A Worthy Enemy (HunterxHunter)

Chapter 20: A Sleepless Night

Feral hadn't said a word the entire ride back. Or if he did, Corrin couldn't hear. Her head was pounding, her body on fire, and her hands...it was hopeless, feeling as though she failed as a woman and daughter. She stared out the window of the car as they drove along the empty streets. Silence consumed by the engine and her thoughts.

Would the Troupe take her back? Was all that kept picking at her mind. A group that had made her feel so safe in this world.

Corrin pressed her forehead onto the window's cool touch, watching modern houses lined with porches and mailboxes blur by. Her arms lay over her lap while her breath fogged the glass. Her lips quivered in helplessness and oh how her heart throbbed. She took small, sharp breaths to keep her heart steady.

Don't let anyone see you like this. Straighten up already.

It took all her strength to keep it in. She could feel tears forming under her eyes because it burned. Salty tears that escalated as her throat swelled, a feeling she vowed to never experience again. She would lose it soon. Lose it for good this time. Was there anything else in this world to tie her down? Was there really nothing to lose anymore? She's walked through hell and back for years but perhaps it was finally time to disappear and start over. Corrin looked up to keep the tears from falling, and waited patiently for them to dry.

"Corrin." His voice echoed through her heavy thoughts like a drop of water in a silent cave.

"Feral, please. Not now."

"I know...but we're here." He parked in the driveway and Corrin immediately shifted back at the sight of toys and a slide in his front yard. Did this man have a kid? Feral blew out a long breath beside her. She was used to this silence between them from the long nights he watched over her. But this was different. Something pulled taut at her nerves and it uncomfortably sent her on edge. "I'll make sure that you get some sleep tonight," he said, reassuringly. "I'll have everything set up in the spare room. It's the least I can do."

Corrin looked away. "I have done nothing of worth for you to tend to my safety."

"I know," Feral said again. Ouch. But there was no pity or resentment behind his words, or his eyes, insisting it must be done.

Does he...actually care? Corrin turned away, scolding herself. No. His life is on the line for his friend. And don't go thinking of stuff like that, Corrin.

"Right then." She started to get out, but paused as her eyes settled on the door handle. Unable to open it. Unable to do anything anymore. Corrin shut her eyes, cursing in her head when the warm weight of his hand rested on her arm.

Corrin opened her eyes to see Feral reaching over her to get the handle. Flushing his body heat all over her face. His skin tickling her nose.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?"

Feral jolted back. "W-what? What happened!"

Corrin stared at him, surprised at what left her mouth. She did know exactly what he was doing yet her body suddenly burst into flames. Great skies, she had to get out of here. She quickly cleared her throat. "Nothing. I can do it myself." She leaned back and brought her legs up.

Feral furrowed his eyebrows. "Are you serious? I can get it, just–"

Bonk!

Corrin kicked the door open and hopped out. The door, which unapologetically flew over the yard.

Feral's jaw dropped and Corrin bluntly apologized. More less. "Sorry. I'll buy you another car. Come on," she mumbled, treading to the front door and hiding her face from him.