy laughed meekly as he rubbed his cheek. "I'll have to think on this one!"

Our feet guided us to stand in the same vicinity as initiation yesterday, the other cadets forming around us as we waited for further orders from Shadis. Standing stock still with both arms behind my back, I listened in on the conversations around me. I could hear Sasha complaining about her hunger, Connie stating that he was going to be the best at everything, while Armin spoke with Eren and Mikasa. It was a good sign to see everybody spunky this early in the morning, and I questioned how long the energy would last as we still had three full years left.

"Listen up, you maggots!"

With everyone now standing at attention, Shadis instructed us to follow him as we were led towards several large, metal tripod stands. Each stood in one long row, all were roughly fifteen, maybe twenty feet high. The tripods were linked with wires that would attach to a cadet's belt where they would be lifted manually. The purpose of this equipment is for the cadet to prove if she or he could maneuver their bodies and manipulate the wires to remain balanced and perfectly poised. With these machines in view, I heard the murmur of those around me. Jean's eyes grew as he glanced at me; a smirk of my own grew on my face.

"These machines are designed to test aptitude and your ability at handling ODM gear before we strap you in and send you to your deaths! Now let me make this clear: you have today to practice! If you cannot establish seamless balance with this, you are not meant to become a soldier! Tomorrow, all of you will be tested; for those of you who are not meant to be here, will be sent home, straight back to the fields! Do I make myself clear?!"

"Sir, yes sir!" The cadets echoed across the barren arena, their arms posed in the soldier salute.

"That's what I want to hear. But first! We'll have a demonstration from someone who's already mastered this exercise. Cadet Varlen! Front and center!" A collected work of gasps and gossip erupted amongst the crowd, heads searching through the recruits looking for me, and those closest stared with wide, agitated eyes; Jean was one of the few with misperception across his features.

As I walked through the crowd, he gently grasped my forearm and whispered, "You never said you've used these machines before!"

"You never asked."

"Our bet has become one sided then," he muttered, shaking his head.

"No, it hasn't." His eyes connected with mine. "I didn't agree to the bet just to win against you, Jean; I agreed because I know you would succeed with this training."

Letting my arm go, Jean dropped his hand by his side and watched my back as I made my way towards the tripod in the center. A fellow veteran gave me the wires so I could connect each one to the specific loops on my belt, nodding for him to continue. His hands gripped the crank handle and lifted me into the air. Several dozen pairs of eyes watched my form, most likely criticizing me in their heads. The familiar undoing of my weight unlocked a memory from when I first used this machine. There was a specific purpose for why I enlisted to become a soldier, but the sensation I experienced granted me the chance to feel free.

The second? Well…that's another story.

With arms crossed over my chest, my body froze in perfect self-control; only my hair blew through the wind as a gentle breeze stirred, nothing else. I was free, becoming one within myself. Nothing existed except the scorching awareness of everyone staring upon my form. Stock still, my eyes wandered across the crowd, only gazing at the golden orbs of the man I quickly befriended last night. Jean didn't divert his attention, even as Shadis' voice boomed over the cadets. "Memorize this form, Cadets. This is the aptitude we will be testing you today. Remember, you fail, you leave. Now, form several groups upon each machine!" Turning to the soldier behind him, Shadis added, "Alright, bring her down."

With my feet greeted the ground, I released the wires from my belts as Shadis placed his hand upon my shoulder. "Just as I expected from you, Varlen."

"Of course, sir."

Trekking to the group Jean and Marco joined, I was greeted with several speaking people to me at once. One individual asked how I knew what to do and I simply stated it was a secret. Both Jean and Marco cunningly asked me the same question numerous times in different ways, but the only answer I provided was a smirk along with the continuous shaking of my head. Since I'd already passed the training, I stood in the back of the group, but assisted the individuals if they asked. Marco was successful though still sought my advice even after his feet touched the ground again.

"How'd I do, Emalina?" He was beaming, face reddened with exhilaration.

"I think you did great Marco! You didn't fall, so that's a definite plus."

"That's true! You made it look so easy though. My arms were slightly flailing; it felt like I was going to fall the whole time."

My arms crossed on their own accord as our conversation continued. "Trust me it takes practice, and we have three years of that. As Shadis said, this is just to test if we have the knack for further training. Once we start using ODM, that's when you'll be asking questions."

Raising an eyebrow, Marco leaned closer and we both watched as Jean clip the wires into his belt. "You sound as I you know what it's like." As Jean was lifted into the air, I smirked. "Don't tell me you have experience with ODM as well…?"

Biting my lip, I fought with wanting to tell the truth, but, as usual, I held myself back. Be careful, Emalina, don't get too close. "Well…I guess that's just something for me to know and for you to find out," I smirked. With several yells coming from the cadets, I returned my eyes to the tripods to see several cadets I remembered from yesterday had been successful with the test, Jean being among those few. His eyes sought mine, just as I had done, and the smirk I'd somehow already grown accustomed to appeared on his face.

When he was down on his feet and in our vicinity, he exclaimed, "Looks like you and me have the talent, Marco!"

"Don't forget Emalina, Jean!"

Jean turned his towards me, his stare penetrating mine, as if he could look deep down and understood everything that I felt. "True, but she hasn't tried ODM yet, so we can beat her at that!" Marco coughed and shook his head. "Wait, don't tell me…" Looking back at me, Jean stated, "You've done that as well?!"

"Marco already beat you to the question."

"And what was your answer?"

"That it's for her to know and for us to find out," Marco repeated as he rubbed the back of his neck.

Grunting, Jean leaned against one foot and threw one fist against his hip in defiance. "You know, you could've told us you've done this before. How old are you, anyway? Are you doing the training again because you've failed before?"

"Jean!" Marco stepped towards his friend, latching his hand onto Jean's arm, pulling him away from drowning in his own ignorance and folly. "Why would you say something… - "

I waved my hand through the air, catching the attention of both males. "Who knew it'd take only a day for me to realize that you're an ass?" I turned to walk away, my body moving on instinct; needing an escape, wanting to flee, to remove Kirschtein from memory. I didn't even want to hold a conversation. What was the point if he was already accusatory against me without knowing the truth? I mean, yes I technically lied because I didn't say anything, though did I deserve such a reaction?

Jean threw Marco off before grabbing my shoulder, pulling my back around. "You should've told us. If there's anything you know, it could help us get into the top ten!"

Furrowing my eyebrows, I wrenched my shoulder from his grasp. I lowered my voice, not wanting this discussion to be overheard by others. "Let's get one thing straight, Kirschtein. Unless I'm asked, I don't share anything regarding myself – with anybody. If there's something I know about the training, that's for me to know, unless you politely ask, then maybe I'll give you some advice from what I've learned. But from what I've seen, it looks like you only care about others if it benefits yourself."

"Ema…"

Balling my hands into fists, my teeth gritted, eyes blinking away signs of distress, the calling of tears desperate to escape. "Don't call me that, Kirschtein…" This was not who I was, this was not who I wanted to be. The next words slipped off my tongue, a whisper upon the wind I didn't even know I had stated. "I don't have any friends here…but you seemed different. Guess I was wrong." Turning my back on him, I could hear Marco scold Jean for his attitude. Their attention seemed to be diverted when Eren failed his weightless test, the rest of the cadets laughing at his catastrophe while my shadow faded from their gaze.

Though, I swear there was a pair of golden orbs following me as I disappeared into the crowd.

~ oOo ~

Dinner later that evening was hushed compared to the previous night. Sitting in the corner, I noticed how people were murmuring amongst themselves how Eren had boasted about beating the titans compared to the afternoon he had with the aptitude test. Throwing my spoon onto the table, a groan fled from my lips as I dropped my head into my hands, thinking to earlier during lunch. Once we were released for the remainder of the day, I fled to the barracks where my bunk lay, throwing myself onto the sheets, hoping to erase the sound of ignorance from my ears.

I didn't even notice my cheeks were stained with tears.

Twenty-four hours…no! Not even a full day did I know Jean Kirschtein and I already want to smack him in the face! Damn him! Damn him for...for…?

For me finally wanting a friend.

Now at dinner, I released a sigh from the depths of my chest, I grabbed the rest of my meal and walked over to Sasha, knowing that she would gladly confiscate the rest. Appearing by her side, I knew that she was still forbidden from dinner privileges for the next few days, but screw Shadis' decision. Tapping her shoulder, I held my bowl and uneaten bread for her to take, but the girl just looked me in the eye, tilting her head in question.

"I'm not hungry," was all I said before walking out of the Mess Hall and out into the training grounds. The night sky clothed the surrounding land, blanketing the environment in a sheet of midnight stars. Wanting to be away from my fellow cadets, I walked in the direction of the tripod machines, taking a seat upon the dirt, bringing my legs closer to my chest until I wrapped my arms around them. Staring at the contraption ahead of me, I questioned why I was so different, so quiet, so…melancholy. The moment I questioned was always the moment I remembered.

"Emalina you need to run!"

"No, I won't leave you or dad!"

"Take the horses and run to Trost! Just listen to your mother!"

We were swarmed, to escape was out of the question and for one so young as myself, I was left with no choice but to be eaten – eaten by the same monsters devouring the rest of my village. Standing near our wooden table, I watched my mother throw odds and ends of different food into a pack, guiding me outside to our personal stable. I was not old enough to ride my parent's horses, but their offspring was mine, a young, black mare barely two years old. Grabbing my waist and holstering onto said steed, my mother grabbed my cheeks, kissing my forehead.

"Emalina Varlen, please…listen to your father. I need you to escape with your life!"

"But mom…I don't…" Tears coursed down my face as I was unable to face the truth as it approached my mother from behind. "Please…don't leave me…"

"Serena! Get Emalina and RUN!"

The thrashing, pounding of feet against mother earth was petrifying to hear, heartbreaking to witness. There were titans all around us, several were in the midst of eating my neighbors, some had just swallowed close friends. As I looked to see my father, I realized that it would be the last time he'd see me. A hand reached over the roof of our house, the titan crushed my father before tossing his lifeless form down his atrocious throat. "FATHER!"

"Emalina you need to go!" Smacking the backside of the horse, my mare reared onto her hind legs before galloping into the now frightening territory that was covered with bloodthirsty demons. Just as my mare left, I turned to scream for my mother, only to see her in the clutches of two separate titans… One bit her head while the other claimed her lower half, her crimson blood showering my feverish skin as I ran.

Hell really is a cruel, cruel place.

"Emalina!"

Snapping my eyes open, I staggered to realize Jean was kneeling in front of me, one hand carefully placed on my arm, his sight peering directly into mine. Blinking to clear my vision, Jean pulled his hand away before sitting on the dirt, one leg pulled to his chest, the other lay flat against the land. I didn't meet his gaze; I hadn't even known the guy for a day, so why was I so upset? So…so angry with him?

"To what do I owe this pleasure, Kirschtein?"

The cadet didn't reply, the arm he'd laid across his knee flinched as he clenched and unclenched his fist for several moments. I dared to steal a glimpse at his face, but I wasn't expecting the turmoil etched across his features. Those cheekbones, his elongated face…those majestically, golden eyes.

Emalina Varlen…what on earth are you thinking?!

His voice pulled me away from unknown territory. Territory that had unexpectedly crept inside. But what was the inside? Why was I angry? Why was I so upset to leave his side earlier this afternoon?

"You don't owe me anything, Emalina… I'm the one who owes you." We glanced at each other and he knew I would remained silent until he continued. "I…" Hanging his head and scratching the backside of his undercut, Jean took a few moments before finally raising his head and announced, "I'm sorry. I'm…you're right, Emalina." Standing to his feet, Jean studied the tripod mechanism, his hand once again scratching his neck. Was he nervous? Uneasy?

Distraught?

"Emalina." Turning to face me, Jean furrowed his eyebrows, "Why did you…" But Jean's voice fell off the last word, silence replaced his speech.

Tilting my head, I stared into his troubled façade. When I knew he wouldn't continue, I probed with, "Why did I what, Jean?"

"This afternoon, when you stated how you didn't agree to the bet to beat me, but you knew I would succeed. Why did you say that?"

Sighing, my legs straightened before standing, bumping my shoulder into Jean's as I moved to position myself by his side. I knew what to say but didn't know if I had the strength to release the words from the tip of my tongue. By answering Jean, I would then be stating an opinion; stating an opinion would mean I was allowing more people to enter my world, granting them the opportunity to enter my life. By opening my world, I was destined to, once again, lose all that I held dear, and forever be lonely.

For whoever I grew close to, would meet their end at the hands of the titans.

Standing with Jean in the exact location of our fallout this afternoon was unconventional. I was still afraid to speak, to answer his question, but the fear I usually held in my heart had disappeared the moment I opened my eyes to see his staring back. For the first time since I was cloaked in bloodshed as a young girl, I wanted nothing more than to confide in this person, to open freely about who I was, why I was here. Most importantly, I wanted to explain my fears. I didn't want to let Jean go.

There were only a handful of people who knew the reason why I was here. They weren't new cadets because they were older than me, already residing within the regiment of their choosing. No, I was to remain on my own while I was here. It had been hard enough befriending my older friends, but these people were my own age. I'd never had a friend that was my own age before.

Since the day my childhood ceased to exist, I only felt safe around a certain number of people. Now here in training, I was lost. Until I laid my eyes on Jean yesterday. For some reason, I felt safe. We'd only had a few interactions, but I could already tell. I felt safe and protected when I'm around Jean Kirschtein.

"I could just tell. You seem like someone who'd have a knack for this equipment." Crossing my arms, it was now or never to take the leap of faith; would I lose him, or would he stay? "During initiation yesterday when you explained wanting to join the Military Police, I knew you had conviction. From that, I know you'll be a strong soldier, Jean."

My words forced Jean to think, his mind pondering through my words. His moment of silence disturbed the battle my emotions; I had to give the cadet time. "You said I'm here so I can benefit from others to help my personal goals."

"I did say that…but I don't think that's a bad reasoning." Jean raised an eyebrow as he faced my side, a hand reaching to touch my arm, but fell to his side at the last second, deciding against the action. "You can still have others help you in obtaining your goals, without being an ass."

Smirking, Jean produced a laugh, and I could feel the tension slowly lift within the air. "You didn't say anything last night, but doesn't it bother you that I'm only here to get into the Interior?"

"I may not have said anything, but my silence on the matter doesn't mean I don't agree with the idea." Moving my feet a few steps forward, I traced a hand down one of the metal poles of the tripod, the coolness of the steel was pleasant as the evening was gentle, but the air was still heavy with any remaining humidity from the afternoon. "I'm not trying to be a hypocrite as I have no fucking idea which branch I'll join. But Jean," Twisting my body, the moonlight cast a glow upon the cadet as he moved towards me, wanting to see my expression. "Surviving in this world, I believe people have the right to choose how they want to live. Some want to save humanity, some want to save themselves. If that's what makes you happy, I have no right to impede on that."

Lowering his head, Jean muttered, "Other than Marco, you're the only one who doesn't treat me differently."

"Jean, we just had initiation yesterday – "

"And we just met yesterday, but our friendship is already in shambles."

Dropping my hand, my body turned fully towards the golden eyed cadet, needing to know if my ears heard him correctly. "Our…friendship?"

My statement had Jean nodding as he walked closer. "Emalina…" he whispered. Sighing, my eyes closed, only to feel Jean bump his fist against my head. "You're an idiot. Yes, our friendship. I mean…if it's alright with you, I'd like to be your friend."

"But, Jean…" Tugging at the sleeve of my jacket, I knew I was stalling, suddenly nervous to know his reasoning, but not sure if I could accept it. "I – We…we just met yesterday."

"Yeah, so what's your point?"

"Huh?" Looking up Jean ran a hand through his hair and exhaled.

"Whether we met yesterday, or last year…shit, I'm saying this: you're my friend. So…don't go off and tell people that you don't have friends, because I'm here. A-And so is Marco. Ok?"

Lips tightening, I wasn't sure to smile or frown, the mixture of unanticipated feelings coursed through my veins. Meekly, I muttered a thanks before Jean wrapped an arm around my shoulder dragging me into his chest. Heat instantly rose upon my cheeks, eyes widening as my body folded into his taller frame; in that moment, I knew Jean was my friend. I needed him to be my friend; wanted him to be my friend.

"Emalina…I'm sorry for what I said."

"It's ok." Stepping back, I rubbed my cheeks, hoping the redness of my skin wasn't as visible considering how hot I felt. "I forgive you. But from this moment on, just ask if you think I may know something, is that fair?" I couldn't hold this against him. There seemed to be much more to Jean Kirschtein than I could perceive. Besides, I technically withheld the truth, right? I'm partially to blame for this as well."

"Fuck, Emalina that's more than fair."

"Then all is forgiven."

Jean's voice was hesitant. "So, can I…ask you something right now?"

"Go ahead, I don't mind."

Grasping my hand, Jean tightened his fingers around mine. "Why did you suddenly leave me and Marco this morning?"

Letting go of his hand as quickly as he grasped it, my body stepped away, abruptly needing space. Conflicted, I chose to put some distance between us, moving until my feet were planted directly in the middle of the tripod. The battle between my heart and gut instinct raged on. Again, I was left questioning myself. Was I strong enough to let this person in? Was I willing to accept another into my life? As I faced the male cadet, whose eyes gleamed with curiosity and acceptance, the dispute faltered, my conviction striving for a transformation. If Jean was willing to accept me, I should be able to accept his trust.

In that moment, I was done holding onto the shadows, sick of stepping forward into the darkness of the indefinite because I felt that was my only choice. If I wanted to be free, now was the time to spread my wings.

"Jean, come and stand here."

Complying without question, my nimble fingers fastened each wire, connecting each to the specific loop on his belt, my fingers trailing lightly over his hip as I moved backwards. Heat returned once more, cheeks cast aflame. The beating of my heart was welcomed. The soft, hastened pace increased more when Jean brushed the tips of his fingers against mine.

Grasping the metal crank, I asked without waiting, "You ready Jean?"

"I guess…? But what's the – wait, WOAH!" Revolving the handle, Jean instantly lifted into the air, his body swaying, maneuvering the use of being weightless. He was maintaining a decent balance just as I'd witnessed earlier this morning, but if he wanted advice, I was willing to offer.

Walking around until we were facing one another, I crossed my arms and smirked up into his face. "You wanted advice. Tell me what you thought the moment your feet left the ground."

Swaying, Jean's arms switched from being at his side to waving around through the air, attempting to steady his balance. "What I was thinking? I was thinking that I don't want to fall on my face!"

His bluntness allowed a chuckle to form on my lips. "True, true, but try this: clear your mind of everything, just focus on the idea of floating."

"How the hell can I clear my mind when I've got two wires keeping me up?!"

"If you can't handle this, the two wires that'll be swinging you from tree to tree when we start training on ODM gear will kill you."

Frowning, Jean suspended his arms. With the glint in his eye, I doubt he cleared his mind, though whatever trick he used was working. Slowly but surely, his limbs stilled and his body ceased to sway. Before long, Jean's demeanor appeared to have frozen in time, the color of his eyes the only contrast to exhibit his lack of movement. Softly clapping my hands, I nodded my head. "Do you feel a difference?"

His response was a quick nod of his head. "I'm not fighting anything."

"Exactly, that's really all it boils down to. If you fight the resistance, you struggle to gain balance. By clearing your thoughts, you allow your body to establish a new stance in the weightless environment." Grasping the crank, I lowered Jean down and watched whilst he removed both wires, dropping them from his hands, clinking as they fell. "Unless someone else has another trick, that's all I have to offer. Keep this in mind when we begin using ODM; you won't have time to think about how to stay in this pose or another. ODM is all about quick judgement and the coordination of flying, to clear your mind and focus on the goal at task. Does that help?"

"More than I can thank you for." Standing with his back towards me, the wind briefly kicked to life, sharp bursts wafting strands of hair upon my face. I closed my eyes and waited for it to pass, but the touch of skin so soft caught my attention and I looked to see Jean moving said strands, clearing my face of any obstruction. "Thank you, Emalina. I promise to work hard to prove my worth to you." With such words seeping into my ears, Jean took his leave as I watch his form slowly leaving my vision.

"Jean!" The sharpness of his name rolled of my tongue like quick-fire, the effect clear as the cadet froze and turned, eyebrow raised in question. "To answer your question…you know, from before? I…" Twisting and turning my hands in front of me, I swallowed the self-pity lodged within me, wondering how much I'd be willing to say. No, more like how much I could actually say. Taking a deep breath, I displayed my truth. "I-I can't really explain why I left you two this afternoon…but you need to know that…" Taking another deep breath, I quickly muttered, "There are times I'll stop talking altogether. Umm…I think I know the reason but…?"

Allowing my words to soak into his ears, Jean stood quietly, watching me with astonishment upon his face, but the peace in the air was troublesome within my heart, and I could feel the darkness creeping in. With the sudden realization of the truth out in the open, my mouth closed as I needed another escape and I walked past Jean, wanting to curl in my bed, desiring the solitude that had been my comfort for the last five years. But the cadet wouldn't allow my absence as he lightly gripped my wrist, pulling me back. The on and off closeness we've had for the last hour caused suspicion within my mind; was this what our friendship would be? Be by one another's side one day and secluded the next?

What if…? What if…? What if…?

"I didn't have many friends growing up." Blinking rapidly, my arm grew lax in Jean's hold. Widening my eyes, I wasn't understanding the meaning. "Ema, you admitted something very personal, so I did the same favor; you deserve as much. I was…hefty growing up; being raised by my mother, she spoiled me with food, and I was teased." Pulling me close, Jean whispered quietly, not wanting even the goddess of the wind to carry his words. "Whenever you get that feeling, confide in me, I'll be your safe haven; I won't let you suffer alone. We all have something from when we were children that still haunts us."

If his statement had reached my heart several years ago, I would be crying with tears streaming down my face. Now, only my heart wept; but the darkness was skulking, wanting to drown me in an everlasting pit of helpless apprehension. Needing to believe in Jean's promise, I permitted the one action I forbade myself to commit ever again. I latched my arms around his neck and pulled him closer to my body, the desirable fire settling deep within, illuminating a radiance upon the shadow that had been suffocating my entire being. Jean was the first light I'd witnessed in a long time; if the fire was burning this quickly, I needed him to stay by my side.

But this flame didn't seem to fall under the terms of friendship. It was deep, safe; when his arms wrapped around my body, it was as if I was enclosed in the warmth arm of an angel. My angel.

What is this?

~ oOo ~

Feedback is greatly appreciated as I always want to better my writing.

DragonGoddess629 :)