A/N: Hey, everyone! Hope you had wonderful holidays. Happy late Christmas and New Year!!!! I took a little break from writing, so happy to be back in the swing of things now!

Also! I have a tumblr fan page set up for this pairing. Feel free to check it out! :) eddy-vi is the name of the page. Page header: "Earthshine"

…

Earthshine

Chapter XXIX

"Flickers of Life"

…

"Slowly, with many lost days, I come back to life." - Suzanne Collins

…

[Edward]

When evening came the following day, Vitalia mentioned to her parents that I was going to come up to the house to speak with them after dinner.

They both accepted that news with eagerness and relief.

It'll be good for him to get out of that bunk house.

They ate together and Eden set aside a plate for me. I braced myself for the unavoidable fact that I'd have to sit down and eat the food in front of her. It'd be too strange not to.

Eden moved into the kitchen to do the dishes and Diego went out back to clean the grill. Vitalia took out the trash then moved into the living room, where she flopped onto the couch backwards with her feet crossed over the back of it.

I inhaled then stepped into the warm, hay and hickory scented evening. The gravel driveway crunched under my feet and the porch steps groaned under my steps before I reached up a hand and knocked softly on the door.

"Is that you, Edward?" Eden asked from the kitchen. "Come on in!"

I walked into the house and the first thing I noticed was the deep scents of herbs and leather. It was comfortable too — tidy but everywhere was filled with signs of their shared lives.

Eden walked out of the kitchen with a kind smile, wiping her hands on a dish rag. "You can head into the living room. Vi's already there. I'm just finishing up here."

"Do you need any help?"

"Oh no, no." She waved me off.

I nodded slowly before turning and seeing Vi's socked feet over the back of the couch. She was absorbed in a magazine she was looking at. A Hot Topic magazine, I noted.

I lifted a hand and lightly tapped her foot. My face was expressionless, but she bounced up with a wide grin. "Oh hey!" I didn't hear you come in. How long have you been standing there?"

"Not long," I answered before moving around the couch and glancing up at the hearth. My eyes ran over the pictures I'd noticed the first time I'd visited their property.

There was a wedding photo of Diego and Eden — an outdoor ceremony it looked like. She was wearing a flowy, vintage lace gown and held a bouquet of wildflowers.

There was a baby picture of Vitalia, just a little pink bundle held in the arms of her parents. It looked like Eden had delivered her at home.

There was a toddler picture of her right next to it. She wore a mischievous grin and her hair was styled in a whale spout. She wore candycane-striped knee socks and a Team Dad shirt.

Ah, he's looking at the pictures, Vitalia thought as she stood up and joined me.

"I was a handful," she said as she followed my stare.

"I can tell."

My eyes wandered over the rest of them, which provided a glimpse of the history of this family. It was Vitalia through the years with plenty of snapshots of the family's adventures together. I saw a school photo of Vi during her most rebellious phase, wearing all black and a scowl. It was still a startling contrast to me.

The final photo was one of them all huddled together at their campsite in Forks. I swallowed, the memory of them there feeling unreal. So much had changed since then…

I'll grab Edward's plate of food and bring him a cup of my tea, Eden was thinking as she poured water from a kettle and made sure my food was warm.

I sighed. It was a wasted effort, but a part of me was still able to appreciate her thoughtfulness.

I turned to sit on the couch as Eden walked in, offering me a smile and setting down a mug and my food. I offered her a tight, brief rise of my lips before beginning to eat. As I swallowed the thick, awful mixture, I was aware of Vitalia's eyes on me.

I wonder how bad that actually tastes to him, she was thinking.

She sat near me on the couch and continued to watch as I ate.

"Is your bed comfortable enough out there?" Eden asked as she sat in an arm chair and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Her brows were drawn together worriedly.

"It's fine, thanks." I tried to keep my tone from sounding too clipped. Too empty. It was a struggle.

You poor boy… She thought to herself as she ran her eyes over me. He looks so lost.

I swallowed and slowly set my fork down. It was understandable that I wouldn't want to finish my meal, right?

There was a tense silence between the three of us before Diego walked in. He glanced at us with a little smirk before moving to the kitchen to wash his hands.

Okay…so what the heck do I say to the kid? No way to make this much better than it is…

He mulled over how to approach me as he stalled. The man took an extraordinary amount of time just drying his hands on a rag.

Finally, with a sigh, he walked around the corner and sat on the arm of Eden's chair. He exchanged a smile in greeting with her before his eyes settled on me.

"What's going on, Edward? Holding up okay?"

I wasn't. I was barely holding myself together. I nodded at him shortly though, keeping my face fixed in its stony mask.

There's no way he's actually okay. Boy looks like he'll break apart any second.

My previous skill of deceiving humans was becoming seriously pathetic.

"So…Vi said you wanted to speak with us. Anything in particular, or…?" Diego trailed off and gave me a more pointed look.

My eyes shifted a second to Vitalia and she gave me an encouraging nod.

It's a great plan, Eddy! Go on.

I drew in a breath then looked to the girl's parents, who were both watching me carefully. As if I were something fragile. As fragile as they were.

"Well, I'm not sure how long I'll be here, how long you're willing to let me stay, but I'm hoping you'll be open to my being here awhile. I'm willing to help out in exchange. Vitalia mentioned that you're having an issue with some of the nocturnal animals around here, so I thought I might be of some assistance there. I figured I could take on a night shift. Patrolling the area and keeping a look out for predators. I know how to hunt and I'm used to working nights. I've taken on internships working with my father at hospitals over summers in the past."

Diego's brows lifted in surprise at the suggestion and then he exchanged a glance with Eden. From his thoughts, I could tell he didn't know how to answer my proposition and was hoping his wife would offer him insight.

Kid makes a tempting offer. Maybe he needs something to help distract him too. Is it a good idea though? We could use the help, but that's a big job to do for free. Diego mulled it over as he continued to stare at Eden.

Eden held his eyes a long moment before looking my way. It's so sweet of him to offer, but I'm still wondering about his family. Do they know where he is? Has he spoken with them at all?

"Edward," she leaned forward and smiled at me gently. "That's really kind of you. We're fine with you staying as long as you need to, but what about your family? Won't they want you back soon?"

My eyes shifted before they finally fell to my hands. "…I'm going to call them. Let them know I'm alright. Tell them where I am. I spoke with my sister, Rosalie, before coming here. She's the one who-" my voice cut off against my will and I winced. I struggled a moment before continuing. "Who told me what happened. I don't want them to worry, so I wanted to wait to talk to them until I'm ready." I nodded to myself. "They understand. They know I had to get away and gather my thoughts."

Vitalia rested her small hand over mind and I glanced down as if startled before I relaxed and looked up at her. I hadn't even realized I'd needed this, yet her touch helped bring me back to this moment. Helped break through the pain I was drowning in.

"I see," Eden answered softly. She was all sympathy. She wrapped her cardigan around herself more tightly as she sat back. Oh, I do hope they aren't too worried about him…I'm sure they've all been so hurt by this loss. Bella was like their family. I remember the way his mother spoke about her.

Totally get where he's coming from, Diego was thinking. Not wanting the ones you care about to see you in that much pain.

"What about school?" Eden asked with a tilt of her head.

Right. I hadn't considered that. As far as I she knew, I was only halfway through my senior year.

"I recently turned eighteen, so I actually…dropped out. I don't think I could pull myself together enough to go back. I was thinking of taking my GED over the summer. I was mostly in advanced classes, so I'm sure a little studying is all I'll need."

She nodded but her brows were drawn together in concern. That's a shame. He seems so brilliant. I'll definitely encourage him to get that GED. I understand why it's hard for him to think about right now…

"Where is your family living now?" She asked next. I really would like to speak with Esme about all of this. Make sure it's okay. But I'll wait for him to call them first.

I looked her way again. "In N-" I caught myself quickly, vaguely remembering the answer my father had given his colleagues. "Los Angeles. My father transferred to a major hospital there. The family went with him."

Los Angeles? Vitalia immediately thought. That can't be right. There's too much sun, right? That'd make work hard.

Eden and Diego were both nodding though.

"I think I remember Esme saying something about that now," Eden mused.

I spared a swift glance at Vitalia, a silent promise to explain more later.

She gave me a little nod before my attention returned to her parents.

Diego's eyes fell to Vitalia's hand over mine and he glanced between me and his daughter a moment. The boy's heartbroken, so I hope he doesn't ended up using her as some sort of rebound. Vi's strong, but she feels things pretty hard. Hope she doesn't get in too deep here.

His concerns were understandable, but entirely unfounded. Whatever Vi had entertained as far as romantic feelings before had obviously faded and there was certainly no chance of me ever pursuing anything. I knew there was no way I could possibly assure him of that though.

"You don't have to work for us to earn our hospitality, Edward." Eden said to me then. "We would appreciate you helping out, but that can just be with smaller things."

"No, I-" I paused and moved my hand away from Vitalia's to clasp it tightly over my other. "I could actually use the…distraction." I purposefully echoed Diego's observation. "Something to focus on. Something to do with myself."

I could tell that I had the man convinced now and he slapped a hand down on his leg decidedly. "Well, if that's what you want, I've got no argument. But I'm going to pay you. Something minimal. I'm not going to take no for an answer either. You could probably use some sort of income. You sure you're good working a graveyard shift?"

"Absolutely," I said evenly. Then I sighed. "And if you're determined, then, sure, I'll accept minimal pay."

I didn't need it, but I could see it mattered to him. Besides, I supposed I was cut off from my family's funds at the moment with all of my belongings left behind in Rio. I also needed to sell the fact that I was an ordinary human being who needed the revenue.

"Great!" Diego stood and extended his hand. "Welcome to the payroll, Ed. Good to have you on board." He blew out a relieved breath. "We sure could use your help with this. I know you're a handy hunter."

I stood opposite him and hesitated only a second before placing my hand in his and giving him a firm shake.

"Ah, gettin' a little chilly out there at night, are you?" He said as he drew back. Kid's hands are all icy. "I'll grab you an extra blanket." He clapped me on the shoulder then moved past me.

I had stiffened for a moment, but Diego didn't seem even remotely alarmed, so I relaxed again.

Hm…that could become a problem, especially when it starts getting super warm. I heard Vitalia thinking over some ideas to herself before she suddenly jumped up and disappeared down the hall.

I looked to Eden and she shrugged before giving me a softer look. "…you sure you're okay?"

I impulsively winced and looked down at my feet. There was a long stretch of silence where I tried to decide how I wanted to respond. I settled on something semi-honest. "…not really. But these things always take time, don't they?"

She sighed sadly. "Yeah…they do. I know a little something about that too. I lost both my parents when I was young. It actually wasn't until I met Diego that I started to find the joy in life again."

Maybe Vi will help him that way. She has Diego's lightness.

My eyes lifted to hers and I watched some of the memories play in her head. The good and the bad. The grief and the eventual happiness she found. I saw, for the first time, the haunt of sadness that lingered in her warm gaze.

I had always thought of Diego as the haunted one. The darker one. But now Eden was saying differently and I realized that what she meant was that Diego had managed to maintain a certain thrill for life in spite of his darkness. That he'd helped her do the same. Vitalia did have that quality too, but our situation was much different. I was different.

Though lately I'd been questioning how unchangeable I actually was. I again thought of Maria.

I strongly doubted Vi would manage to help with this, that I'd find any joy again at all, but perhaps she'd defy my expectations again. Maybe she'd surprise me.

"I'm sorry to hear that," I said to her earnestly.

She smiled at me. "I'm sorry too. For you."

The corner of my mouth lifted in a faint, appreciative smile, before Vi came bounding back into the room and plopped down beside me. She held up a pair of thick workers' gloves.

"Can't work on the ranch without a pair of these. Don't want those pretty hands getting all scratched up."

Could help with that chilly temp of yours too, you know?

I reached out to take them, smile widening just a little. While my pretty hands were in no danger of being harmed, her idea was helpful. I needed something to keep people from noticing the fact that my skin was always so cold.

Her dad then tossed me a large, plaid blanket and a tan Wrangler jacket. "Should keep you warm enough. But the weather will start heating up in a few weeks, so you shouldn't need those much longer."

"Alright, I appreciate it. When would you like me to start?"

"Let's say tomorrow night. I'll show you around the property. We can pick out a rifle for you to use and I'll show you where we keep all the ammo. You might want to buy yourself a pair of boots too. The mud can be pretty unforgiving around here. You'll ruin those in a matter of days."

He pointed at my converse and I glanced down at them as well. They were already falling apart with all the running I'd been doing.

I nodded. "Probably not a bad idea."

"I can go in the morning and pick up a pair for you!" Vitalia enthused. "If you want? Just give me your size."

I assume you can't go because of the sun? she mentally asked. "Ooh!" Her eyes widened instantly. "Or, since it's not too late yet, you and I could make a run right now and get some."

"Would probably be better to do that." Diego clicked his tongue. "You never know how they'll fit. You should try them on first."

"Mhm! It's soooo important to find the right boots." Vitalia nodded to herself. "Ooh, also, guess who finally got their license over the winter break? I'll get to show you my mad driving skills."

Oh no, I thought as my eyes flashed to her. I couldn't even imagine the sort of reckless driver she might be. "Did you?" I asked. "That's…" I sighed. The brief anxiety over her safety faded. It was overcome by the abyssal pain inside me. Besides, it seemed she'd survived on the roads just fine before my arrival. "…nevermind. If that's what you want to do, we can go now."

"Careful on those dark roads," Eden told her. "Give me a call when you get there."

"Sure!" Vitalia bounced up. She went to put on her shoes with a grin. "This'll be fun. Little night out on the town."

"A short night out." Her father told us. "Want you back here by nine."

"I'd also prefer not to extend the trip any more than we have to," I said to the girl evenly. I was already dreading having to go out and mingle.

Vitalia looked up at me with an apologetic smile. "Right. Sorry. I was getting over-excited. We'll be quick. There and back."

I nodded at her appreciatively. It was a relief to see that my pain did nothing to extinguish the twinkle in her blue eyes though. It was a solid reminder that I wasn't, in fact, ruining her life by intruding the way I was.

We said goodbye to her parents then stopped by the bunkhouse to drop off the blanket. I put on the jacket and tucked the gloves into my back pocket before sliding into the passenger seat of the little white Honda she said used to belong to her mother. Her parents had been saving it for her seventeenth birthday.

"Best gift ever," she told me.

In her mind, I was able to see the moment she'd received the car. How excited she'd been. It'd only been a small family gathering, with the a backdrop of all their seasonal decorations on the porch and around the yard. The October sky had been clear and the air had been breezy.

I saw Vitalia jump up and down in excitement. I saw her parents grinning as they presented the gift. I saw her take it for a test drive around the property, recklessly skidding through the mud.

I braced myself for the wild ride that was sure to come tonight as Vitalia turned on her radio and started nodding along to the Rock/Blues tune.

"But you rescued me from reachin' for the bottom, and brought me back from being too far gone." She sang some of the words, glancing at me with a big grin as she did. "You're as smooth as Tennessee whiskey. You're as sweet as strawberry wine."

I know he isn't the biggest fan of this music, but I'm determined to make him one!

As we rolled down the long, winding drive, I cast a glance around the car. She had a Lilo and Stitch car freshener hanging from her rear view mirror, the blue alien grinning maniacally as it swung violently from all the bumps.

She had some paper fast food bags on the floor and various other discarded items. There were jackets slung over the seats and extra pairs of shoes. Plenty of CD cases were jammed between the passenger seat and gear shift too. I glanced her way again but her eyes were set on the road.

She turned onto the asphalt back road behind the ranch then accelerated, her entire face lighting up as she did. She rolled down her window and flung her hand out, swaying to the sound of the music as the cool night air whipped wildly through her dark hair. The moonlight illuminated her face in a vibrant glow as her smile widened, giving her a look of transcendence.

Seeing this ecstatic moment of hers, watching as the speed and thrill of driving transformed her into the reflection of life I had so enjoyed witnessing back in Forks, I felt a faint flicker from deep in my chest. I had never met another person who felt the same delight I experienced while behind the wheel of a car and seeing it now mirrored back to me, I felt a stirring of connection. Of invitation. It was a call to join her in her vibrancy. It was the same call I'd experienced a hundred times by now.

I drew in a sharp breath. I had been so certain that I could no longer be touched by this. By anything. Yet, somehow, Vitalia was calling to me still. Her presence was trying to coax the embers of my dead existence into life again.

I felt a momentary battle as my mind drifted between pain and a longing for a way to surface from above its crushing weight.

I quickly felt myself losing the battle before Vitalia glanced at me, unleashing her glowing, limitless eyes on me. They caught and held me in the middle. I was suddenly suspended in between pain and hope. The life in her gaze was overpowering in a way they had never quite been before.

Wow, he looks almost like he used to again. Those gold eyes, they're so intense. So…sensational. I've missed this.

"…eyes on the road." I somehow managed to say to her in a quiet voice. It sounded far away, like someone trying to wake me from a dream.

Which is exactly what this moment was. An unattainable fantasy where I somehow managed the impossible.

Vitalia's eyes widened in alarm before they quickly flashed to the road, releasing me from their extraordinary spell.

I blinked and looked out of my own window, mind brought back to its miserable reality. The flicker in my chest remained though, her influence burned into me. It sat there inside of me as a single fracture of light.

We drove into the city, which had come alive in the darkness. The skyscrapers gleamed and neon signs illuminated the dark. People were out walking and the scents of steakhouses and various ethnic restaurants permeated the air. Faint music from bars and nightclubs sounded along with the chorus of traffic. The entire place had an energy that was absent during the day.

The nighttime was naturally more exciting for me as a vampire. I was inclined towards it. I just rarely allowed myself to fully appreciate it.

Vitalia's driving wasn't as concerning as I feared it would be. She seemed to be very focused so as not to take unnecessary risks. I supposed the incident with her father made her more inclined to be cautious.

We drove a few more blocks before Vitalia pulled in front of a store with Cavender's written in glowing, red letters.

"Cavender's Boot City," I voiced out loud.

"That's right," she enthused. "Best place to get you your boots."

I stepped out of the car and followed the girl into the store, where I was immediately struck with the heavy scents of leather and shoe polish. The walls were covered in Western footwear and Jasper immediately sprang to mind. He would love it here.

Vitalia guided me down an aisle then pursed her lips as she inspected a pair of boots. "What size are you?"

"Eleven."

She nodded then moved on, flitting between different styles and colors.

Hm…dark brown or a lighter shade? Maybe black?

I left her to it, not really caring what she actually chose for me to wear. I didn't think anything could matter less. Few things did anymore.

That's a cool design, she was thinking as she traced a hand over the threading over the side of a pair of beige colored boots. Pretty intricate and all that. She glanced to me them with a brow raised. I wonder how much more detailed it is to him? Should I ask? I think I w-

Before she'd even finished the thought, she spoke to me. "Hey, Eddy? What's it like? Your vision? Is it a lot more powerful?"

I glanced around but we were alone in the aisle. I lowered my voice though when I answered. "Yes, it is. Significantly more." I stepped forward and glanced down at the teal blue stitching on the leather. I could see so many more shades of color and all of the microscopic elements that made up the design. It wasn't a thing I could easily describe.

"I can see the entire color spectrum and all of the individual particles in things."

"Ah," she smiled. "That sounds like a cool part of it. Of being the way you are."

It makes me so curious how he sees the world. Such a mystery. Such a unique person. So unreal.

Her tone was amazed and I frowned as I lowered my hand. "Of course. But there's the other side of it too. The cravings."

She knew what I meant. Her smile faded. "Is it pretty bad?"

Is it, like, a constant struggle for him? Is part of him tempted to kill me right now?

I stared down at her a long moment. I was glad I didn't have to explain that part to her. I felt like she had a grasp of the dangers involved here. The trouble with her though was that she enjoyed danger.

"…it's worse with some than with others. Bella-" her name was torture as I spoke it and I couldn't help my expression contorting in anguish. "I was more drawn to her than anyone else. The cravings were incredibly strong. Around her it was a constant temptation."

"I see," she answered, brows drawing close as she observed my expression. Maybe I shouldn't have asked…I'm sorry. "But it's not like that with everyone?"

"No," I shook my head. "In fact now, with you…" I tried to ease my face back into its mask of indifference, but couldn't quite manage it. "I hardly feel it. It's almost like you subdue it somehow. Tame it."

"Huh." She tilted her head. "Wonder why that is?"

"I'm not sure. It might be a gift of yours."

"You mean like your gift?"

"Something like that. Before our transformation some of us have a natural ability that becomes a unique ability. Mine was most likely an intuition into people's thoughts which turned into mind reading."

"Interesting." Her eyes drifted up as she smiled. "So mine would end up being, like, an ability to tame other vamps?"

"Possibly," I shrugged before my gaze turned more serious. "But I hope you never have to find out."

"You don't recommend the immortal night life, huh?"

"Not at all."

She sighed, mind playing with the idea a moment, before she offered another smile. "I won't lie, I'm pretty curious, and parts of it do sound crazy exciting, but I probably wouldn't want it anyway. Living forever kind of takes the whole Carpe Diem out of life, right? And the risk factor. Not to mention outliving everyone. I know I'd hate experiencing all of that loss."

Can't really even stand to think of the pain of that. Oh wait-" she glanced up at me. I'm being so insensitive. He's lost so much…

I shook my head to calm her concern. I was mostly feeling relieved to hear her say what she did. I had been wondering if her adventurous side would push her into an unhealthy desire for what I had, but I felt a deep part of me relax when I saw that this wasn't the case. Vitalia was far too in love with her own life to throw it away.

It was a mindset I had so desperately wished Bella to have. I wanted her to learn from Vitalia. To realize how beautiful her humanity was. But, tragically, my beloved had never come to that realization. A fact which I was entirely accountable for. I'd inserted myself into her life and irreparably ruined it. I was the one who made her lose sight of how precious mortality was. Who made her end her life at such a young age.

I breathed in painfully.

Vitalia immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me, holding me close.

I stood still a moment before lifting my own arms around her, holding her as tightly as I dared. Her body was so very breakable. Ironically though, I was the one at risk of falling apart.

We stood there a long time without saying anything before I finally felt capable of composure again.

"…I'm sorry." I pulled away from her.

Vitalia shook her head. "Nope! Don't be. This is what I'm here for, okay? To get you through this. We're a team." She gripped both my arms, took a deep, steadying breath, then released me. "Now, let's find those boots and get out of here. I'm all done with the questions for now."

I didn't want her to feel guilty about asking, but I nodded anyway. In spite of myself, the questions had been triggering.

We perused a few more aisles before she turned and asked me about a pair of antique, faded brown boots. They had a weathered effect and a minimal design. There was faint, dark blue stitching woven along the soles and up the sides.

I liked them well enough, so I leaned down to try them on.

"How do they feel?" Vitalia asked, admiring them with a smile.

"They feel fine," I nodded.

"You want to go with those?"

"Sure," I told her, glancing down at them once more before changing back into my worn converse. "It honestly doesn't make much difference to me."

I watched her sigh. He sounds a little like Eeyore. I get it though. It'll take time. "Well, maybe you'll appreciate them someday. Let's pay up and bounce on out of here." And I feel a little like Tigger saying that.

I saw her envision a few scenes between the cartoon characters and laugh at herself in response. I tried to crack a smile for her benefit, but my mouth felt stiff.

After paying, we stepped out into the vibrant city and I glanced at the car as the heaviness that had struck me in the store settled over me again. I glanced Vitalia's way before an urge sprang up in my mind.

I held up a hand. "Would you mind if I drove back?"

"Ah, come on! I wasn't that bad, was I?"

"It isn't that," I assured her, gaze turning intent. "I just-" Just what? Need it? Did I really think it would help?

She stared at me a long moment. His eyes are looking a little wild right now…maybe this'll help get his mind off things?" A relenting smile crossed her face before she set the keys in my hand. "Take it away, Maverick."

I glanced up at her at that and her smile turned teasing. "Oh yeah," she continued. "I'm not the only adrenaline junkie here."

I know last time we talked about this, you compared me to that daredevil, but you've got some of that in you too. She silently added.

"Hardly daring when there's no real danger in it," I told her.

She clicked her tongue. "I don't know. You get a look sometimes. You like the energy surge."

She hopped into the passenger seat as I slid behind the wheel. I turned on the car, revved the engine a moment, then pulled onto the main road. I wasn't able to go much faster than the posted limit in the city though. There were traffic lights and other cars cluttering the road. I tapped a finger against the wheel impatiently as we crawled along.

Then, after about ten minutes of this, I cleared the downtown area and pulled onto the highway. Unlike the last time I'd driven with Vitalia, I didn't dwell on the possible repercussions of what I was about to do.

I slammed my foot down on the gas pedal and felt the strain of the engine as I steadily gained speed. I pushed it as far as I could then drove straight ahead as the miles sped by. I lost myself in it, the feel of the vehicle and the speed as we bulleted down the asphalt.

I closed my eyes, all the heaviness held temporarily at bay by the natural law of inertia.

The Vitalia's thoughts started pouring in. She was silently watching me, heart racing, as her mind struck up a war between concern for me and a thrill at witnessing my recklessness. I could practically feel the energy radiating off of her.

Why shouldn't she enjoy this? I could give her that, couldn't I?

Deliberately, I opened my eyes and shifted them over to her. She had been unprepared to be struck by them and she drew in a deep breath. Her thoughts fell silent. I could only imagine what it was she was feeling.

Then I pulled as much strength as I could and slowly smiled for her. I wanted to put her thoughts of concern to rest for the moment.

I watched her blink in surprise before her eyes narrowed slightly. I think I know what you're trying to do, but you're making an effort and I definitely won't be letting that go to waste.

Her mouth broke into a wide grin, her thoughts filled with only the thrill of the moment now.

The rush of energy that sprang up in her eyes was nearly as exciting as the drive itself.

I still felt imprisoned in a suffocating abyss, but the way I was hurtling through it now brought those flickers in my chest to life again.

How? I could only think as I stared at her in awe. How are you able to do this?