Ahhhh hope you enjoy this one ;) All the fluff!

Roy held Riza protectively against his body as he carried her home. It was a short walk, she hadn't manage to travel very far, but the fact she had even gotten this far worried him.

I shouldn't have fallen asleep. I should have been watching her.

Cursing himself no end on the walk home, Roy felt like an idiot. He had let her down. The promise he had made to himself about protecting her felt meaningless. If he couldn't protect her from herself when she was in this state, how was he going to protect her against anyone else?

Riza had exhausted herself into sleep. The pair had sat in the snow until her crying finally began to subside. Riza had pulled away first. She lifted her gaze to his, studying him. Bottom lip quivering, she closed her eyes and rested her forehead against his.

"You're alive," she whispered in relief a final time.

She hadn't said another word and had passed out shortly afterwards.

Back at the house he found it still empty, which he was pleased about. He really didn't want to explain what had happened to Rebecca. Another time, he might, but not right now.

Placing Riza in her bed, he made to leave her and retrieve her duvet cover, however a hand grasped his t-shirt.

Riza was looking up at him, eyes shimmering with tears. They were wide with fear.

"Please don't leave me."

Roy lowered himself into a crouch beside her head. He removed her sweat drenched hair from her forehead and kissed it.

"Never. I need to get your duvet. I'll be right back."

Riza nodded, but took a few moments to let go of Roy's t-shirt. Quickly gathering what he needed, Roy returned to her room. He had purposefully left her bedroom door open so she could hear him moving about. Her hearing and eye sight weren't great at the moment. They had been dulled by the poison, so Roy made a point of making a lot of noise as he moved around the small house. He quickly changed out of his jeans into a pair of shorts.

Riza was anxious as she waited for him. Her heart rate increased the longer he stayed away. The dream – or vision, whatever it was – had shook her. It was a struggle to shake it off. Despite it being a fever driven dream, there was truth in it. She hadn't even realised that the thought of Roy dying was one of the worst things she could imagine. This only proved it.

Suddenly, Sam's warning became very clear.

"Take it easy, okay? And remember, the dreams aren't real."

"Remember who is real and who is here for you. Promise me?"

He smiled as he re-entered the room. Riza relaxed at the sight of him. She felt like a child in that moment, grateful at the sight of a parent after a nightmare, but didn't care. Everything was all over the place, her emotions, her head, her regular bodily functions… Riza indulged herself this once. Especially after what she had just witnessed.

Riza expected him to return to his uncomfortable chair, which was the last thing she wanted. Instead, Roy surprised her and climbed into bed with her. In a normal situation, she would have been unsure about what to do, and how to act. But right now, she moved to his side in an instant. Laying her head on his chest, Riza circled an arm around his stomach.

"I know this is probably inappropriate," she mumbled, yawning loudly. "But right now, I really don't care. Sorry."

Roy stared down at the top of her head, unsure of how to answer. He didn't think it was inappropriate. He wanted, no, felt the need, to hold her. After that episode, Roy didn't want to let her go ever again. He knew that was childish, but like Riza, right now, he didn't care.

Fear has a funny way to revealing things to people.

"Riza, I don't care either," he murmured, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. He swallowed, nervous at his next words. "I love you. I don't want to let you go again."

There was no reply from the blonde, as she was already fast asleep.

A part of Roy was disappointed she didn't hear his words. Another part – a larger, cowardly part – was relieved.

"Hey you two. I'm back," Rebecca called, entering the house. Bags weighed her down as she walked, but the weight was no problem for the werewolf. Placing them on the counter, she called out again, but received no response.

That's odd.

Cracking the door open to Riza's bedroom, Rebecca smiled at what she saw. The pair were asleep. Roy's arm was wrapped protectively around Riza's shoulder. The blonde lay across his chest, hand splayed out on top of it. Roy's hand rested atop hers. For the first time these past few days, they were at peace. To Rebecca, that was all that mattered.

Her grin didn't drop as she closed the door. Whipping out her phone, she sent a simple text.

It happened.

A reply came almost immediately.

I knew it.

The brunette smiled at Sam's reply. Laughing to herself, Rebecca made herself busy by putting her groceries away.

Incessant tapping was the only sound that filled the room. Impatient, Rebecca's leg bounced as she waited. Boredom had set in hours ago as she waited for Roy and Riza to wake up. They had slept for over sixteen hours and Rebecca was going crazy by herself.

She was in no way trapped in the small house, but she longed for someone to talk to. For anyone to talk to.

The thought of waking them herself had crossed her mind, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. The pair were exhausted. Riza was still recovering from the effects of the poison, her body still fighting it. Roy had maybe slept a grand total of two hours over three days as Riza had recovered. Rebecca could understand the guilt, she could understand the responsibility residing on his shoulders, but the devotion he showed had been frustrating.

Rebecca, Sam, and Hughes had not discussed Roy's behaviour much, but it was clear they were all on the same page. As Roy distantly answered their questions, his eyes never straying far from Riza's feverous form, they each shared a look.

They had been worried about him. The behaviour wasn't healthy.

Jumping from her chair, she pulled on her jacket. It wasn't necessary, however she needed to blend in and act as if she was human. She set off towards the resort, intending to spend her Friday night in a more interesting way, rather than stare at the same four walls, waiting. It would be a way for her to blow off steam. She needed to relax and this was the best way she knew how.

The hotel was bustling with activity when she arrived. The winter market was packed as people wandered viewing the different trinkets that were on sale. The smell was incredible. Crepes, waffles, burgers, and hot dogs were all made on site. Rebecca took a deep breath, savouring the smell.

The bar and restaurant was full. People chatted and laughed with one another, relaxing after a hard week's work or making the most of their holiday. Rebecca approached the bar and ordered a beer. The bartender smiled at her, leaving to see to her order.

Rebecca nursed her cold beer as she watched the room before her.

Everyone seemed so carefree. Over the last six months, Rebecca's life had been a whirlwind of activity, worry, and uncertainty. She hadn't had time to think about the life she had left behind. Now, finally still, Rebecca watched people laughing, dancing, and drinking the night away. In a way, she felt envious. They had nothing to worry about. Not really. Nothing compared to what her pack had gone through these past few days.

For a small moment, Rebecca wished she could have that life back. Where her biggest worry was passing her exams and getting a good job. She didn't have to constantly watch her back. She didn't have to worry about someone trying to kill her simply based on what she was. There was no pain and suffering.

"Penny for your thoughts?" a voice asked beside her.

Rebecca turned to the stranger. An unlit cigarette was perched on his lips. Another rested behind his ear, almost covered by his mop of blonde hair. He pocketed his lighter, placing his own beer on the bar.

Rebecca snorted. "If I gave you a penny for my thoughts you'd be a millionaire." She took a swig of her beer, turning back to face the crowd. The man was extremely handsome. His confident smirk almost made her smile, but she covered it with her bottle. He wasn't bad to look at, but that wasn't why she had come tonight.

"All the more reason to stay then." Rebecca glanced at him, finally allowing herself to smile.

However… A bit of fun would be nice.

"It's nothing important," Rebecca replied to his initial question. "Just the usual."

"Oh? And what is the usual?" He removed the cigarette in between his lips. He motioned to the bartender for another two beers.

"Oh you know. Family worries."

"Ah."

It wasn't a lie. Riza had become her family pretty early on, when they realised they were both in this mess together. Roy had joined their family shortly afterwards. After the fight with the Hunters, Rebecca had felt the bonds between them strengthen again. The pack connection was back. Even now, she felt drawn to the pair.

"Want to talk about it?"

Rebecca was surprised. She certainly hadn't expected that from a stranger in a bar. She eyed the man before her. His question was sincere. His eyes watched her, open, not hiding anything.

Rebecca smiled. "I wouldn't want to bore you." She swivelled in the bar stool, turning to face him fully.

The man smirked again, laughing to himself. "Fair enough. If you don't want to talk about it, I won't push it. None of my business, after all. The name is Jean. Jean Havoc."

"Rebecca Catalina." She knocked her beer bottle against his, the two clinking together.

"Nice to meet you Rebecca."

"Likewise."

"Now, what are you doing out here in a bar all by yourself? You're too pretty for that."

Rebecca raised her eyebrows at Jean, snorting in amusement. She couldn't help it.

"I'm sorry. That… Was that your attempt at a pick up line?"

Jean smiled and shrugged. At least he was a good sport about it. "It was. Very poor, I must admit. However, it is useful for finding out what a woman is like."

"Oh? And how is that?"

"Well," Jean began, leaning against the bar, as if he was seriously going to explain to her his dating technique. "The easy, desperate ones usually go for that crap." Oh god, he is going to explain his dating technique. Hand gestures and all.

"Do you usually explain how you pick up chicks to woman? And do you usually get this kind of response as you explain your piss poor game?"

He grimaced. "No. The smart ones usually laugh in my face and walk away."

"Oh well. I guess I'm here to shake things up."

The pair regarded each other for a moment. Jean smiled at her. A proper smile this time, not a confident, cocky smirk. Rebecca returned it, taking a final swig from her beer.

He was certainly goofy, but Rebecca found herself liking that about him.

"Hey," a soft voice greeted Riza as she stirred from her sleep. Senses returning, the first thing Riza registered was the warm body underneath her cheek. Her hand was splayed across Roy's chest while his rested on top. She smiled at the sight, suddenly feeling very light and elated.

"Hey," she replied, entwining her hand with his. Riza watched as they moved and thought about how right it looked, her hand in his.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm still a little foggy but I do feel more human. Well, you get what I mean."

Riza heard the chuckle underneath her. Her stomach fluttered, loving the sound. Roy's arm tightened around her shoulder, pulling her closer to his body.

"I'm glad." Silence reigned as Riza began to trace the veins on Roy's hand. The soft touches caused them to raise from his skin further. "You scared me for a moment there," Roy whispered.

The smile on Riza's face fell, hand freezing, and anxiety settled in her stomach as she thought back to her vivid dream.

"I scared myself," she admitted.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Riza shook her head.

"I have a pretty good idea, given your reaction when you came to. If you ever do, I'll be here." Riza nodded, tears filling her eyes. Her breath hitched as they began to fall silently.

Roy said nothing. He simply held her, grasping her hand again. Riza clung to him, like he was a life raft.

"Just remember what is real, okay?"

As her tears fell, Riza tried to think about her short time here, rather than the vision of Roy dying in front of her.

It was incredible how much her life had changed over the past couple of weeks. It hardly seemed to be real. Her relationship with Roy had blossomed faster than she would ever have thought. So much had happened so quickly that it seemed too good to be true.

Vaguely, Riza recalled a conversation she had with Sam regarding werewolves and relationships.

"There can be pack members who share a deeper bond with each other, compared to everyone else. It happens with families, but also with soul mates."

Riza shot him a look that said 'seriosly?', causing him to chuckle.

"I didn't believe in soul mates myself when I was younger. However, I experienced it first-hand." His voice took on a wistful tone. Suddenly he was a million miles away. "I met mine when I was in my early twenties. This man arrived at our camp, battered and bruised after a run in with a group of Hunters. The Elders wanted him gone, afraid he had dragged them to us, but a few others, along with myself, argued. It was a time of uncertainty," Sam explained. "Hunters had recently become more ambitious and had started seeking us out. My pack was one that held close family ties and looked disapprovingly on outsiders. He wasn't welcome, but I refused to let him die. I wouldn't have it on my conscious.

"So, I helped him. Nursed him back to health. We grew close." Sam smiled at the memory. Clearly, those were happier times for the blonde werewolf. Then, the smile faded. "Too close, according to my parents."

"I'm sorry to hear that Sam," Riza offered. Riza could tell where this was going and she didn't like it.

"I was expected to find a wife and produce an heir in order to further the family line and strengthen the pack. I knew pretty early on that wasn't going to happen. Plus, when I looked at Andrew, I knew."

Riza watched as his expression turned to one of anguish.

"He died. Two years ago."

"Sam." Riza stopped walking, placing a hand on his arm. "I'm so sorry. We don't need to talk about it."

Sam smiled, wiped away his tears and shook his head. "I want to. I want people to know how amazing he was. After all the chaos had died down and he had begun to heal, I took one look at him and it hit me like a truck. He was The One. My soul mate."

Riza offered him a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. She couldn't imagine what he had gone through.

"With werewolves and vampires it happens quite often. Yeah, you can fall in love with someone, get married, have kids, but whenever you meet them, you know. It can certainly be a curse," he chuckled humourlessly to himself.

Riza nodded. Sam had found his soul mate, but Andrew had been taken from him too soon. The heartache must be unbearable.

Riza was sure she hadn't met hers yet. It put her in fear of when she finally did. Knowing what she knew now, she didn't want to have to go through what Sam had.

It scared her.

Realisation hit her like a truck.

Roy was her soulmate.

Everything between them had happened as if accelerated. That was what Sam had described. Then there was the inexplicable protectiveness Riza had felt towards him when they had first arrived. She chalked it up to guilt, but suddenly, from this perspective, it was for an entirely different reason.

Riza had been drawn to him from the start. After his first change, there had always been a strong urge to be with Roy. Riza felt the same way towards Rebecca, however it wasn't as intense. Completely unaware of the way packs and werewolf relationships worked, Riza surmised it was because he was a new pack member. At the start, he was defenceless. Both Riza and Rebecca needed to look out for him.

Holy shit.

"I don't know how long we were asleep for," Roy murmured. After her realisation, Riza was suddenly very aware of their positions. It finally sunk in. Thankfully, her face was out of view of Roy's. If it hadn't been, he would see the blush which had blossomed over her face. Instinctively, she wanted to move away. It was childish, but Riza had never really been close to anyone before. Everyone she had ever cared about had either left her or pushed her away. It was natural for her to want to create space…

Everyone was gone, except Rebecca and Roy.

"I don't hear Rebecca," Riza commented, clearing her throat. Get a grip Riza! Her voice wavered as she spoke. She cursed herself.

"Finally, some peace," Roy chuckled, apparently very amused by his comment. "I would offer to go and look her out, but I don't really want to move."

Riza froze, heart thudding in her chest. Something came into her mind as Roy said those words. A faint memory from not too long ago.

"Riza, I don't care either. I love you. I don't want to let you go again."

Riza swallowed. Before chickening out, she spoke. "Did you mean what you said?" Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"Mean what?"

"What you said. Before I fell asleep?"

Roy was silent. "I said a lot of things," he offered both vaguely and cautiously.

Taking a deep breath, Riza plucked up the courage. "Did you mean it when you said you loved me?" The words left her mouth in a blur. Screw hiding, Riza thought to herself. It is about time I took control over my life.

Roy was silent for a very long time. However, Riza heard his heart rate increase and his sharp intake of breath.

"Yes."

That one word, although slightly fearful, rang in Riza mind like a church bell. Roy's grip on her tightened.

One half of her couldn't believe it. Refused to believe it. How could this extremely handsome and attractive man fall for her? Another half, felt elated.

She couldn't explain it, it had all happened so fast. But Riza sure as hell wasn't going to complain, especially when the feeling was mutual.

"I love you too."