Title: Learning To Hunt
Chapter: Section 3
Fandom: The Tribe
Author: PinkTribeChick
Summary: Sometimes, love is just right under your nose . . .
Extended Summary: An alternate-universe Series 4 romance story, from the point of view of Pride, Jack, and an original female character.
Rating: Teen
Pairing: Jack-Original Female Fiction Character, Pride-Original Female Fiction Character, Jack-Ellie, and Bray-Amber, with a few mentions of other pairings.
Author's Notes: Massive thanks to Ariannya and Whit for their thoughts and proofreading on various sections over the years! Enjoy, and please review! Feedback is much appreciated!
Disclaimer: All characters, situations, and song lyrics remain the property of their respective owners. Any original characters are sole property of me, PinkTribeChick.
Learning To Hunt
Section 3
Liliana knocked on the door to Eagle's room the next morning. She'd finally gotten Samuel to sleep about six a.m. But she'd been unable to sleep herself, thoughts of Jack and their conversation plaguing her. He seemed so heartsick. She'd seen it in him the first time they had met. And it intrigued her.
"Come in," she heard Pride say. She stepped slowly into the room. Eagle was still asleep, and Pride was sitting in a chair next to her bed, reading a book. He put the book down and stood up when Liliana entered.
"Morning," Liliana said, smiling. She and Pride hugged each other tightly.
"Morning, Lili." Pride greeted her. He sat back down in his chair. "Sleep well?"
"Hardly slept is more like it," she responded. She yawned a little bit. "Samuel hasn't been sleeping well recently, so I haven't been sleeping well." She moved closer to his chair, squatting down.
"But when have you ever slept well?" he commented. She stood behind him, crouched down with her chin rested on his shoulder. "I've known you a long time, Lili. You've always had nightmares."
"I know," she agreed quietly. Pride could hear the sadness in her voice and decided to change the subject.
"How have you been otherwise?" he inquired with a smile, taking one of her tiny hands in his large one.
"Fine. I'm doing fine. Samuel's trying to walk now, so that's lots of fun," she replied.
"That's wonderful. Soon he'll be toddling all over the place," he responded happily.
"Yeah. Actually, I was coming to see how Eagle is doing and to ask if you want anything, like food or whatever," she said.
"Amber's doing a little better. Trudy, Bray, and I are taking turns sitting with her. She needs rest, and the baby needs as much time in the womb as possible for survival. The longer we can keep the baby from coming, the better the chances are for her and the baby." Pride sighed. "As for me . . . I'm fine. You know me. Solid as a rock." Liliana followed his gaze as he stared at the sleeping Eagle. She squeezed his hand.
"She'll be fine, I know it," she told him reassuringly. "You still love her though, don't you?" Pride shifted his gaze, turning to look at Liliana.
"With everything that is in me," he replied. "If only she could see that."
"I think she already does. Otherwise she wouldn't rely on you so much," she said comfortingly. "She knows just like I do that even if she can't count on anyone else, she can count on you. You're a good friend, Pride, and someday she'll see you as much more than that. And if she doesn't, then it's her loss. But don't worry about it so much." Pride smiled again.
"Thanks, Lili. Now I remember what I missed about you so much. Your wonderful, calming advice," he said. "I guess you're right. Even if she did try to push me away, I wouldn't go, though. She means too much to me." His expression was serious, and Liliana could tell something else was bothering him. Then Liliana's stomach growled loudly, and they both laughed.
"Well, I guess I'd better go eat some breakfast. If you need anything at all, let me know, okay? Even if it's just someone to sit with you so you'll have some company," she offered again, patting him on the shoulder.
"Sure. Thanks," he responded. "Hey, I'll come visit you and Samuel later, okay? Then you can fill me in on all that's been happening around here."
"Alright." Liliana nodded and walked to the door. She stopped for a moment and turned back around. "It's good to have you home again. Everyone missed you."
"I missed everyone, too," he responded, looking at her. She waved and walked out of the room, making her way to the kitchen.
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