I awoke to the sound of my shower running and the sheets cool beside me, sitting up and hugging my blanket to my chest I looked around, a small smile of satisfaction gracing my lips. Looking to my clock I realised it was only 4:30 am. Riddick is up already? Sighing I gave a big stretch, wincing as my muscles protested and I was sore in places I had never been sore before.

Getting up while keeping the sheet wrapped around me was no easy feat, but I got the hang of it. Moving to my dresser I pulled out a t-shirt and underwear as well as a pair of shorts I usually slept in. Listening to make sure the shower was still running I dropped the sheet and quickly dressed. Beginning to feel slightly awkward, what will I say to him? Or do? Should I pretend to still be sleeping? But then he will probably leave without saying anything… I don't know what to do, I have never been in this type of situation before… Riddick was right when he said I was inexperienced with men, try no experience at all.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I hadn't realised the shower had shut off some time ago and was startled when he walked into my room. "I, uh hi? Or, I mean good morning…" I cursed myself for my fumbling and nervousness.

Riddick raised an eyebrow slightly and smirked. Well at least I got a response… Sort of.

"Experienced huh?" I completely ignored him and walked out, again startled by how fast he can grab me when i'm not expecting it. I smile as he leans down to kiss me softly. It quite effectively calmed me and took away any of the morning after jitters.

"would you like breakfast or something before you leave? I could make you something if you would like, I don't mind." I bowed my head slightly and stared at the floor scuffing my foot across the floorboard.

"You don't need to do that. How about I make something for the both of us?"

I swear my jaw dropped. "You can cook?" if Riddick can cook as well as he could do the dishes and other…things, he would be a good man to have around. He just gave me that half smirk and headed towards the kitchen, going through my cooling unit and taking out a couple eggs as well as a few other ingredients. I was still a little stunned with the fact he offered to cook.

There were a few things I was curious about, but was a little wary about actually asking them, I didn't want to offend the big bad ass murderer. I was fairly confident he wouldn't hurt me though. I couldn't help the smile that flitted across my lips just as he turned to look at me.

Riddick piled some eggs and bacon on my plate as well as a few hash browns, before he filled himself a plate and sat down beside me. Neither of us seemed too eager to start eating, maybe trying to prolong the moment or something, I don't know. I just knew I didn't want him to leave.

"So Riddick, where are you planning on heading?" I asked it as an innocent question.

"I don't know. Even if I did I wouldn't tell you. For your own safety. Ill figure it out when i'm off this rock." a slight shrug as he tilts his head to look my way. We lapsed into silence as we ate, it was a comfortable silence. I was about to ask for him to pass the salt when he just handed it over. I looked at him in astonishment.

"How did you know that's what I wanted?"

"Your easy to read. You should learn to hide your emotions a little more." I felt a faint blush creep up my cheeks, If he can tell I wanted salt what else could he tell? Did he know how I felt about him? Oh damn, so embarrassing… I tried to act casual as I took our dishes to the sink, running some water over them to rinse them before setting them down.

I sensed Riddick come up behind me and had just enough time to react when he grabbed me, bringing my chin down like he showed me the night before and then jabbing my elbow back to try and get him to loosen his grip, as well as going limp so he has to support my weight. He let out a grunt of pain, but didn't let me fall, just lifted me better before making sure I had myself supported and let go.

"Glad to see you remembered." he was smiling as I turned.

"Yes well what do you expect when you drilled it into my brain?"

"I expect you to never forget it and improve on your own." Thanks for the vote of confidence… "Don't need some Merc's coming and ghosting your ass just because you helped me."

"Yeah Dad I get it okay! Fuck, if you were so worried about me why did you grab me in the first place? Why me? I'm sure you would have been fine on your own! Just go already! Get out. Leave like you kept saying you would!" I turned so my back was too him, fuming mad. Out of the corner of my eye I saw his reflection in the small window over my sink as he started to leave, getting as far as the living room before he turned back and before I had time to react, spun me around and shoved me up against the wall, hard enough to knock the breath out of me.

"Why did I fucking grab you? It wasn't planned if that's what's going through your pretty little head. I was hiding in the back of that shitty little shop keeping an eye on the Merc looking for my ass. But something about you caught my interest, your spunk as you stood up to him, your honey and vanilla scent. I couldn't just leave you there. And then when you got hurt because of me…" Riddick trailed off, I was finally getting my breath back, staring up at him in a kind of wonder. No one has ever spoken to me like that, in such a harsh way and yet, almost sweet.

"I don't get it." I muttered more to myself than him. Did he just… Riddick growled at me! Actually growled! I watched as he stepped back and ran a hand over his smooth head, pacing in the tiny room. Suddenly Riddick stopped and looked at me. Walking over he gently kissed me and put something in my hand before turning and walking out of my kitchen to the front door. Stopping he half turned, his eyes shining back at me. I could feel the tears coming, trying hard to hold them back.

"Don't cry for me Shayde. I'm not worth your tears." Watching as he walked out, I realised he had used my name, running out after him I looked down the hall both ways but he was gone. Not even the sound of his footsteps could be heard. Slowly stepping back into my apartment I shut the door and touched my forehead to the cool wood.

"How did he know my name? I never told him…" remembering that he had put something into my hand I looked down only to discover it was one of his Shiv's. His best one. Looking it over I discovered in a hard to see groove, his initials. R.B.R. I smiled, knowing in my gut that one day he would be back for this. Could be months, could be years, but he would be back…

The End