Tidal Waves

25. Waltz

"Get—Get off of me!"

Damian awoke to Raven thrashing in his arms, and he quickly loosened his grip, moving his hands to cup her face.

"Let me go!"

"Raven, it's me," he quickly assured her in an attempt to calm her, watching as relief slowly began to wash over her face. "It's Damian."

Her breathing steadied as she caught his face in her sight. "Oh— I'm sorry. I think I drank too much last night. I... I feel sick."

Damian sat up and reached over to grab a flask, offering it to her. "Here, it's water. I managed to get some last time we docked."

Raven took the flask gratefully and sat up before taking a sip. "Thank you."

Once she was done, she handed him the flask back and pulled her knees to her chest. Something was clearly bothering her.

"What was that about?" Damian decided to question. "A nightmare?"

Raven swallowed. "I've had them since you saved me. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you, I just awoke in a panic. I... I thought you were—"

"It's okay," Damian said tenderly.

She reached a hand up to her neck meekly. Her lips began to tremor as she spoke, and tears brimmed at the corners of her eyes. "He... tried to— but I... I didn't want to..."

Damian cut her off by a hand on her back, pulling her into him. "I've got you, now."

Raven buried her face in his chest as she silently cried, taking the moment to her advantage in letting out her emotions. This was something she'd never been able to do before.

And Damian let her.

"Breakfast is ready!"

The sound of Kory's voice startled the two of them, and Raven pulled away. "Sorry," she quietly apologized.

Damian hesitatingly reached a hand up and used his thumb to wipe the tears from her cheek. He admired her for a brief moment.

"Don't be."

—

Once the group docked in the nearest town, they all split up to gather materials, and agreed to meet back at the tavern when finished.

Maya snickered when she noticed Damian's stare, directed towards Raven as she split up from the group with Kory.

"What?"

"She'll be fine," Maya assured him. "Her and Kory seem to be well acquainted."

Damian huffed as they strolled down the road. He turned his attention towards the list in his hand. "I know that. Let's just get these supplies and head back."

"Why do you worry so much about her, anyway?" Maya questioned, watching him intently, awaiting his response. "I thought you wanted nothing to do with her when she arrived, hm?"

"She has valuable abilities," Damian simply answered. "It would be a shame to lose them."

Maya laughed. "Okay, whatever you have to tell yourself, little brother."

Damian narrowed his eye at the girl as she approached a vegetable stand.

—

Kory and Raven approached the bar after a long day of shopping. Raven wasn't too bothered, as she spent most of the time listening to Kory tell stories about her past lover. Not only that, but the older girl also picked out a couple of outfits for her.