Chapter 8: Morning [G]

His breath was ragged and his arm hurt as he got up from his knees. A distant scream. Two men's bodies and a woman's laying near him he noticed, and it was hot. Scorching hot. A fire? Running down a hallway, following the sound of the scream. It sounded like a woman's. Almost like her. He reached the end of the hallway. A flame in front of a single door. The scream was coming from behind it. As the door opened, he flame rose higher. The scream grew louder and it looked as if it was her. He yelled as the screaming woman called his name from beyond the flames.

"No!" Griffin's eyes flew open. He felt sweat on his brow and chest.

"Griffin?" Griffin looked over. Penny was kneeling on the bed. She was looking at him with a concerned face. "Are you...okay? You were yelling..."

"Bad dream. Sorry," he said as he sat up and rubbed his face. "Did I wake you?"

"No. I've been up. Couldn't sleep right. Guess it's cuz I wasn't in one of my rooms..." Penny said as she looked down and shrugged.

"Oh, about that. Safer here. This is m place. Brought you here a bit after you fell asleep. You slept through a jump."

"Well last night did a doozy on me. But I feel better found some medicine and I hope you don't mind..." she trailed off, looking down at the shirt she has on. Penny pulled at it.

Griffin smirked. "I thought it looked familiar." He sighed and said, "It's fine. It suits you well." she was waring one of his many black t-shirts. It was big on her, but he thought she looked cute in it. She was still wearing her jeans, which were now wrinkled. He remembered he was wearing his jeans, too. They were a little wrinkly, but he didn't mind. Penny got up and walked over to where he kept the food stored. She came back, holding a bottle of water and a pack of crackers.

"I didn't wanna go through your stuff so I grabbed you these." She held them out to him as she sat next to him.

Griffin took them and placed the crackers next to his bed. He opened the water and took a sip. He gestured the water towards her and she took it, taking a sip from it. "You already eat?" he questioned.

Penny shook her head. "A few crackers is all. Not much of an appetite yet."

"So you wouldn't wanna go get breakfast in London?" Griffin leaned over towards her.

"Well, I would..." She kissed his cheek. "But I really want a shower before anything."

"That can be arranged. In exchange for a kiss," he said, narrowing his eyes.

"Maybe. But you haven't told me who's after me or us...or you," she said unsure.

"Gotta go to breakfast to find out," Griffin said raisin his eyebrows. Is she thinkin' about it?he thought while watching Penny's innocent expression turn into a smile. He felt her smile radiating onto him like that sun on a hot, sunny day in the desert. Griffin lightly touched her face. He really loved seeing that smile.

Penny put her hand on his, as Griffin watched her move. She moved her face close to his. So close that they were nearly touching. Griffin felt his heart speed up. I really hope this isn't all a dream. Griffin decided to test his theory with an urge. Fiercely, he kissed her. Must not be dreaming. He pulled her body close to his and briefly broke the kiss. "Shower?" he whispered as he nuzzled her ear.

She moved her hands down his chest as she nodded. Griffin kissed her again as he jumped them away.