Chapter 4: He Loves Me

When Yona awoke she found herself warm and cuddled up against Hak's body; meanwhile Hak himself seemed to be lightly dozing. She watched his face as he slept. He seems to be in a peaceful sleep. She mused. There were no worry lines, no dark looks, nor did his face seem to hold that look that made her worry about him. He seemed at peace at that very moment. I'm glad. She thought and smiled as she laid her head back on his chest. The arm wrapped around her waist tightened before loosening, his eyes slowly opened and looked down at the woman in his arms. Yona's face was turned away so he did not see that she was awake. Leaning forward he placed his lips on the top of her head and inhaled her scent.

Yona, for the most part thought he was still asleep until she heard him speak. "I'll always protect you." He mumbled. "Just as I'll always love you."

Her heart suddenly thundered in her ears and hammered against her chest. He loves me? Her eyes widened at his confession. He loves me. Slowly her eyes returned to their normal size before a smile spread across her lips. He loves me. She turned against his body aa her face turned slightly red. When did this happen? Has he always loved me? Her mind flashed to several instances back at Hiryuu Castle where he had teased her about loving Su-won. Did he love me before we were forced to leave? Her mind came across the memory of herself tied up in the courtyard and he'd saved her. Him apologizing for not being there sooner. Was I so stupid that I never saw his loyalty to me as something other than friendship? She closed her eyes and felt tears begin to fall down her cheeks as more memories of him and her together appeared in her mind. Him pressing her against that cliff, teasing her. The time she had thorns in her hands and he used honey to get them out. Jae-ha's teasing about Hak wanting to hide her away and keep her to himself. I'm so stupid! Why didn't I see this before? She wondered as she felt her cheeks heat up more. Because I wasn't ready. She thought as she remembered her feelings for her cousin. I had love right in front of me yet I wanted somebody who never wanted me that way. Lifting her face from it's position she looked up at Hak who was looking at her with wide eyes. We've kissed, but I never realized that the feelings behind those kisses were so...complicated.

Yona reached up and placed her hand on his cheek. Hak's eyes widened ever so slightly as she traced his jaw, her thumb running against his lips. He placed his hand over hers. Leaning downward he went to kiss her.

"Yona! Hak!" came Kija's voice outside the cave.

Yona's eyes widened as she suddenly jumped slightly and pulled away from Hak's arms. Her cheeks alight and slightly embarrassed.

Hak growled at the intrusion. His hands tightened into fists. Damn that white snake! He mentally snarled in frustration. His blood still felt hot, just as his face where Yona had touched him. He lifted his hand and touched where her hand had been mere moments ago.

Yona quickly stood up and ran over to the cave entrance, a cool wind from outside touched her overheated face. "Kija!" She called out into the darkening forest. Seconds ticked by when suddenly the white dragon followed by the others emerged from the forestry. Yun was being carried by Jae-ha on his back. The young man was covered in mud and didn't look too happy.

"Yona!" They all cried out at seeing the red haired princess and ran over to her.

Zeno smiled as he threw his arms around her. "Zeno is so happy to see you Little Miss!"

"We were so worried!" Kija cried out.

"Yes. Very." Jae-ha added as they walked into the cave the green dragon noticed Hak in the corner not looking to happy to see them. Raising an eyebrow he smirked and wondered just what the thunder beast had been planning on doing with their young mistress.

"Yun!" Yona cried out at seeing the pretty boy being carried by Jae-ha. "What happened?"

The young man looked slightly embarrassed as his cheeks across the bridge of his nose turned red. "I-I fell." He stuttered not wanting to go into any details.

"Fell?" She asked before looking at the warriors next to her. Ao jumped onto her shoulder. She looked at Shinah for an explanation.

"The cliffs were slick." The blue dragon explained. "Yun slipped over the side."

"Yep. I grabbed him though." Jae-ha explained. "Unfortunately his leg is sprained."

Yun groaned. "This has never happened to me...ever!" He cried out. His cheeks burning red at such a ruckus over nothing.

"Yun!" Yona gasped after Jae-ha placed the young man down on the ground across from Hak. Wrapping her arms around the young man Yun's face first showed shock before his face began turning a deeper red. "You are important to us! Please try to take better care of yourself!"

"Uh." He stated in shock as he jumped slightly at the hug from her. Turning his face away he gave a nod as she pulled away though she held both his hands in her own. "I'll do better." He mumbled as he scratched his cheek with a finger.

Yona gave a nod. "Mm." She said in agreement. Looking at the others she released Yun's hands. "Now." She stood up. "We need to find more dry wood. Clean water for both cleaning the mud off you guys and dinner. Then we need to find some of our belongings and bring them here."

There were some groans from the group before Hak stood. "I'll get the stuff from camp." He said as he walked out into the darkening forest.

Kija sighed. "I'll get the water." He turned and walked out.

"I suppose that leaves me and Shinah to get the wood." Jae-ha said with a smile as he looked at the young blue dragon.

"Yona." Shinah said her name quietly as Jae-ha grabbed him by his clothes and dragged him out of the cave.

Yona giggled at Shinah's resistance to Jae-ha. Turning back to Yun she saw the young man had fallen asleep against the wall of the cave. Smiling she walked over to where Hak's second layered shirt was laid out. Picking it up she laid it onto Yun so he'd stay warm. Sighing she turned towards Ao who had stayed behind. "Let's see if we can find some food for everyone."

"Pikyuu!" Ao answered back to her as they wondered out of the cave and into the now dark night.

M-Angel: Yay! I updated! I hope everybody had an awesome Memorial Day Weekend!