The Chosen Phoenix III

Chapter 4- Awkward Feelings

Zac showed Jyn every inch of the Fort territory. He showed her where he usually sat in the evenings. 

' It's the best and peaceful spot. I always come here to watch the sunset. A little peace away from the village. They're treating it like a place to protest! '

Jyn laughed. Somehow she found it funny. She settled down next to Zac. 

They were on a grassy cliff, which had a little hill by the corner where Zac went to go down to the shore. The sea looked beautiful, especially when the sun was starting to hide itself to the horizons. It was at the edge of the forest so there were a few trees which looked brown and yellow, some even red when it was evening. The grass were also starting to turn a little brown. The colours that were all gathered in that space, including the very relaxing breeze, Jyn had no idea where else she wanted to be. She looked at Zac. She stared at him; she thought. It suddenly came to her that she thought that Zac Vester looked... rather cute. 

Not again— Jyn thought as she shook her head wildly. Zac, who was busy admiring the setting sun, which was just getting it's remaining inch hidden behind the horizons, turned and looked at her with a confused yet concerned look.

' You okay? ' he asked.

' Y-y-yeah... I'm fine— just a-a little tired from all the things I've been th-through... you know? ' Jyn stammered, trying to come up with an excuse.

' Oh, you want to head back to the Village and rest? ' he suggested.

' Sure, thanks— I-I'm really going to need it... yeah, ' Jyn shrugged, smiling shyly.

' Okay, come on now. ' Zac got to his feet and reached out to lend her a hand. Jyn's smile turned to gratitude but faded into astonishment when their hands held each other. Her cheeks started to burn hotter than chilli. She shook her head wildly again and stood up.

' You sure you're okay? You seem a little off, ' said Zac, observing Jyn's actions.

' Y-yeah, let's go. ' Jyn said quickly as she made her way back into the leaves, soon covered by the trees that waved along with the wind. Zac stood there with a confused look as Jyn stopped behind a tree, secretly watching him. She sighed and slapped her forehead, trying to get whatever that was causing her to feel this weird out of her head.

He is just a long-lost friend whom I haven't met before— just a friend, Jyn kept reminding herself as she strolled back with Zac to Fort Village, where everyone was already beginning to make their ways to hit the hay. Leckeo was playing with Axel at the Main Square and they both rushed to greet Jyn welcomingly when they spotted her.

Zac led Jyn, with the two creatures behind her, to his house, which was just like any other in the Village. The house, though small, looked very comfy. But that was only the living room. There were two other doors at the back. 

' The one on the left is my room, the other will be yours— for now. ' he said as he led her into that room. The bed was well-made and there was a cupboard by the door and a bedside table beside the bed. Jyn felt the bed, immediately she fell back onto the bed, wanting to doze off immediately. Zac chuckled.

' Comfy, eh? ' he said. ' Wait till you see Amon's bed back in Fort House. It's ten times better than this. '

' No, it's fine, ' Jyn sighed comfortably, ' it's perfect. '

She plopped into bed. Zac sat down by the edge of the bed. Jyn sat up. It was the very first time, ever since they met, that they made complete eye contact. Jyn stared into Zac's eyes while Zac stared into hers. Jyn realised Zac's blue eyes looked better than she thought; his eyes were better than just the blue sky that overlooked the world up above. Then again, her awkward feelings came rushing back, for she thought his eyes clearly showed his pure of heart, though he was a warrior, a fighter. His eyes even looked pure themselves; Jyn saw herself reflected in them. Zac smiled and gently got her to lay back down.