A week had gone by since those men had saved me, during that time I found myself mostly in Blue's company. He was surprisingly funny, always having stories and jokes to tell me. Yesterday I actually laughed! I laughed! I was so giddy that a sound came out from me, even Blue seemed excited.
But that had been a week ago. I hadn't seen Blue or Ryan. Nervousness crept into my heart during the time of their absence. Looking around the room, the four gray walls closing in, I closed my eyes and slowly hummed 'Lies' by Evanescence. It was still so weird hearing my own voice after so long, but it was a very welcome change in my life. Closing my eyes I focused on my vocal cords, feeling the gentle rhythm of them moving in my throat as I continued humming. God it's been so long... A soft smile graced my features as the lyrics flowed into my mind as if it was natural.
Bound at every limb by my shackles of fear
Sealed with lies through so many tears
Lost from within, pursuing the end
I fight for the chance to be lied to again
You will never be strong enough
You will never be good enough
You were never conceived in love
You will not rise above
[Chorus:]
They'll never see
I'll never be
I'll struggle on and on to feed this hunger
Burning deep inside of me
But through my tears breaks a blinding light
Birthing a dawn to this endless night
Arms outstretched, awaiting me
An open embrace upon a bleeding tree
Rest in me and I'll comfort you
I have lived and I died for you
Abide in me and I vow to you
I will never forsake you
[Chorus]
[Chorus]
Rest in me and I'll comfort you
I have lived and I died for you
Abide in me and I vow to you
I will never forsake you
[Chorus]
When I opened my eyes I nearly jumped out of my skin. There sitting before me was Blue. My racing heart felt as if it were trying to beat its way out of my chest. My breaths were quick and shallow as I stared into those iridescent blue eyes that always captured my own. I stared captivated as he leaned closer, a grin on his full lips.
"My, my, no one told me you that you could hum like that, or that you had such a beautiful voice." He winked playfully.
Oh. My. God. Is he flirting with me?! Blinking I hesitantly forced my lips to move. It was still hard for me to form sentences.
"No... one... has heard... me hum... or talk... in.. a long time." I finally managed. His blue eyes softened as he leaned forward, his breath fanning over my lips. I froze like a deer in the headlights; he was so close. His nose gently brushed against mine as a grin graced his features.
"Well now I have! And we can actually have a conversation!"
I grinned and giggled softly. Reaching out, he ran a hand through my mousy hair surprising me. I grimaced and pulled back.
"My... hair is oily. Don't touch it." It was pleasing to me that my voice started coming back together and sounding less like a broken robot. He flashed an overly bright smile making me blush.
"I think you look gorgeous! I don't see anything wrong with you." I ducked my head in embarrassment. Soft laughter echoed above me, looking up into his eyes he flashed me another pearly white smile. Leaning back in the chair, he crossed his right leg over his left and flexed his arms over the back of the chair.
"I want to thank-you." He tilted his head suddenly, soft silky blue hair falling into his eyes. The strong outline of his jaw more pronounced from the angle of the light on his face. Oh my God... he is adorable.
"What for?" I could feel heat practically radiating from my face as he leaned close, his hand sweeping my bangs from my face. I was sure my face was probably blazing crimson by now.
"W-well... y-you... s-saved me... twice. S-so t-thank-you." Suddenly he leaned forward and nuzzled his cheek against mine, his strong arms wrapped around my waist. His lips brushed my ear as he murmured gently. At that moment I could feel my heart flutter and stall, it was one of those moments where you get an epiphany. I didn't know much about this man, but I was absolutely sure of one thing: He would take care of me.
A faint smile curved my lips as I cuddled into his side when he moved to sit beside me. It was strange because it felt so right. It was still very weird though, because usually when someone touched me, it was always to cause me pain. I couldn't believe that I was doing this… especially without being forced to do it. A soft sigh left my lips as exhaustion hit me again; curling into him I rested my head against his chest and fell asleep.
XXX
When I awoke again I found myself tucked into the hospital bed, the blankets curled around me like a cocoon. Rolling my head to the side I blinked sleepily in surprise. Blue sat slumped in the chair beside the bed, his head drooped as he slept. A faint snoring sound coming from his lips, his face peaceful and young looking; framed by soft shiny gray-blue hair. I sat up slowly, hair trailing down my shoulders much longer than I remembered it.
Note to self: cut hair. Smiling softly I leaned forward and gently guided his body to slump against the bed, pushing a pillow under his head. There, at least now he won't have a kink in his neck. Reaching out I brushed the soft shimmering blue hair from his face. A tender mothering side I had forgotten about coming out. I had locked it away so long ago; I had realized that if I was to survive I couldn't care about anyone but myself... now however, it seemed that wasn't the case.
Sighing, I closed my eyes and retracted my hand. A warmth enveloped it and jerked it back down. Gasping I quickly opened my eyes and looked at him, he hadn't woken up, only reacted in his sleep. A gentle smile graced my features uneasily. You're getting too close! You know what happens when you get too close! My inner voice screamed at me. Grimacing, I pulled my hand back, my eyes on his peaceful face. I just want to be close to someone... but you're right. I'll only get hurt. My eyes narrowed as I pulled away completely.
The sound of a door opening caught my attention. Looking up I saw Ryan, Jason and the two other men that had been at my house. Ryan walked over and gave me a wan smile.
"I see you're up. Blue hasn't left your side since you fell asleep." I looked down and nodded, my eyes tracing over his slumbering features. A soft cough had me looking up. The dark skinned man beside Jason gave me a grin. I flushed realizing I had been practically checking Blue out.
"I do not believe you have met Ian, or Orion." Orion... isn't that a star constellation? I shook my head and looked them over curiously. Ian was the dark skinned man with the dread locks. His eyes were covered by a pair of black visor like sunglasses. Strong lean muscles showed through a tight fitting white shirt and ripped blue jeans. He flashed me a grin that made my heart hammer. Glancing to the other man, Orion, I noticed his hair was a deep black almost blue.
His eyes were neon blue like the others. They held a tender gentleness to them, but also a stern look that commanded respect. Blinking curiously I glanced back to Ryan, not comfortable to speak around them yet. Blue I felt comfortable to speak to, but only because he had saved my life twice; and he didn't pry for answers that he had without a doubt questions for. A loud sigh emitted from Ryan as he dipped his head to me.
"I just wished to check on you, Miss Mondschein." I tried not to scowl at his back as he turned and left. The other two men walking after him. Although it was unnerving to me that Orion stayed. His gentle blue eyes held my own as he walked over. Thick almost sapphire hair wavy and practically swaying with his every step. Stopping before my bed he spoke quietly, in a deep baritone voice that calmed my racing heart.
"You are safe here Miss Mondschein. You have no reason to fear us." With that he turned and left the room, my hand resting over my heart. Holy shit, is that man a mind reader? Shivering at the thought I shook my head and lay back down. Reaching out hesitantly toward Blue's face, my fingers gently brushed his cheek. Biting my lip I pulled my hand away and rolled onto my side. Sighing I stared at the wall in front of me, falling into a daze; and later, sleep.
XXX
Blue's hand was firm around my wrist as he led me out of the makeshift hospital room. I personally was not ready to be around other people, in a selfish way I only wanted to be around Blue. I wasn't sure why, I just felt safe that way.
"Come on Autumn, it's not that bad! Besides you have me around you don't you! Oh yeah, I heard your last name was German, can you speak any German? If you can, you can tell me something in it! I'm always curious about other languages-" His rambling made me dizzy and disoriented most of the time. It was moments like this that I wondered how he seemed so serious and quiet at other times.
As he drug me towards the door I clawed at his wrist. I really did not want to go out there! There were full grown men out there! Did he not understand that me plus men equaled a lot of pain for me? Unintentionally I spoke in German. It was my first language, the one my momma taught me before she died. It was what I mostly spoke before my voice had been stolen.
"Niene! Ich will nicht zu gehen! Sie können mich nicht zwingen!" (No! I do not want to go! You can not make me!) I screamed loudly at him. My hands dug at his wrists drawing long lines. Suddenly the door banged open and a boy I didn't know rushed to my side. His eyes were electric blue that contradicted his bright blond hair. Black streeks swept through his thick hair, reminding me of a bumblebee. His hands swept between Blue's and mine, effectively breaking the hold. Blue's rambling cut off as he blinked in surprise and looked at us. The new guy stepped in front of me and frowned.
"Blue, why didn't you listen to the femme when she said she said she didn't want to go?" He didn't sound accusitory, only curious and semi worried. Blue blinked and looked at me.
"Rat-Ryan said to get her some fresh air. That's what I was doing Mike."Looking him over I could only smile and giggle. He's kinda cute... Wincing I rubbed my aching wrists, man did Blue have an iron grip.
"Well she obviously didn't want to go for some reason or another." Mike looked down at me and gently touched my wrists.
"Are you alright Autumn?" I jumped in surprise and looked up at him.
"Wie Sie wissen meinen Namen?" (How do you know my name). He blinked and gave me an utterly confused look, it was quite adorable.
"Pardon? Uh... I don't understand." Blinking I blushed and realized I was still speaking in German.
"How do you know my name?" I corrected myself. He flashed me a bright smile that seemed so full of innocence I just wanted to say 'Awww'... and embaressingly I did. Blue started laughing while Mike only grinned wider. I ducked my head and looked up impishly.
"The guys talk about you a lot, mainly Ryan going on about your injuries." I nodded and glanced at Blue.
"Can I go back into my room now? I really don't like being around a lot of people... it's not safe." I didn't bother even waiting on his answer. Instead I turned and made to go back into my room, only to have a yellow and black shirt sleeve in my face. Pausing, my gaze followed the sleeve up to the owner: Mike.
"Fresh air would be a really good idea, you've been in there way too long. Come on, Blue and I will walk with you, and we'll make sure that no one bothers you." I looked between the both of them before crossing my arms.
"You really shouldn't worry because you're safe with us, really!"
Mike's earnest gaze won me over. Sighing in defeat I nodded my head and let them walk me out of the medical wing. As we walked down the empty hallway I glanced around nervously. I could hear the men, but I couldn't see them, and that was making me anxious. Suddenly a pair of arms slipped through each of mine. Looking up sharply I found Blue and Mike both gently holding on to one of my arms like a gentlemen would. A blush caressed my cheeks. Smiling softly and emitting a soft giggle, I gave them an appreciative look.
"Thanks." I murmured. A soft squeeze to both of my arms was my answer. Smiling softly we suddenly came out of the medical wing and my smile slipped from my face. The halls were crowded with military men, voices echoing with laughter, orders and conversations. My whole body started trembling as I looked around the cooridors, everything seemed to sway and blend together in a madly swirling vortex. A voice called somewhere to my left, then above me. Two pairs of irridescent blue eyes looked down on me, worry straining the features of the faces.
When everything cleared I found myself lying on the ground, my head resting on Blue's leg, while Mike sat beside me. His friendly bright blue eyes lit up when he noticed I was awake. It was about that time that I noticed two men towering over me. One was dark skinned with equally dark eyes, although his smile was bright and michevious, a name tag on his uniform said, Sgt. Epps. The other man was tan with dirty blond hair and hazel eyes. His uniform was dusty like Epps, although at the same time somehow prestine. His name tag designated him Major Lennox. The darker skinned man, Epps, grinned and threw his hands in the air.
"She lives!"
The Major gave him a wry look before looking at me with an almost fatherly expression.
"Are you alright?"
I was frozen unable to breathe. The men's faces kept shifting to my father's and the other men of that first night. Blinking and swallowing the lump of fear in my throat, I managed to nod to the two men. T-they aren't my father... h-he's not here... I-I'm safe. I kept trying to tell myself this, but it sounded more like an uncertain question in my head than rational comforting thoughts. Lennox extended his hand to me to help me up. Flinching back, I found my back slamming into a firm toned abdomen. A squeak left my lips as I tilted my head back, Blue's neon blue eyes drilled into my own.
His hands slipped under my arms and hauled me to my feet easily, as if I weighed nothing more than a feather. Blinking, I looked up at Lennox and Epps quietly, a flush burned my face. Ducking my head I muttered an appology to Lennox. Turning I walked half way down the cooridor, looking into my peripheral vision I found Mike and Blue beside me. No questions asked,they were just there. Watching over me; protecting me. It was an odd feeling to me, but nice. I could already tell that Mike, Blue and I were going to be close friends.