Lone Wolf: Chapter 7's up. Thanks to everyone who reviewed.
Hiei: You made this chapter so depressing.
Lone Wolf: I think you can guess who becomes depressed.
Hiei: It's in the first paragraph.
Lone Wolf: (sweat drops) Anyway...eh-heh. Let's just say that walking in the forest/woods by yourself gives you time to think...$100 says you guys are going to hate this chapter...
Chapter 7: Falling Into Darkness
Recap:
"Is it safe for me to ask what's more beautiful than the sunset?" Rika wondered, half whispering. Ryo leaned over and kissed her cheek. He hovered by her face for a second after, "You."
"Umm...what's with you? That's...the second time today...that...," Rika managed to get out. "I kissed you," Ryo finished, "And there's nothing wrong with me. I'm fine." A frown crossed his face, "Do you hate me, Rika?"
No. At least, I don't think I do. He's my friend isn't he? What's wrong with me? Do I like him more than that? He's a little cute, I guess...okay, fine, he's just plain cute. That's all. He's just a friend who happens to be really cute and sweet and nice and annoying and...dammit. Am I falling for him?
"Rika?" Ryo called out, pulling her out of her thoughts. "Huh..what?" "You spaced out," he replied simply. "..Oh," she drifted away from reality once again.
I'm probably dreaming. He's probably not even here. There's no way he'd say that to me. There are plenty of other girls. I'm hearing things, hallucinating. I'm losing it. Break my fall. Break it before I hit the ground.
"Rika?" Ryo said her name again. There was no response this time. "Rika?" he repeated, worriedly. She stared straight ahead, only closing her eyes to blink. Ryo leaned over to see what was wrong. Her eyes seemed dull, showing practically no emotion except a glimmer of sadness which Ryo saw. (A/N: Well, if sadness can be glimmerful. Yes, I know that's not a word. Deal with it.)
"What's wrong? Rika? What's wrong? Snap out of it. What happened?" he shook her by the shoulders.
Someone's...calling my name...that voice...it sounds so...familiar...
He probably has a girlfriend already and just didn't introduce her to us yet. Yeah, that's right. So get over him. He'll only hurt me...
"Rika!" he called out to her again.
That voice...
She closed her eyes and kept them closed for about fifteen seconds. She opened them, "What?" Ryo smiled, filled with relief, "Thank god." He hugged her tightly. Rika looked at him quizzically.
We're only friends.
"Why do you care so much?" Rika wondered. "Because I'm your friend," Ryo stated plainly.
Only friends...
"Are you scared..." Ryo started.
Of what?
"...of being hurt?" he finished. Rika stared at the water, memories of long ago filling her head.
He left me alone. He went away. He never came back. He's gone. He broke his promise.
It had been nearly eight years since her father died. After that she had become the Ice Queen. She never let anyone in, not even her mother and grandmother, until she met the other Tamers.
Is she retreating to that shell again?
"Rika." She turned her head and instantly regretted it. Violet orbs met cerulean and she sat, entranced. "Are you still afraid of falling in love?" Ryo whispered, "I won't hurt you. I promise. So please, give me a chance..."
He's giving me a chance...
"Rika, please. At least say something," he pleaded. Rika's eyes started to droop. From her seated position on the ground, she started to sway slightly. She fell forward and collapsed on Ryo's lap. It had been a long day.
Ryo sighed. He looked out towards the setting sun once more, taking in all of its beauty. He then looked down at the fiery red-head in his arms, sound asleep. Again, Ryo thought of how innocent she looked asleep.
He sighed again and stood up, still holding Rika. He began walking back to the house.
I guess I'll get my answer tomorrow...
It was 8:30. The sun was almost gone.