Shapeless

Ch 25 knowledge

Jaimey smiled to herself, watching the boy in front of her. Peter was talking to every dragonfly, chatting with all the mice and scolding every fox. He was using his power, without even noticing.
She felt overwhelmed with pride as he turned to her. "So, what now?"
Jaimey shrugged. "You tell me. You are the boss." she teased.
Peter grinned. "I am? I am!" he boasted.
"Just for the moment." Jaimey added, glad to see his spirits lifted. She had hoped to cheer him up with the forest and thankfully, it seemed to be working.
She frowned when she remembered stumbling upon an angry looking Jason and disappointed Skyler facing a confused Peter. What had happened to make the couple lose faith in the blonde? Peter hadn't done anything wrong and yet they had looked at him as if he were a stranger. Pity for her friend filled her and she wished there was something she could do to help him.
She pushed the thought to the back of her head, wanting to enjoy the moment. All she could do was be there for him.
She watched fondly as Peter approached two red furred squirrels. They were chattering loudly. Peter turned to her in amusement. "They are yelling at each other about an acorn!" He laughed softly.
Jaimey smiled. "help them out." She replied.
Peter blinked. "What?"
Jaimey liked feeling needed. "With your talent, you should befriend the forest. It might come in handy when you are in trouble." She explained. Peter still looked doubtful but he nodded.
"Go on." Jaimey prompted the boy.
He stepped forward, reaching into a tree. He picked a nut from a low hanging branch.
She watched him stalk up to the furry argument, consulting with them.
At last, he handed one of the squirrels the other nut. The squirrels looked at him gratefully, climbing away into the trees.

After a while, Peter turned to her. "That racoon thinks that you are really pretty." He smiled. "She is right."

Jaimey smiled shyly at the adorable comment. "You aren't too bad yourself mister." She teased.
Peter looked up at the sky and squinted his blue eyes. "Oh no!"
A normal looking blue jay was flitting through the clouds.
Jaimey gave him a puzzled look. "A bird?"
Peter frowned nervously. "It's escaping from something! We have to help it!"
He began to race through the trees.
Jaimey looked closer at the flying creature. Peter was right, it could barely flap to safety, it's wing must have been hurt. It stumbled.
Peter leapt forward just as the bird dropped through the trees like a stone, too tired to fly.
He caught it gently in his palms, speaking softly to it.
Jaimey strained her ears to hear.
From her point of view it seemed like a one sided conversation but she knew that he was talking with the animal.
The blonde turned to her urgently.
"There's a fire!" His voice was quivering.
Jaimey's eyes widened. "Where?"
Peter blinked. "The twin trees. Do you know where that is?"
Jaimey shook her head hopelessly.
Instead of giving up, Peter raced over to the pond, dipping a hand in the water.
Curious, the red head followed him.
"What are you doing?" She tilted her head.
Peter didn't answer, he crouched down. eyes lighting up when two silver fish swam up.
"Listen, I need to know how to get to the twin trees! Do you know where that is?" He begged.
Jaimey looked at Peter, relying on his reactions to know the situation.
His brows furrowed. "Why? Because I need your help!" He growled at the swimming creatures.
The fish didn't seem to be cooperating.
"Don't you think about anyone but yourself?" He demanded sounding annoyed.
Jaimey rested a hand on his shoulder.
He sighed, calming down. "The dumb fish won't tell me anything." He shrugged sadly.
"There's nothing we can do to stop the forest from burning."
Jaimey rubbed Peter's back comfortingly.
"It's okay, it's not your job to keep the forest alive."
A look of helpless determination filled him.
"But I want to." He stood back up.
Jaimey watched him pace back and forth.
"Maybe if we..." he mumbled something that she couldn't catch.
Suddenly the bushes rustled. Two red furred heads popped out.
Excitement crossed Peter's face and he immediately crouched at their side.
The squirrels gestured with their paws in the direction of a red leafed tree.
"Thank you!" Peter dismissed the squirrels.
He turned to her urgently. "We need to hurry!" He urged.
Jaimey blinked. "Do you know where it is?"
Peter nodded vigorously. "The squirrels that I helped earlier heard me. They told me where to go." He grabbed her wrist, leading her through the woods.
They were almost at a run when they made it to a fast flowing river. The harsh water roared in her ears.
Peter turned to his companion with fear in his eyes. "What do we do? I can't cross that!" He protested.
Jaimey gave a single nod, gesturing him to stand back.
The red head planted her feet, closing her eyes in concentration.
"Tardus aqua!" She shouted, slamming her hands together in a loud clap.
The sound filled the forest, stopping at the water's edge.
An invisible force flattened the waves, and Peter watched the water settle.
"Wow!" He was gaping when she opened her eyes.
"That was awesome!" He spluttered.
Jaimey smiled with a nod turning to the calming river.
"This way." She took a flying leap onto one of the gray rocks in the middle. Peter's gaze cleared when he saw the way across.
He hopped across behind her.
The stones were slippery and wet, they had to steady themselves with every jump. Peter overestimated a gap, feet sliding out from under him.
Hearing the blonde's gasp of panic, Jaimey reached out, catching him on the hand before he could fall. She steadied him, deciding not to let go. Peter was important and she didn't want to lose him. When at last, they made it to the other side, Peter found his footing. Jaimey attempted to let go of his hand but he didn't let her. She felt her face flush, assuming that he was either too distracted to notice or stunned by the near fall so he was clinging for dear life.
She tried not to notice the warmth of his hand in hers and ran through the trees.