𝕱𝖗𝖎𝖊𝖓𝖉𝖑𝖞 𝖋𝖎𝖗𝖊 - a Leo Valdez slowburn

Chapter eleven

Chapter eleven. 

[We're revving up the engine of the car (again)]

"You're reading a fanfiction by an author who's a Lex Luthor apologist.

Brace yourselves."

The last days had been confusing, but mainly just chaotic. 

The Rebellion fighters still hadn't completely simmered down from the huge news that Lin was leaving - with the two new kids, no less! Leah still heard whispers around her whenever she sat down. It wasn't particularly pleasant, but at least some people still talked to her. That was good enough for her. 

On the other hand, Aiden had been a wreck. It was obvious he wasn't used to the attention or to the rumors that had started spreading, because they'd broken down at least twice a day since the announcement. 

The two were currently sitting on the roof of Leah's dormitories building, Aiden's head on Leah's shoulder as they watched the sun set. They'd been excused from the War Games that night, seeing as both weren't exactly up to it. The sounds and small figures were distant, almost not in their world. They were in their own little bubble now, and no one could enter it. 

"Y'know," Leah said, breaking the silence, "we've been in a similar situation before. In Edinburgh, when we first left. You don't have to worry."  "But I am worrying, and it feels horrible," Aiden shivered. She looked at him with a hint of worry in her eyes. 

"Are you okay?" she asked. "I think you know what I am currently." Aiden huffed, crossing his arms. "It's polite to ask, of course I know you aren't," Leah replied, rolling her eyes. 

"In Edinburgh it was different," Aiden countered her previous statement. "We weren't leaving anyone behind, and better yet, we knew what to expect." "Vaguely," Leah cut him off. 

"You're really strong, you know that?" she asked, not looking at them. Aiden made a small noise of surprise. "If either of us is, it's you," he countered. "I haven't let my feelings show once on this trip," Leah said. She poked Aiden's shoulder. "You are right now." "And what am I getting out of it, huh? At least you don't get weird looks from everyone when you sit down with red eyes and a stuffed up nose." "No, I get them regardless," Leah said. She didn't turn to look at him, instead keeping her eyes on the last rays of the sun disappear under the horizon. 

"Do you realize I could strangle you right now and you'd be dead in a minute?" she asked suddenly. Aiden hesitated with his answer. "You wouldn't though." "I have," she admitted guiltily. Aiden lifted his head, his stomach tightening. "Wait what?" 

"I'm a killer, and I'll be nothing less of a murderer in a few months. When I get my hands on Porphyrion, I... I'll go crazy." "As if you aren't already?" Aiden joked. She scowled at them. "This is serious, poet boy. 

"He's hurt me in ways unimaginable for anyone who didn't go through what I did or at least something similar, he's caused permanent change in both my body and mind. And sure, I've seemed to get hell lot stronger because of it, but up here, mentally?" Leah tapped the side of her forehead with her finger, meaning her brain. "It's gone from bad to worse to worst." She stood up from her place, looking at him coldly. "I'm going to my dorm. Good night, Aiden. I'll see you tomorrow." 

And Aiden's eyes followed her figure until she closed the door, leaving him with his thoughts for a change. 

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Leah stood in front of the fountain on the square again, fiddling with the red pencil in her hands, now stubby from the excessive drawing and writing she'd done with it.