Disclaimer: I don't own Air Gear or any original character from it. Air Gear is rightfully owned by Oh Great!

Shira struggled to set herself free but her injured leg made it almost impossible for her to move. Meanwhile, Agito was hot on their trails. Agito sent a fang towards them. The creep ducked and managed to avoid it. The only damage the fang did was a small cut on the creep's arm and Shira's cheek. The sharp pain stung her cheek, "What the heck are you doing?! Are you trying to kill me as well?!"

"Shut up bitch! Be glad that I'm even helping you!" Agito shot back.

"Try helping WITHOUT hurting me maybe?"

A vein popped on Agito's forehead. Was this girl seriously for real? He was trying to save her sorry ass but she kept on dissing him. Could someone even explain why was he helping her again? Agito taught maybe the guilt will eventually fade away but then Akito would probably remind him over and over. Ikki would also be furious and probably kick him out his house. "Just shut your trap you ungrateful bitch!" he snapped.

Shira would have shot back a witty comeback but she was too occupied with her own problems. The ride was bumpy and Shira could tell by it that the creep wasn't much of a rider…. Agito shouldn't have a problem she taught. In fact, Agito shouldn't have a problem at all. Then why the heck was he talking so long? Shira was on her last straw. Then she remembered about the knife she always kept with her and reached for it in her skirt. Without a second thought, she stabbed the creep's lower back with as much force she could muster. The creep screamed in pain and loosens his grip on Shira's body. Shira managed to break free but her relief was immediately engulfed by fear and panic when she realised she was falling towards her end.

20 meters from the ground, Shira saw the ground as well as death, getting nearer and nearer. Shira had heard from people saying that memories of your life flashes before your eyes when you're about the die but for her, all she saw was emptiness… Emptiness and silence… As if she was floating in space, only darkness and silence around her. She felt calm and peaceful. Maybe this was what she wanted…or maybe she was just too petrified to the point that her whole body became numb. Whatever she felt, despite having a shitty life or wanting to be dead, there was a part in her deep down inside that wanted her to keep on living. She has hope…or maybe she had hope.

A single tear fell on her cheek as a blurred figure appear before her and catches the falling girl. As if someone had pressed the 'play' button of a paused video, all images and sound came back to Shira. Still in a daze, she felt her hands were wrapped tightly around something.

Agito choked, "Oi if you strangle me now then both of us will die…"

Shira blinked. She realised that she was still alive and Agito was carrying her. "Oh…" She loosens her arms which were 'strangling' Agito "…sorry"

"Eh? Why are you apologising?"

"B-because you saved me and I-I- never mind…" Shira didn't know what else to say. She wrapped her arms around Agito's neck tighter, but not too tight to the extent of straggling him, of course. She felt embarrassed because despite her 'bitchiness' towards Agito, he came and rescue her. She was also embarrassed because she wasn't strong enough to defend herself and needed someone else to protect her. She hated the fact that she needed someone. She felt pathetic and weak. She also felt bad… for mistreating Agito. Ikki was right, Agito does have a soft spot.

After a while they finally landed on the ground. Agito found a park bench and carefully seated Shira. He then carefully examined her leg. Shira bent over slightly to see, "Is it bad?" she asked.

"You've just twisted your ankle. Nothing serious…" he assured. Agito then crouched with his back to Shira, "Come"

"Huh?"

"Do you want to ride on my back or you do want me drag you around? Your choice!"

"Oh. Please say so at least..." Shira said as she put her hands on his shoulders.

Agito made sure he had a firm grip on her legs before taking off. "Which direction is your apartment?" he asked.

Shira pointed to right and they resumed their journey. As Agito took up speed Shira had to wrap her hands around his neck so she wouldn't fall. Agito was fast. The wind he made was strong and cold. Shira shivered, partly to the cold and partly because she was still a bit shaken about the incident. Suddenly Agito stopped and set her down

"Hey what's wrong?" Shira asked.

"Nothing," he replied while turning away. "No. I mean… Akito wouldn't shut up."

"Huh?" Shira was confused.

"He wouldn't shut up because he is worried about you," Agito explained. "He said that you're pretty shaken and it's best you shouldn't be alone…"

"B-but I have nowhere else to go… I don't really have close friends"

Agito switched his eye patch. An orange eye and a warm smile greeted her. "Then you can come with us!" Akito said. "Ikki is there! And there are three other girls living there so you don't have to worry!"

"That's really nice of you but I'll be fine by myself so you don't have to worry" Shira gave an assuring smile. As much as she wanted to, Shira didn't want to trouble them.

"But you're shivering" Agito said, not buying her act.

"It-it's just the col-"

Before she could even finish her sentence, Shira was in Akito's surprise embrace. Heat started to rose up her face. She wiggled to break thru but the more she tried, the tighter Akito's embrace was. "W-what are you doing? Let go!" Shira said in confusion.

"You're cold aren't you?" Akito whispered, "I'm not letting go until you stop shivering"

Shira tried to object but the only thing that came out were a few squeaks. She was totally lost for words. Her body was completely frozen in Akito's arms like a mannequin. She could hear her own heart beating so fast and loud Akito probably could hear it too.

A few minutes passed, Shira finally gave up. She couldn't take it much longer. It's been a long day and she was getting tired. Her body surrendered to fatigue….or maybe it surrendered to Akito. Either way, Akito had won.

"Hey, Akito…" said Shira, with heavy eyelids.

"Hm?" he replied, softly.

"If the only way for you to let me rest is at your place then fine, I'll go. I'm really tired." She muttered.

"Okay" he smiled, obviously pleased.

Before Akito could even switch his eye patch, Shira fell asleep in his arms. He giggled as he swaps his eye patch. Agito only sighed as he took over. He too was very tired. He carried Shira bridal style and headed home.

The day finally came to an end. Agito quietly opened the front door, took off his ATs and tip-toed his way to his room. He carefully laid Shira on his bed. He then tossed his jacket and pants to the side, leaving him in only boxers and his white t-shirt. His eyelids grew heavier and heavier every second. He was so tired that he could even fall asleep while standing. He dragged his feet back to his bed. With eyes almost closed, he carefully pulled his blanket over Shira, tucking her in.

OMG I UPDATED! haha Sorry last year I had to focus on my studies and even after the exam I was too lazy to do anything really. lol. and yeah the chapters are getting shorter and shorter x( Dont worry, the shorter the chapters, the faster the updates right? (not) hahaha I've reread the earlier chapters and notice some grammar mistakes. I'll try to fix them in the future. Sometimes my fingers move on its own and not according to my brain so thats why some words are illogical LOL. Anyway I hope you like this chapter! I MIGHT add some citrus in the story if you guys want it. haha just mention it in the review but it wont be some hardcore stuff just mild lime/lemon.

cheers!

Jabyss-x