I'm sorry for taking so long! Writer's block was horrible to me. Hopefully, I'll be more consistent with my updates and that this chapter is good, even though I took such a long break.

Disclaimer: Tales of Symphonia does not belong to me.

Chapter 4- Don't Fall

Sheena sat down outside Zelos's room, putting her face in her hands. She hated this feeling. This… helplessness.

The ninja was basically clueless. And she was still scared. Scared for Zelos, or rather, afraid of what he might want to do to himself. Sheena could see it in his eyes. Whether he would want to go through with it or not, she could tell that he was thinking about hurting himself again. She could hope that it was just her imagination, but she doubted that.

If she could not figure out how to help him soon, she knew that he would fall back into his self-destructive habits. Was it even possible to stop that from happening? Was it inevitable?

No, She thought, I can't think that. It won't help. I can't give up, not now. Not after everything I've done to help him.

She had resolve and stubbornness, so much stubbornness that it could even match Zelos's. She wouldn't let him fall. Not again.

With that in mind, she stood up and breathed deeply a few times, calming herself. Sheena remembered that she had to be patient with him, especially since Zelos could be the most infuriating person at times. That did not matter. She still loved him, anyway.

Entering his room, Sheena could immediately tell that he was not asleep, even though she was only looking at his back. While knowing this, she still walked over to him quietly. She shook his shoulder when she got close to him, holding back a small gasp when he jumped.

Sitting up in his bed, Zelos exclaimed, "Holy crap, Sheena! I didn't even hear you."

"You weren't even asleep." She replied, rolling her eyes.

"Hunny, you don't have to use your ninja skills or whatever here."

"Ugh, now I'm 'hunny' again?" She question, her voice thick with mock disgust.

Sheena remembered these conversations very well. They were always Zelos's attempt at avoiding something. The fact that they were having another one dismayed her, but she would not voice her concern right now.

"I could think of a different pet name if you don't like that one." He threatened, quickly showing a fake grin.

Sheena had forgotten how much she used to hate it when he would do that. She had not seem them in a while, his fake grins, laughs, or smiles. They made her want to cringe, though she fought the urge to.

"What ever happened to the banshee one?" Sheena asked, unintentionally enjoying their little banter. She could not recall the last time he had talked so much to her at once.

"You've been nicer to me." He answered simply.

"Ah."

After a momentary lapse of silence, Sheena asked, "How's your stomach?"

Zelos only shrugged, causing Sheena to sigh.

"Come on, you could at least give a verbal answer." She said impatiently.

"I don't know." He replied shortly.

Exasperated with him, Sheena let her eyes wander to the window. With Zelos's rapid mood changes, Sheena was half amazed that it was not snowing outside.

Sheena really wanted to talk about Seles. She knew that they needed to talk about her. Figuring the swordsman's current behavior, Zelos did not want to talk about his sister. The ninja was unsure as to whether she should start the conversation or let Zelos talk about it when he was ready. But, if she left it up to him, he would probably never talk about it. After all, he had kept the incident with his mother a secret for years.

It had not even been a month since Seles died. Maybe it really was too soon to talk about it. But, with each passing day, Sheena knew that the guilt was eating at Zelos more and more. That it was pushing him closer and closer to the edge. And she was not sure how much longer he could hold out. How much longer he could go without cutting himself?

So, Sheena figured that they had to talk about her now. Talking about Seles would not get any easier, no matter how much time passed.

"Zelos." Sheena said, waiting for him to look at her before continuing, "You haven't talked about Seles that much. It might help if you do."

"And if I don't want to?" He asked, his voice now calm. In Sheena's opinion, a little too calm.

"I don't think you're ever gonna want to." Sheena reasoned.

Bringing his legs to his chest, Zelos replied, "You might just be right,"

Sheena sighed but didn't question him any further. Surprisingly, Zelos spoke again, "Why are you still here?"

"W-what?!" This question startled her. What could he mean?

"Why do you stay here with me?" He asked again, this time sounding impatient.

He's not telling me to leave, is he? This thought made her nervous. Did he truly want to get rid of her? Why? Or… did Zelos think that she wanted to leave? Why would she want to leave the ex-Chosen?

"You think I want to leave?" She questioned.

"I don't talk to you." Zelos stated, "I get you mad, upset you. I just mess up." Turning his head, he muttered, "Why would you want to put up with that? With me?"

Even though, in her eyes, he had not messed anything up, the other two things he had said were true. But, the brown eyed girl had never questioned why she stayed with him. Never.

"Let me ask you something." Pausing for a moment, she continued, "Do you still love me?"

At first, she had not expected an answer, but was pleased when she heard a whispered, "Of course,"

Even though Zelos could not see it, she smiled, "That's why. 'Cause you love me, and I love you."

Reaching over to him, she rested her hand on his shoulder, not pulling away when Zelos tensed, "That's all the reason I need,"

"Really?" It seemed like his questioned would never cease.

Frowning, she replied, "Yeah,"

So, along with the insomnia and starvation, the insecurities had returned as well. That realization did not help matters. Was it possible for him to suffer from anything else?

"You shouldn't,"

This statement got Sheena's attention, "What?"

"Love me,"

Rolling her eyes, she replied, "What's gotten into you?" While she did not want to be, Sheena was starting to get annoyed… and maybe a little scared.

"Just telling you the truth." Zelos simply said.

"Why?" Sheena had no idea about what was going through his mind, but she needed to know.

"You just shouldn't,"

"That's not good enough." Sheena said, her annoyance showing in her voice.

"Maybe it's just not for you." Zelos challenged.

Where was he going with this? "What are you talking about?"

"Just leave, Sheena." His voice sounded defeated.

"Why?"

Sheena jumped when he faced her, eyes blazing with an emotion she could not identify, "Just get outta here, Sheena!"

Those words physically hurt. Was her presence upsetting him that much?

Listening to his request, or rather, demand, Sheena stood up and left his room, quietly closing the door behind her. She leaned back against the wall. Slowly, her body slid down until she was sitting on the floor. Against her will, she felt tears streaming down her face. Sobs shook her entire body even though she tried to stop them.

It seemed like her attempts at making everything better failed. Had she truly screwed everything up that badly? Would it be better if she left? How?

She had promised herself that she would not let Zelos fall again. What if she all ready had?

So, I hope this chapter didn't suck. And that no one hates me for the evil plot twist. I hope not. Even though I've been stuck on this chapter for a couple weeks, I came up with end about an hour ago.

I now have a question for anyone who wants to voice their opinion. I'm considering having a chapter be mostly about Seles's funeral. Now, should the funeral be: 1) A flashback? 2) A dream (Most likely Zelos's)? Or 3) Just have Sheena and Zelos talk about it? Let me know if you'd prefer one of these.

So, please review, even if it's about me taking too long to review. Thanks!