April

x x x

"Ah…miss? Is everything alright?"

A bedraggled Sheena darted her eyes toward the shop owner in front of her, her hands still feeling around anxiously in her rucksack. "I…I think I'm short a bit. Let me just put something back, I thought I had brought more than this with me—"

Smiling kindly, the old woman looked over the handful of coins. "It's just a small difference now, isn't it? Don't worry about it this time. Just get yourself home. The weather's sounding quite nasty."

As if in agreement, a short growl of thunder spoke up as the girl mumbled a profuse thanks, flinching slightly as the noise startled her. She then paid quickly and gathered up her purchases, slipping out the door in a flash to stand under the shop's awning and stuff the items into her bag. She never remembered a handful of apple gels costing her an arm and a leg before. Indeed, it was times like this that she really missed having Raine around, no matter how poorly they got along. Her magic had undoubtedly been a great relief, especially when supplies were running low. Now she had to always make sure she had a fully stocked arsenal of first aid on her, or risk the consequences.

And, speaking of consequences, she thought with a snort, it now seemed she would be spending a bit longer in Meltokio than she had planned. Of course, the day had seemed wonderful when she arrived…after all, she had just been given the honor of being a diplomat for Tethe'alla, an emissary of peace to forge what would hopefully be a good relationship between the newly reunited worlds. Even her dislike of the pompous city couldn't spoil something exciting such as that, and today she had arrived to accept the position with much enthusiasm. Before she could leave, however, what had begun as just a somewhat cloudy day turned into a light spring shower as she entered the gates of her destination. Only a few hours later, it had intensified into a flash thunderstorm. Not completely unusual, but inconvenient to say the least.

Needless to say, flying the Rheaird back to Mizuho in the midst of lightning was probably a bad idea, no matter how much better she had gotten about that particular fear of hers. She was going to have to stay in town for a few more hours. Not the most welcoming thought in the world, but…there had been another situation that needed her attention, and frankly, it would have to be soon. A rambunctious butterfly flapped around in her stomach whenever she thought about that. The stack of unanswered letters in her dresser from a certain someone was a shady reminder of her own stubbornness.

Or, perhaps she just wasn't very forgiving.

Well, how could anyone fault her for that? She was justified in feeling a bit irritated when the moron had spent the past few months staring at her chest and grabbing at her poor self. He was loud, irritating, and completely full of himself more often than not. She shouldn't be wasting any time on him, not when there were other things to be worrying about.

But the truth was…she missed him. She missed him so very much. And there wasn't a thing in the world that could change that, no matter how hard she had tried.

Leaning her body more fully against the shop's brick wall, Sheena could not help but feel extremely reluctant about their fragile relationship. Yes, he did occupy her thoughts quite often these days. What else was new? She had always been smitten by his affection toward her. But that did not change the facts, and she knew quite well that she still had no idea what her feelings for him were anymore. He had crushed her heart with his juvenile mistreatment of her feelings, even more than he realized. Though she now understood the reasons for his behavior towards her as of late, it still had bred in her a certain wariness of the young man she had once trusted.

For a few moments her mind was silent, taking in the tranquil sound of the rain mixed with the sweet smell of wet trees and soil. Even in the city, nature was willing to offer some clarity to those who knew how to find it. Her heart fixated strongly on one thought, a thought that came to her every night when she drifted off to sleep. She needed to see that flirtatious smile of his again. She needed to hear him say her name, or flash that sky-colored gaze mischievously in her direction. A month was too long to spend just daydreaming, especially being that she had left him with no idea of how she felt about him…about them.

She pulled up her sleeve in some annoyance, stealing a glance at the delicate watch that adorned her wrist. Even that made her think of him; a gift he had given her a few years ago when she had turned seventeen. He was always thoughtful like that, even when many others were more than happy to turn their back on her.

Quickly, the slightly frustrated woman forged a solution in her head. As it was only a quarter to five, she could, in theory, have the spare time to pay a short visit. Then, if the storm still hadn't blown over, there would be no trouble in staying overnight at the inn. Free lodging services were one of those spiffy perks of being in the employ of the crown, and rightfully so.

Now that the plan was laid out in front of her, she resolved that she would just have to follow through with it, if only to put her troubled mind to rest. He certainly did cause her to spend a lot of time wondering, dreaming, worrying…

Oh, if only Corrine were still with her. What would he have told her to do? She touched at the bell in her pocket fondly, thinking of the little spirit with a lingering sadness. That question couldn't be answered anymore. She would have to figure this one out on her own.

She sighed heavily, massaging her temples in frustration. Nowadays, just thinking of that stupid boy made her feel like she had fireworks inside of her. She loved how it felt when he hugged her tightly, or teased her hair with a playful grin…and she still could not escape the memory of those brilliant golden wings that flooded the darkness like a glowing star, and his gentle kiss to her forehead after rescuing her from that godsforsaken trap hole. Indeed, not the first time he had been fierce about keeping her safe. He watched out for her when she wasn't thinking clearly…even when he knew he'd get no thanks for it.

Zelos Wilder was a loyal friend, to say the very least. A friend she didn't want to ever, ever lose.

She thought on it all for a moment, brushing a few stray hairs out of her eyes nervously. Then, before she knew it, she was scurrying out into the rain in an all-too-familiar direction. Towards him. Towards that idiot; her idiot. The only one that knew just how to make her heart flutter so frantically, how to disarm her carefully crafted defenses, and sometimes, even how to leave her utterly speechless.

All it took was a wink of those lucid blue eyes, and a teasing little smile in her direction…

x x x

The fiery-headed former Chosen lay curled up comfortably on a fluffy plush loveseat, napping in the soft light of the fireplace. He had a blanket wrapped tight around him in a vaguely cocoon-like manner, hair flipped carelessly into his face like an old sheepdog. After a boring afternoon of attending discussions between Tethe'alla's former church of Martel and Sylvarant's respective religious organization, he had come home with the intent to take a hot shower and promptly fall asleep. Enjoying one of his favorite dreams happened to be a bonus, as was currently the case. Mumbling happily in his sleep, Zelos buried himself deeper into the welcoming warmth of the blankets.

Not too long ago, he couldn't have ever dreamed of feeling so carefree. Now, as he had begun to find out, the little things in life truly were some of the most enjoyable. Drifting off into slumber to the gentle sound of rain…

A sudden sound jerked him awake, wrenching him unwillingly back into consciousness. The doorbell. He groaned in irritation, rolling over and ignoring the noise. After two more rings, however, he pulled himself to his feet and shook his disheveled locks out of his eyes. Visitors had become increasingly less common these days; especially once the shrill, pampered female population had caught on to his rejection of them. The wolfpack didn't come looking for him anymore, in fact. Just as well, though, being that he no longer needed them to keep up appearances. He didn't have any doubts that they would find some fool of a rich, nameless guy to enhance their status with. One they could control, unlike himself.

The walk to the entryway felt like a lifetime, but after once more attempting to un-muss his hair, he pulled the door open on an unexpected sight for sore eyes.

Her soft features in a haphazard smile, the young ninja stood with a hand on her hip and her glossy bangs damp with precipitation. "Did you crawl to the door?" she asked sarcastically, though only in friendly teasing. "Took you long enough, keeping a girl waiting…"

Zelos flushed slightly in response, unprepared for her appearance outside of his sexy dreams. "Mmm…was sleeping, hunny. I wasn't anticipating a banshee house-call."

Disregarding their typical banter for a moment, Sheena instead had knitted her eyebrows in thought as if something had just occurred to her. "Oh…what happened to Sebastian? He isn't sick, is he?"

"Ah, not exactly." The redhead's face fell a bit at her question. "He's been in Sybak for the week. His brother's a pretty old guy, and he's got pneumonia. Seles used to come down with that a lot…nasty thing to have."

She nibbled at her lip, looking down at her hands. "I—I'm sorry to hear that."

"Don't worry about it too much. There's nothing to be done except hope for the best." Despite his words, the ex-Chosen had a similar expression of sadness. "Well, why don't you come in then, sweetie? Before you end up sick, too."

Sheena nearly jumped a foot when she felt his hand gently take her own, leading her into the warmth of the home. Less than a season ago, she had come to see him almost regularly when business called her into the city…and sometimes, she would take a special visit just to spend some time in his company. And he would always hail her with an excited smile, kissing her face gratefully before their lips found each other. She loved those moments.

The smile on his face was extremely reminiscent of those times as they stood together in the entryway, an awkward tension wafting between them. Relief coursed through her at once when he took her up in his arms in a friendly hug of greeting, her cheek pressed up against his neck in a way that always made her feel safe.

"Did you get any of my letters?" he asked faux-casually as he released her from his embrace, appearing faintly nervous for her response. "I mean—you're probably busy with a lot of things, I'm sure, I just wondered…"

"I…did, yes." The young woman scratched the side of her nose idly, her maple eyes avoiding his in a deliberate way. "I haven't had much time lately though, you're right about that. I was meaning to get back to you but, ah, I figured I'd just drop by in person."

"Oh, sure, yeah…" Zelos glanced uncomfortably at her precarious expression. Of all people, he could catch her in a lie after being with her for all of these years. Not that he entirely blamed her for the strangeness between them; his former status called for a lot of false fronts, and she didn't like a single one of them. Least of all the skirt-chasing Chosen façade.

And even without all of that nonsense, there was still a certain something about their circumstances that made things difficult. He loved her so deeply, the friend and beautiful woman that she was, but she also seemed so distant from him at times. Even still, she was hesitant to trust him, and he was often left confused as to how they should proceed in the feelings they shared. As it was, they had different problems than most couples. Their problems weren't over family or money…they were instead put at odds by their own futures; she as a leader, and he as an important figure in reforming the new world.

"Don't suppose I could get you something to drink, now, could I? Maybe something warm? I have some hot tea still on the stove." He flashed her a courteous grin when she looked up at him, having been politely taking off the light coat she brought with her. She hung it up on the coat rack, along with her small bag, before nodding.

Following him into the luxurious kitchen, she blushed slightly when he pulled out a chair for her to sit on. His kitchen table, large and made of some expensive polished wood, was familiar to her. They had shared dinner together on a great many occasions, though sometimes less frequently when their lives got busy. She had even cooked for him a few times herself…well, with mixed results. At least he was nice enough to pretend to like her not-so-amazing dishes, she thought wryly.

After sliding a cup and saucer in front of her, the former Chosen poured her some sweet-smelling apple tea in a rather inexpert fashion. Having a seat next to her, he watched her sip it with her best impression of dainty, something that didn't fit her very well. He smiled a bit when she wasn't looking; being snobbish never did fit her. One of the many reasons he had fallen for her like a ton of bricks.

"So, you haven't told me why you're in town, Sheena…" He traced the curves of her body with his eyes as he asked this, roaming over the neat pink bow at her waist, the supple swell of her chest, and her dark raven hair against her pale neck. He watched her take another sip of tea, daydreaming yet again about kissing those soft pink lips of hers, and then perhaps sneaking his hands down to her shapely hips. As was fairly typical, her response was almost lost entirely in his little moment of fantasizing.

"Accepting my new job as an emissary of peace," she stated simply, setting her teacup down with a clink. His attention snapped back to her when her brown gaze turned to him suspiciously. "I was a little surprised about the offer, to be honest."

The redhead faltered for a reaction momentarily, unsure how he should appear. "Eh—that's good news then, isn't it? I'm sure the king must owe you something like that, after all you did for Tethe'alla." Mentally, he wanted to smack himself. He continued, grinning despite her skeptical expression. "Congrats, sweetheart. That's right up your alley, I would think."

Sheena returned his smile slyly, leaning her cheek against her hand as he was doing. "Indeed it is."

Neither of them said a word for a moment. The sound of the rain filled the silence with a relaxing tempo, lending the air a surreal feeling of disconnect that the young pair both took a notice to. Agitated by the silence, Zelos laid his head down upon folded arms in a childlike gesture of awkwardness. The young woman beside him took a sip of her tea before making a pass at conversation.

"So, you've been well lately? I'm sure your fanclub is as enthusiastic as ever…" She was looking at her hands once again as she said this, though it wasn't a bitter statement. In her mind, she knew he wasn't serious about the things he said concerning his 'hunnies,' but she did still feel a certain distaste for the unpleasant mob.

"Not particularly," he laughed quietly, answering her second question. "Haven't been bothered by them in quite a while, actually. Not that I expected anything different. I doubt they'd even remember my name, anyway, unless 'Chosen One' precedes it."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Sheena answered back in an equally soft tone, even though she knew she wasn't the least bit sorry. "I guess you got used to a lot of adoration after I left for Sylvarant, huh?"

"Sort of." His bright blue eyes looked at her with a certain kind of vulnerability. "I mean, of course it's funny to have people act like you're the best thing since sliced bread. But none of it's real; little primadonnas like that are just looking for an arm to latch on to at parties, like some kind of designer handbag to flaunt at their friends. There's nothing to it."

"I figured as much," she snorted, blowing her wandering bangs out of her face. "Most people never did treat you with any actual respect, let alone care about you as a person."

Zelos blinked back at her. "Most people," he echoed in agreement, his expression vague with sadness. He paused, reaching over boldly to touch her face with his hand; she looked surprised in return, like a deer in headlights. "But you never were most people, were you?"

She opened her mouth to say something, something that never formed into an articulate thought. Their eyes were perilously locked, observing each other like an optical illusion. There would have been no telling how long they would have stayed that way had a loud crack of thunder not interrupted the silence.

The former Chosen removed his hand from cupping her cheek, frustrated with the lost opportunity. He resolved to simply extend his hospitality before she got completely uncomfortable and left altogether. "Ah, hunny, I'm just putting this offer out there, but if you're going to be staying in town overnight, you're more than welcome to one of the spare rooms." He gestured casually upward, hoping that she didn't take it the wrong way. "—That is, it's at least more comfortable than the inn. And you get your own personal room service, if you need anything." This time he smiled crookedly and pointed toward himself.

Still staring at him blankly, the ninja's face slowly broke out into a smile. She pinched the bridge of her nose with her fingers, shaking her head in exaggerated exasperation. "Zelos Wilder…you're lonely, aren't you?"

His eyes widened slightly at her directness. "Mm—"

Sheena giggled softly, something she almost never did. She was thinking of his countless letters, each one a little more desperate than the last. 'I haven't seen you around town lately, have things been going alright? Don't be a stranger, you can stop by any time you're in Meltokio. I'm always around, you know.'

"You don't need to be so worried, Zelos," she told him through another quiet snicker. "We're not strangers. In fact…"

She bit her lip nervously, never meeting his eyes as she leaned over and pressed her lips against his. Intentionally, she made sure not to give him time to respond, pulling back from his warm mouth to instead blush furiously as she finished her thought. "I missed you too, you dork…"

An excited, goofy grin overtook his features as he examined her reddened face in delight. That was a treat he wanted more of…a treat he definitely missed. She was his girlfriend, after all, even when she refused to speak to him. She was his, and he was hers. And, without a doubt, he wanted a whole lot more kisses to come.

Taking her face in his hands once again, his eyes were radiant with anticipation. She smiled back at him as he leaned forward, whispering into her cheek, "Care to make up for lost time?"

A/N: Lalala, that's the end of this episode! Thank goodness! Maybe I can attempt to catch up on updating now, hm? I hope so. I've got a new laptop on the way so things will be more promising from then on out.

Now I have to wait around a bit longer for Ghost Hunters to be on! Weehoo! *dance* I'll proofread this after, so don't bitch at me! Hehe.

Love ya, and don't forget to REVIEW!

-FP