AFK - Away From Keyboard

Chapter 27:

Emica's POV:

   Kit of course, didn't have the slightest intention of saying hello. Instead, his greeting to Len was: "Oh great, he's back."

"So, where do we go next?" Rey wondered aloud from one of the couches.

"Well the next city is Valeor." Myra commented, scrolling through the map in her menu.

I saw Len sigh, Valeor was in the opposite direction of Terre desert.

I sucked in a deep breath. "Or...or we could head to Gafft."

"Isn't that across the desert?" Kit looked puzzled.

I could feel Len staring at me but I resisted the urge to even glance his way. "Yes. I thought it might be interesting. Myra could get some desert themes inspiration, Rey could maybe design a desert themed outfit, and you and Ren can battle desert monsters for experience points and stuff."

"Oooooo! Yue, can I design YOU an outfit? You too Myra?" Rey begged.

I nodded and held back my pained expression from showing. Bleh, fancy clothes.

"I could put together some really neat pictures..." Myra consented.

"I'll go if you want to." Kit agreed.

Not one person objected. Even my lazy cat seemed pleased as she lapped up her dinner.

"Alright then. Tomorrow evening we'll set out." Myra nodded. "Good night everyone."

Kit slunk out of the room while Rey and Myra went into their bedrooms and shut the doors. Len stayed seated on the couch with his eyes fixed on mine.

   Ten minutes later I hear snoring coming from Myra's room. Still Len simply sat on the couch and stared at me. It was extremely unsettling.

I sat on the comfy chair opposite to him, waiting for him to say something; but he never did, just continued staring at me. I couldn't help but start to feel self conscious. Why was he staring at me like that? His expression was so serious...did I do something wrong? Why do I always think I did something wrong?

Len stood up suddenly, so I jumped up as well. He crossed over to me with his hands behind his back. 

"You didn't do anything wrong. I thought you didn't want me heading into another temple?"

"I don't" I admitted a little sourly. "But you should be able to go if you want to. I'm not..."
Len bent down and tenderly kissed my cheek. "Thank you," He whispered and, with a grateful smile, left the room.

   I was rooted to the place I stood, my eyes fixed on where Len had stood a moment ago. Color rushed to my face.
My emotions were dancing about like a blizzard. Confusion, abashment, curiosity, and disconcertion were all part of the dance.
Inside I felt fluttery. I might be sick, because I feel like I might throw up. In that case I should get to bed.

When I turned to go, I came face-to-face with Rey.

"Hey Yue, I just came for some water. Um, are you okay? Your face is wicked pink."

"I...I think I might be sick." I stammered truthfully.

"Heartsick? Lovesick?"

"I don't...what?"

"Nothing. Don't worry, I've seen this hundreds of times. You'll feel better soon enough. Anyway, good night." Rin hugged me and then left.

   I went to my room and selected my white nightgown before climbing under the soft covers.

Tomorrow we would begin to cross the desert. Soon Len would want to head to the temple and defeat the boss.
I still didn't want to go along with that, but it had made him so happy...

Happy enough to...to kiss me.

(A/N: HAHAHAHA! I AM BACK WITH MY STORIES! Thank you sister who let me use her kindle in my account. ^o^ And ew, this chapter stinks, sorry.)