Chapter 6 – Argument

Aqua was sound asleep when Richard awoke. She looked like she belonged in his arms, almost smiling, cheeks and nose flushed. She was so beautiful, Richard thought. He stroked her hair and face, and she stirred but didn't wake, still smiling in her dreams. He noticed for the first time the tiny, almost invisible freckles in her nose, the little eyebrow hairs growing out of place, the slight curve of her eyelashes. He wanted to kiss her so badly, but he just couldn't dare, although having her in his arms was tempting.

Richard was still caressing her face with his fingertips, staring at her lovely face, when she softly yawned and slowly opened her eyes. She met his gaze and smiled, turning crimson red, and snuggled closer to him. They remained entwined for another half hour, feeling each other's breathing, each other's heartbeat, not wanting to leave their little private space. There was no need for words, they knew how they felt. They giggled when Richard's stomach growled, and it was time for the spell to end.

"You must think I'm weak," Aqua said while skillfully braiding her hair during the walk, a few hours later. They were walking side by side, and they hadn't mentioned their night together. Aqua had been wondering if Richard did take her seriously enough, for he seemed so strong and brave that she worried he wouldn't like a timorous girl like her.

"Why would I think that?" he asked, frowning, genuinely confused.

"Well…" Aqua started, "because I've been so scared and crying a lot lately." Richard laughed, which irritated Aqua. "Did I say something funny?" she said, like the first day. Richard stopped laughing and lifted his hands in surrender.

"That's exactly why I know you're not weak," he said, and Aqua frowned. "You're feisty," he explained. Aqua didn't consider herself feisty; in fact, she disliked confrontation. She just didn't like being mocked. "A weak person would've never sassed a military officer, even if I wasn't really one," he said, winking at her. Aqua thought that perhaps he was right. "Besides, being afraid is a smart reaction to danger, and crying just proves you're human," he smiled that swooning smile of his, and she felt better. Oh, he liked her, she was sure.

"I bet your girl Ellie never cries," Aqua quipped; Richard huffed.

"She just likes to pretend like she doesn't. A leader cannot cry," he said, with mock solemnity. This took Aqua by surprise.

"'A leader'? I thought you were their leader! How old is she, anyway? Twelve?" she said. Richard's deep laugh echoed in the jungle.

"Seventeen, actually. She'll be our leader someday," Richard explained. Aqua raised her eyebrows in disbelief.

"Yeah, well, I don't like her," she stated.

"She was just doing her job when she captured you. I'm sure you'll end up liking each other," Richard said, and it made Aqua think. He was talking about the future, as if he had already decided that she'll be staying. She couldn't say that she hadn't thought about it as well. She halted, and Richard stopped a few steps ahead of her. Aqua admitted what she'd been thinking about since the previous morning out loud for the first time.

"I don't think we're gonna find them," she said with a heavy heart. Richard looked at her, feeling sorry.

"Your family? Why do you say that?"

"Because I can feel it. We're almost done searching the island's perimeter, aren't we? And I can't…" She felt the tears coming. "If we don't find them alive, we'll find them… I can't see them…" She didn't want to cry again. She took a deep breath and continued, "Please, it's pointless. Let's stop. Please." The last word echoed in Richard's head; it sounded as broken as the times she had said it before.

"How about we finish the day's walk, yes?" he suggested. "And you'll make your final decision in the morning." Aqua thought it over and begrudgingly agreed.

"If we don't find them," which they wouldn't, she said to herself, "could I stay with you? I mean, your people," she quickly added. A smile appeared on Richard's face, and he nodded. "If there's no way off the island, at least I won't be alone. And even if there were, I don't think I'd want to leave on my own," she spoke the last part slowly, for she had noticed the slightest shift on Richard's face. "Hang on," she took a step closer to him. "Is there?" Richard wore his poker face, but he couldn't fool her; she knew he was hiding something. Richard didn't want to lie to her, but he had to.

"I'm afraid that's privileged information," he said, monotonously. Aqua huffed and rolled her eyes.

"So there is?" He didn't change his expression or say a word. Aqua grew gradually and irrationally angry, upset that he had withheld that information from her. "Privileged for whom, anyway? Huh? You and future-leader Ellie?" Her voice was raising. Richard was still a few steps in front her, immobile. Then she remembered what she had heard Ellie say outside the command tent when she met them. "Privileged for you and Jacob?" She didn't know who Jacob was, but based on Richard's almost alarmed face, she deduced he was someone important.

"Where did you hear that name?"

"From you! From Ellie! I don't care who he is, I just want to know how to get away from here!" she was yelling now, and Richard was getting just as angry, but spoke in a low voice.

"I can't give you that information. And you just said you wouldn't leave."

"I know! But if we find them…" Richard's expression was tired, tired of this girl's temper tantrum; it broke her heart. "Ugh, just! Why not?! Why can't you tell me?! Why is it privilegedinfor–"

"BECAUSE IT IS, AQUA!" Richard burst, cutting her off. "THERE'S NO WAY OFF THIS ISLAND, AND THAT IS THE END OF THIS DISCUSSION!" He turned around and kept walking angrily. Aqua fought back the tears that were threatening to fall, and she furiously grumbled, only to get a furious grumble in return. She glared but didn't go after him. Richard didn't stop until he was about seventy yards away from her. Aqua saw his shoulders go up and down with the deep breath he took, and he turned around. They stared at each other until Aqua gave up and followed him, walking three steps behind. Not a peep came from either of them for the rest of the day.

"I'm sorry I yelled at you," Richard broke the long silence. They had reached a little, beautiful cove. Despite being angry, they were eating side by side. Aqua looked over at him, happy that they were talking again.

"I yelled at you first," she admitted. "I'm sorry."

"No, no. I completely understand why you were upset. I shouldn't have gotten mad at you or screamed like that."

"And I understand that you can't tell me. I mean, not really, but I can accept it." She lowered her eyes. "I'm sorry I acted like a child."

"We both did," Richard chuckled. "Thank you for accepting it and for apologizing."

"Thank you for apologizing first," Aqua said with a smile.

"Are we back to normal now?" Aqua nodded. "How are you feeling?" She knew what he meant. She wasn't sure if she wanted to continue the search or not. Richard didn't ask again after she shrugged, and that was the end of it.

They slept on the same side of the bonfire that night. Aqua lay close to Richard, unaware of the terrible thing that was about to happen.