Chapter 4 : Safe...For Now
A couple of days later her healing pod opens and she falls out, if it wouldn't have been for Shiro she would've hit the ground. He helps her to her feet and once she sees who helped her she quickly pulls him into a hug. A small sad smile crawls across his face as he hugs the frail girl back. He couldn't help but wonder what the crowned prince had done to her.
The two pull away and she asks, "I-Is Hunk a-awake?"
"Yeah but I can make you something." He replies wrapping his arm around her comfortingly.
They walk down the hallway and it doesn't take them long to reach the kitchen. Shiro get a plate and then takes the food goo nozzle, placing it near the plate. Pressing the lever green goo spurts out onto the plate. After putting a desired amount Shiro puts the goo nozzle back in its holster on the wall. Picking up the fork next to her plate she begins to shove the food goo into her mouth. This was so much better than what she was forced to eat back on Lotors' ship. She couldn't help but scarf the whole plate down.
After she finishes she gets off the chair and puts her plate and fork in the sink. "Come on everyone's gonna be so excited to see you."
They leave the kitchen and ride the elevator up to the bridge where Allura, Coran, and the other Paladins were waiting. The door opens and she hesitantly follows close behind Shiro. Heading into the room the tension was soon lifted once everyone saw Aria was up, they all ran over to her and hugged her. The first person who had grabbed her was Lance. He was so happy she was awake. Everyone piled in for a group hug.
When they all pull away from her they notice a few tears streaming down her face. Everyone was confused but before anyone could say anything Lance asks, "Aria, why are you crying?"
"I...I...j-just…" She was having a little trouble getting her words out, there was still a looming fear of getting hit or bit. "I...j-just missed y-you guys.."
"We missed you too." Allura replies giving her a comforting smile, those were the smiles she missed so much. They reassured her and made her feel like everything was going to be okay. "I am glad you are finally back with us."
Aria wipes away her tears and then says to everyone, "I know you are all excited to see me but I am going to my room, relax a little."
"Take your time to adjust." Shiro starts, "We're here for you if you need us."
She gives him a sad smile and then heads to her room. Everyone could see it, it broke their hearts to see her like this. They feared she'd never be the same or even close to her old self. Hunk looks to everyone and then asks once she's completely out of the room, "Is she gonna be okay?"
"I don't know, Hunk. I really don't know." Shiro replies, a sad expression covers his face.
When she got back to her room she shut the door and sat on her bed. She felt so lost...so wrong… What would they do if they found out she was pregnant with the Lotors' demon baby? She was already terrified and it just added to the stress she was already under.
Moments later she's rushing to the bathroom to throw up the food goo she had eaten. After heaving she leans with her back propped up against the wall. Tears were streaming down her face, the puke in the toilet wasn't normal, it's a purplish color. She felt so alone and scared.
The door to her room opens and she hears a voice ask, "Aria, you okay?"
She knew exactly who it was by the sound, it made her hug her knees to chest. She didn't want to face him, she couldn't, not after what Lotor did to her. Keith's footsteps got louder and louder until they finally just stopped. She could feel his presence next to her. He stoops down to the floor and sits down next to her. So many things were racing through his head, he's never been good at comforting people. That was more of Lance or Hunk's job.
He slowly reaches his hand out and starts to rub her back. Her head quickly snaps up and she looks deep into Keith's eyes, noticing that it wasn't Lotor touching her. More tears started to fall from her eyes, she felt so horrible for thinking that Keith was Lotor. She buries her head again and starts to mutter sorry, over and over again. Keith picks her up and gently places her on his lap, wrapping his arms around her pulling her close to his chest.
He gently rubbed her back and whispered sweet and comforting things into her, helping her calm down. "He's never going to touch you again, I promise you.."
She rests her head in the crook of his neck, breathing in his familiar scent. She couldn't help but feel safe in his arms. He moves a hand up and gently touches her face, feeling her warm skin beneath his touch. "Aria, you're burning up. Are you feeling okay?"
"I feel okay, just a little tired." She mumbles out, nuzzling herself back into Keith's warm neck.
He gets to his feet and carries her to the bed, laying her down gently. Walking towards the door she says something that stops him right in his tracks, "Keith…..c-can y-you stay?"
He turns around and gives her a look that held no emotion. She lays her head on the pillow and then pulls the blanket over her shoulder, then pats the bedside near her. He walks over to the bed and sits down, kicking his feet up. She lays her head on his leg and starts to close her eyes. He gently runs his fingers through her hair and she falls asleep.
Keith quits playing with her hair and gently places a kiss to her forehead. He knew he was going to do everything in his power to help her and make her feel safe and loved. Because after everything she's been through in the past month she deserves to be happy and loved.
Word Count : 1074
