Okay, I'm updating again so soon-don't have a heart attack! Lol We're getting closer and closer to the end, and I really hope everyone's been enjoying this story!

Disclaimer: I only own the plot and Leah.

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Chapter 13

At all costs, Lea avoided Nick. She didn't want to know what he was thinking about her or hear what he most likely had to say. It would seem that he would finally admit that they were too different and couldn't be friends anymore…and especially not more then friends.

So in avoiding him, Lea thought bitterly as she dressed, she was really carrying out what she was avoiding. It didn't make sense and only made her mood turn from bad to worse. It had been a week, and she could feel herself quickly turning back into her old smile-less, bitter, angry at the world self.

Stepping outside, Lea felt the shock run through her at the sight. The clouds above were dark and luminous, and the rain fell down in torrents. She had been so busy thinking about her gloomy situation that she hadn't even heard the rain or looked out the window. So it did rain here, even in this dream like place. Lea was pleased to find that even the most perfect places had rain.

Lea didn't hesitate but stepped out into the rain, letting the cold water wash over her and drench her clothing and hair. Soon she was soaked through but couldn't feel any better. Finally something real. Rain.

She was so thankful for the rain. It showed her that even the things everyone else saw as perfect-wasn't. Even the most beautiful place on earth had its down days. There were several reasons she loved the rain, but the top reason was because it was like her.

Everyone always considered the bright, sunny days as the normal, and dubbed the rainy, stormy days as the abnormal. Everyone liked the bright, sunny days. No one ever liked the rainy, stormy days.

Except her.

She was considered the abnormal, the one people didn't like. Just like the rain.

Lea wanted to stand there forever and let the soothing water wash over her, the feeling showing her that she was in the real world still. Despite all the goody two shoes people that were around- the world was still real.

Staring at her shoes as she walked, Lea wandered off, not even thinking about where she was going. Who really cared? Eventually she looked off into the distance, starring at the rain falling for miles and miles, not lightening in the least.

Lea walked far, not realizing just how far she had gone until she looked back and saw the buildings quite a ways away. Still unable to get herself to care in the least, she sat down in the large field. There was no sound of thunder or a hint of lightning, so she knew it wasn't dangerous.

After what seemed like hours, some one sat down next to her, and her heart rate sped up. There was only one person who would join her-especially under such inconvenient circumstances. Lea forced herself to stare straight ahead, hugging her knees tightly to her chest and trying to rid herself of feeling very small.

It was hard to ignore Nick's hand on her back but she managed. He wanted to work this out-to still be friends. Was it any use, though? They were plainly much too different in there opinions and characteristics.

Chewing her lip, Lea forced herself to be unresponsive but was completely unprepared for Nick's arms to wrap tightly around her. She felt him pull her close against him, resting his chin on her head. It didn't take long until she gave in- turning slightly to bury her face in his neck and let the tears fall silently as she clung tightly to his shirt.

"If I said I was sorry, would you accept my apology?" Lea mumbled, not sure if he would even be able to hear her over the loud rain falling. She felt his fingers in her hair and took comfort in the fact that he cared enough to come out into the pouring rain, sit in the mud with her, and give her some much needed comfort.

"Every time." Nick whispered so softly that she almost missed it. Almost. After getting herself to calm down and relax, Lea realized just how cold she had become.

"Are you cold?" he asked concerned, not missing her shiver as he pulled back to look at her face with a small frown. Lea smiled at him and shrugged, an arm wrapping around his neck to run her fingers through his sopping wet curls.

"You have no jacket to offer me." She chuckled, relieved when the familiar smile spread across his face at her words.

"I'd give you the shirt off my back." Nick informed her with a twinkle in his eyes, and Lea wondered briefly how seriously he took those words. Watching the rain run down his face, she couldn't help but love the rain that much more because of the moment.

"That isn't necessary. I'd be more comfortable if you'd keep you shirt on." Lea stated with a grin, and rested her forehead against his. Vaguely, she wondered if she was hurting his cut, but brushed the thought aside.

"Do me favor," Nick spoke up suddenly, looking so desperate that Lea felt herself beginning to worry again before he went on, "Please give up fighting."

"Nick…" she sighed, "I know I should…its habit."

"Old habits die hard, but it isn't impossible." He replied instantly, keeping her in his intense gaze and making her squirm guiltily. They both knew he was right and she should agree, "…Please…"

"If you stop looking at me like that." Lea laughed, but gave him a serious nod so he would know she really was agreeing, "I hate when you look at me like that."

"Like what?" Nick asked curiously raising an eyebrow, the relief at her correct answer showing even though they didn't speak any more of it.

"Like…like I'm something special." She muttered, her fingers still playing with his hair, water still running down them and making them both colder.

"I don't think I can stop, then." He chuckled, holding her tighter to his chest and kissing her cheek sweetly before resting his forehead on hers again.

Cue the "aw!"!

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