First off, I'd like to apoligize for not updating sooner. I got struck with writters block, again! And this week was Homecoming, and I was super busy getting ready for that (I still don't know who won 1st place. Ether us or the Seniors.), aside from the homework I got caught up in. I'm so sorry about that, but I haven't forgotten, know that at least.

Also, just 'cause I want to say it, the truth behind Anastasia's death will be reveailed in the second to last chapter. But that will be soon, as there is only 6 chapters left in the story. The action picks up again in the next chapter, which will be in a few days. Hope you like this chapter, it took me so long to write!

I do not own Pandora Hearts in any way.

Chapter 24: Love Connection

Morning had come swiftly, driving away the night. As I slowly awoke, my limbs felt stiff, and my hand was still attached to Leo's. He was right next to me anyway, soundly sleeping.

'Looks like his insomnia has worn off.' I softly laughed with content, knowing he was getting some quality sleep. I looked back at our hands, and for one moment, I wish I could just remain here forever, but sadly, I can't.

"Sorry." I whispered, removing my hand from its interlocked state. I yawned as I sat up, stretching my arms in the air. Getting out of bed, I walked over to the window and poked my head through the curtains. The sun stung my eyes, but I winced through it, able to see out onto the fogy yard and the grass, shining seeing how it had frosted over last night.

I drew my head back and quickly shut the curtains again so the approaching light wouldn't wake Leo from his peaceful slumber. Going to my closet, I took out some clothes and walked to the bathroom to change.

After I was finished, I was walking back to my room to get my book bag, seeing as how I have school today, when I caught a glance of Sasha downstairs.

"Hey, Sasha." I called.

She looked up at me instantly. "It's rare to see you up this early."

"Huh? What time is it?"

"A few minutes after 6:00."

"Oh, really. Actually, I could say the same to you." I guess I was kind of teasing her on the last part.

"They're making me go into work early." She said, grabbing her purse. "Make sure you get ready for school. It is a 10 minute bike ride after all."

"Alright, I got it." She was about to walk out, until I remembered something. "Oh, Sasha!"

"What?" She asked as she turned back to me.

"That blanket I found over us, I know it was you. Thanks!" I replied cheerfully.

"Carrie, what are you talking about? That wasn't me."

'Huh?' It took me a second to register what she had just said. I thought for sure that it had been her who had put the blanket over me and Leo.

"It wasn't you?" I asked again, needing to confirm it.

"No. Now, I need to get going."

I watched her as she left, the door closing behind her. 'It wasn't her? But, if it wasn't her, then who could have possibly-'

I was struck with the realization, a smile forming across my face. If it hadn't been her, then there was only one person who could have done it, having been the only other one around at the time; Elliot.

A caught a glance downstairs at the clock, only 5 minutes after 6:00. I had time, and it seemed like wanting to see Elliot right now would be a good thing to do, confirming my assumption with him.

I walked over to the room that I had presumed he was in, which was Leo's.

Sure enough, when I opened the door, I could see that Elliot was lying down on the bed. I giggled and stepped inside, observing him as he slept.

"Elliot." I whispered. He looked so peaceful, so silent, so...still. Actually, it was a bit too still. "Elliot?"

I had said it a bit louder, but still, there was no response. Suddenly, multiple what ifs invaded my mind, one repeating itself over and over. 'What if...the scripture only worked for a limited amount of time?'

No, that couldn't be! That can't be true! Not wanting to wait a second longer, I rushed over to his bedside and took to shaking him. He didn't respond to that ether.

I thought for a second that my assumption was true, but then a hand clamped onto mine and I was pushed away, the hand letting go as I fell to the floor.

"What the hell are you doing?" I looked up to see Elliot sitting up on the bed, glaring at me and clearly angry at me too.

"Elliot." I exclaimed "Um, you were sleeping?"

"What does it look like?" He replied. "I was, at least until you woke me up."

"Oh, sorry." I said as I stood back up. "It's just that you looked so peaceful and still there. I guess some crazy thoughts were going through my head. And speaking of peaceful, I'd like to thank you for putting that blanket over us while we slept."

I guess I hit a weak point, because a blush spread across his face "W-what? I have no idea what you're talking about!"

"Aw, come on, Elliot." I insisted. "I know it was you. Thanks for that."

"Whatever." Aparently, he then decided to change the subject. "Actually, this is the first night I've gotten some actual sleep."

"Huh?"

He sighed at me like I had asked a stupid question or something. "Before all this, way back before that terrible night, I used to have dreams, well, nightmares actually." He started to explain, his voice lacking the anger he had directed at me just a few moments ago. "A dream where everything was burning, every one of my siblings lying dead around me, my sword stained with their blood; it was so horrible that I wouldn't be able to sleep at all."

I didn't have any words to offer as a response. A dream like that, I can understand why he wouldn't of been able to sleep because of it. Such a realistic and haunting dream, coupled with the fact that this happened much later...he must have a strong sixth sense.

"I guess I understand now." My eyes were now looking down at the floor. "Leo has told me a few things about what happened that night, but I could never imagine seeing all that horror through your eyes."

He looked at me, as if my words had made him remember something. Maybe I shouldn't of said that, due to the fact I might have brought up some bad memories.

After a minute, Elliot decided to speak again.

"Do you know? Has he ever told you what my last message to him was?"

"No, not at all." I answered. "I've heard about your death from what I've read in the records, but never anything about a last message. Not even Leo has told me such a thing."

I watched as he drew in a breath of air, then looking right into my eyes. "You see, that night, the night I died, earlier, me and Leo had gotten in a huge fight. Afterwards, when I had calmed down, I felt like I needed to apologize to him, make everything alright. Chaos erupted though, and I forgot about it in the commotion."

"Yeah, I know about that chaos that you talk about. I also know you saved Leo, so that's some solace."

"It's not any solace." He interrupted. "I might have saved him, but I killed my own mother! Then I found out the truth about everything, and you call that solace?"

"Elliot-"

"I'm sure you know what happened then, but when I was nearing death, I realized that I had forgotten why I had wanted to find Leo in the first place." His voice had been tense again before, but it was easing off now. "I wanted to tell Leo my final message. It was, 'I'm sorry, Leo.'"

I blinked, feeling an overwhelming pity for both Elliot and Leo. I mean, that awful night had stolen away Elliot from Leo. As for Elliot, he had to see that horror and witness it himself, and the agony he must of felt when he was approaching death, it must have been sad and painful. To me, even though I knew what had happened that night based on findings and what Leo has told me, just hearing Elliot's thoughts about it, that was indeed awful.

"I'm sorry for bringing it up. I shouldn't have said that." I apologized. " I can see why Leo was crying after he woke up from that nightmare. I'm sure I would too if I kept dreaming about something like that."

"That's a rare sight. What could he has possibly dreamed about that would make him cry?"

"He said he dreamed of your death." I kept my voice hushed and careful of my words. "He said that it was because of him."

Elliot was silent for a second before muttering under his breath "Geez, Leo."

"I can still remember that rainy night though; how I had found him outside and how he cried in my arms, as if afraid to let me go." Many thoughts and memories were now pouring into me, reminding me of all the moments spent with each other. "And, I don't know if this is right to say since I haven't known you for too long, but, whenever Leo is with me, I feel...safe. Honestly, I don't know what to think about that, because I feel strange emotions around him. But I do know that if anything hurts him or makes him sad, I will protect him from that, because I want him to be happy. I want to brighten his life and make him happy."

I straightened up and blushed, realizing that I had just told Elliot my feelings for Leo. I had planned on telling him this afternoon, and yet here I am spilling out my feelings to Elliot instead.

"Then, I guess, I can at least say this to you." Elliot got off the bed and walked over to me, then placing a hand on my head and ruffling my hair. "I approve of your feelings towards Leo."

I was stunned, not by the sudden touch on my head, but by the fact that yet another person had approved the idea of me and Leo being together, and it was Elliot, of all people!

"I, uh-"

"It's okay." He said as he took his hand off my head. "Take your time, but just tell him and keep your word."

I couldn't help but smile let my eyes close halfway. "Yes. I'll definitely do that." My eyes then caught sight of the grandfather clock that was in the room.

'Quarter to 7:00?' I muttered something to myself, making Elliot look at me with a confused look. I must have been talking with him for so long, I lost track of time.

"What's with you?" He asked.

"It's quarter to 7:00 and I have to hurry and get my things together 'cause I have to be at school early today." I quickly went back to the door, but I turned back to Elliot one last time. "I'll see you later, Elliot!"

(Dream)

'Run! Run! Run!' It was the only instinct in my mind.

I was running, off to somewhere, but I wasn't sure where. What I was sure of though is that my legs hurt, I was out of breath, and my heart was racing inside me. The woods surrounded me, but something was wrong, and it had to do with me, I just know it.

I could feel it, something was happening inside me, sending an uneasy feeling throughout me, pulsing through my veins. It was becoming painful with every second.

Soon, the woods gave way to a large open space, a pond here and a house in the distance. I was able to go as far as the bank of the pond before I succumbed to the pain building inside me and collapsed.

My whole body shook as I lay on the ground, unable to contain the pained whimpers that escaped my lips. I rolled over on my side and I was greeted by the horrible taste of something warm as I coughed up blood.

'What is...what's happening to me?'

"Leo...?" My eyes widened at that voice, her voice.

I was unable to move, but I managed to speak her name. "Carr..ie?"

A pair of arms picked me up and I felt another warm body pressed against mine. My eyes then found the face of that girl, the one that I...loved. She was dressed in a white laced dress, her light blue eyes were looking down at me, and the scent of lavender surrounded her.

"What's wrong?" Her calm voice whispered.

"I don't know." I tried to say something else, but I was interrupted when I was overcome with a coughing fit. Carrie just continued to hold me as I tried to get some air. After my coughing had subsided, I was able to speak again. "Carrie, help me, please! Something's...wrong with me!"

Her eyes remained fixed on me, but then she lightly smiled, pulling me closer to her. "It's okay, Leo. I'm here."

My breathing was labored, but I was able to put my trembling arms around her. "Carrie. If I...if something hurts me, or if I'm overcome with this mysterious affliction again, won't you...won't you please come for me?"

"Yes." She softly whispered.

"Will you hold me in your arms, just like this?"

"Yes."

"Will you...kiss me and make everything better?"

Her voice was silent this time for a second, but she answered me. "Yes, Leo. I will come save you."

"Carrie." Tears brimmed my eyes that accompanied the painful thudding of my heart against my chest.

...And my voice kept whispering her name over and over again.

(End dream)

"Leo, wake up!"

My eyes flung open and I took in a sharp breath of air, my face coated in sweat and my breathing rapid. Someone was holding onto my shoulders, and it took a second before I realized it was Elliot.

"Calm down." He hissed at me. I was trying my best to calm down, closing my eyes and taking deep breaths.

'Calm down, Leo.' I said to myself. 'You're alright, that dream is over. Rememeber, Elliot's here.'

Finally, I was able to regain control of my breathing and my body relaxed. Elliot sighed and let go of my shoulders.

"Are you okay, Leo?" He asked. "You were having a nightmare and whispering Carrie's name as if you were in pain and you were calling out for her."

"Y-yeah." I answered, unsure of myself. "I'm fine."

"You don't look like it." He insisted, sitting down on the bed. "I guess that's to be expected though."

I nodded and laid back down, looking up at the ceiling. "It was only a dream after all. But why would I be saying Carrie's name?"

"Who knows?" I closed my eyes again, but the silence that was in the room was soon broken when Elliot spoke again. "Speaking of Carrie, she's quite an interesting person. What is she like?"

I didn't know what to say in response to his sudden question. "Um..."

"Leo, to you, what is she like? How do you feel about her?"

That was a very sudden question indeed. Yes, I did have feelings for Carrie, feelings that I've never felt before. But I wasn't really sure how to explain it, much less understand.

I loved her, but I didn't understand these feelings that flooded my heart.

"Elliot, why are you asking such a question?"

"I just want to know. What's wrong with that?"

I hate to admit it, but he did have a point. There was nothing wrong with asking that.

"Carrie...she is..." For some reason, she was having a hard time forming the words needed to speak. "She is...a brilliant light; a glowing candle. The day we met, I might have saved her life, but I might be dead if she hadn't saved me. That day, I was covered with injuries and I became sick afterwards. If it wasn't for her I might not be here. Even so, through all the secrets she's learned about herself, she continued to smile. Her laugh is joyful, her crying hurts, and all the bits and pieces of her all make up the reason." I looked up at Elliot, looking at him straight in the eyes. "Elliot, I love her."

Silence once again enveloped the room, and I was now wondering if it really had been a good idea to tell Elliot after all.

"Well, I guess there's no helping it." He ran a hand through his hair. "If you love her, then tell her."

"But, Elliot, what if she doesn't feel the same way?" I did fear this, which was why I haven't told her yet. "What if-"

The next thing I knew, Elliot whacked me upside the head. "Why are you asking that? You don't know until you tell her. So, as my servant, and my best friend, I order you to take a chance and tell her how you feel!"

Those words, and being spoken by Elliot at that, this was his way of approval. "Thank you, Elliot."

"Good." He stood up, brushing off his clothes. "You should probably find some clothes to change into. You've been wearing those since yesterday."

"Ah. Good idea." My smile turned devious as he started to walk to the door. "Is that what you're trying to do? Find some clothes?"

"Shut up." He hissed.

"Also, thanks for the blanket."

He turned sharply back to me. "Huh? How do you-"

"You woke me when you did that." I answered, still smiling.

He muttered something under his breath, but then put on a smile. "You're an idiot sometimes, you know that?"

I chuckled as he walked out of the room. 'Thanks, Elliot.'

"Anyone here?" I called as I walked inside.

"What do you think?" Elliot replied, sitting on the couch and reading a book.

"Of course." I muttered, throwing my coat aside. "Have you seen Leo? I need to talk to him."

Elliot looked up at me, knowing what I meant. "Upstairs in his room, apparently trying to compose his own music."

"Okay, thanks, Elliot."

Walking upstairs, I knew that this was it; finally, I would be telling Leo my feelings. However, first, I had something else to talk about with him. The things about Anastasia and Aaron, the dreams, and me possibly being the same as her.

I knocked on the door, which was the greeted with, "Yes?"

I opened the door and walked inside, seeing that Leo was lying on his bed, looking at a paper with notes written on it. I let out a quiet chuckle and went to sit next to him.

"Hey, can we talk?"

"Sure." He answered, writing down another note on the paper.

I took in a deep breath and began. "Do you remember last night, about that dream I told you about?"

"Yes. You said that it felt so real."

"Yeah, and the reason being...I think I'm the reincarnation of Anastasia Mouchette."

That caught his attention and he looked up from the paper and to me, sitting up. "Why would you say that?"

"In those dreams, we look so much alike. There, I see her, and another, a boy named Aaron." He seemed to stiffen, then stare off into empty space. I could even hear his own breathing in the silence. "Leo? Hey, Leo."

"Oh, sorry." He apologized.

"It's alright." I cleared my throat and continued. "You see, Anastasia and Aaron were both children of third rate noble houses. Anastasia's best friend was Aaron, who was a very sickly boy, never going outside much due to his fragile health. Over time, they fell in love with each other, and, as I told you last night, I saw how he died. It kind of sad, you know?"

"I suppose it would be quite unfortunate." He said, turning his attention back to the music sheet.

Okay, that was out of the way. But, we'd be talking about it later probably. Now came the part I was really nervous about. If there was any time to do this, it would have to be now. It had been approved by two people, and now was the time to take a leap of faith.

"Have you, um, ever had a girlfriend before?" Okay, so that was the only question I could think of to start with.

His gaze lifted from the paper. "Carrie-

"Just answer my question already." I said, even though I might have been blushing a little. There wasn't any harm to it, I just wanted to know.

"But, I-"

"It's not that big of a deal, you know?"

"Fine. I haven't had a girlfriend. Satisfied now?" He suddenly said to me in an aggravated tone. He put the paper down and laid back down on the bed. "Carrie, you have to understand, because of the things that happened, being an outcast in my own village, being confined to the House of Fianna, becoming a servant; I never found someone like that."

"I see." My eyes drifted off to one side, now regretting I had asked that question. "Then, why did you kiss me?"

He hesitated for a moment, a lone silence developing between us. I mentally slapped myself, asking yet another question, and a stupid one at that. "You were crying and...I don't like to see you cry. It hurts me inside."

"It hurts you to see me cry, huh?" I sighed and then remembered, I had done the same thing at a moments notice back then, back when I shared my first kiss with him. "You should know, back when you, well, went mad sort to say, the only reason I got you out of that state was because I...kissed you."

He sat up suddenly and looked at me. "You what?"

"I kissed you."

He opened his mouth to speak, but he had no words to add onto it, not at first. "B-but, Carrie. I don't- why would you-"

"Because it's everything about you that I like." I answered, exposing my feelings. "I like how messy your hair is, I like your love of books and your skills at the piano, I like your deep violet eyes, and...I like how we understand each other." I shifted closer to him, still pouring the feelings in my heart out. "Ever since I met you, I've had the strangest feeling I can't explain, and, to put it simply, you make me feel safe. I think it's because of my feelings towards you."

"Carrie, what are you saying?" His voice was becoming more shaky, like he was nervous or something.

"Leo," I took his hand and put it in my own. "I love you."

He didn't say anything back, just stared at me, but then, he swayed and he fell into me. I was surprised, due to the fact that he could of just fainted.

"Leo, are you alright?"

He stirred and answered my question. "Yes. That was just...quite a shock. But you really mean it?"

"Of course I do."

"Then, I...I love you too."

Those words struck me like a bullet and I found my breath stuck in my throat. "Y-you do...?"

"Yes, Carrie." He answered. "You saved me that day, but I could never explain these feelings deep inside me. I like everything about you, your whole person, your whole personality, everything. We still search for answers that lie hidden in the past, and I would like to help you with that. If this, proclaiming my love for you, is the least I can do, let it be so. You keep on smiling and you've taken me as I am and listened to everything, understanding those things. Because of all this, I know and I'm certain that I love you."

I felt so overcome with emotion, that, well...I can't describe it. "Then I can also offer one thing."

"What would that be?"

"My thanks, for accepting my feelings for you." I smiled brightly. "Leo, I love you so much."

"So do I, Carrie."

The next second, our lips touched and that moment felt so warm and so right, I wanted it to last forever.

He loved me and that was that.

I had just finished another chapter of the book I was reading, when I heard a door open upstairs. Turning around and looking up, I saw Carrie and Leo. Both of them were smiling as they made their way towards the staircase.

"Hey, Elliot." Carrie said cheerfully as she walked down the stairs with Leo.

"Hey." I replied marking my place in the book and standing up to face them. "What are you two up to?"

"We're just going to play the piano." Leo answered. "Do you wish to join us?"

"Sure." As we walked to the piano room, it was then that I noticed that Carrie and Leo were holding hands, interlocked with each other. "Does this mean that you two are officially boyfriend and girlfriend?"

"Yes, Elliot. It does." He answered again.

I couldn't help but smile, knowing things had gone perfectly. 'I'm so happy for you, Leo.'

Alright, it's about time actually. Oh, and a note about the dream, that will become an important part of the next few chapters, so be on the lookout for that. As always feel free to leave a reveiw.

Now, it's nearly 10:00 PM over here, so I must go to bed. See you later! *Falls asleep.*