The day passed with Lina and Gourry fighting bandits. Gourry didn't have the time to ponder on what seemed to bother him about what Leon said about Lina being his girlfriend. So when they finally hit the sack, Gourry stayed awake for a bit to figure out what was bugging him. He wasn't usually bothered by comments like that, but something about it hit a sensitive spot, and that surprised him.
He thought back to the days when he and Leon were mercenaries together and he just kept on fighting, using his skills to earn a buck. Back then, he didn't really have a goal or purpose. He just wanted to earn his living and keep the Sword of Light safe so that his family would stop squabbling about it. He realized that changed when he met Lina and decided to be her guardian. Sure, at the beginning he thought that he was just helping out a damsel (who turned out to be a kid) in need of protection, although he soon realized that wasn't the case at all. In fact, he might be the one in need of protection from the short-tempered sorceress. *sweatdrop*
But then as he got to know Lina, he somehow wanted to continue staying by her side despite knowing that she could take care of herself. He enjoyed her company. He hadn't quite enjoyed himself like that for a while, he realized. With her, he could relax and just be, not thinking about his past and family troubles. With her he could have fun, be silly and have crazy adventures. He was also never short on combat practice when he was with her as trouble seemed to follow the girl where ever she went. Never a dull moment.
She was also fun to tease…although that often ends up in him getting blasted away. Like yesterday he was just teasing her about her breasts. He did touch them and got blasted for it. He then remembered how surprisingly soft and supple they were, not as flat as he pointed out... At that memory his face suddenly heated up and blood seemed to rush to places Lina would kill him for if she knew. He realized what was happening and mentally scolded himself. Damn, he thought. What did he get himself into? In all honesty though, he couldn't say he didn't like it.
Steering his mind to nobler thoughts, he thought that it was sweet of Lina to think about his friendship with Leon. At first he didn't register it, but then later he realized that Lina was indeed responsible for the explosion that got rid of that crook who was Leon's boss, and that she did that so that they won't have to fight anymore (and not just for the Milsar, although that must have been a good reason too). They were stupid to keep fighting, and Lina blasted them both for that. He was thankful to Lina, despite the rough way she helped out. That's Lina for you. He chuckled. Hmm..I guess that's why Leon said that she was a good partner. He noticed too. He smiled to himself.
Meanwhile, in her room, Lina couldn't sleep either. Damn that Leon! Why'd he have to point that out?! I mean, yeah, Gourry and I are not in a relationship, not that kind anyway...but to hear Gourry deny it twice somehow was a bit hurtful. Stupid Jellyfish.
Hmph! Whatever. I got my Milsar anyway! Hah!
And the journey goes on.~