Stuck With You [FIREAFY]

Chapter 6 // The Return

THIRD POV:

As they walk, Firey keeps a watchful eye on Leafy, making sure she doesn't stumble or fall. He also keeps a lookout for any possible signs of an exit, hoping they will find it soon. The silence between them was comfortable, yet a little awkward too after their argument, despite the apologies.

Firey clears his throat, hoping to break the silence. "Hey, Leafy...I know things have been a little tense between us, but I just want you to know that I still consider you a friend."

Leafy looks up at him, her eyes wide before softening. "...Thank you, Firey. I feel the same way."

He gives a smile, before looking back forward. Feeling a bit more confident, Leafy feels a want to fill the emptiness of the cave.

She begins talking, "Hey Firey, remember how much you and Coiny fought?" She thought it would be nice to look back at memories one on one.

"Back in BFDI? Oh yeah, he had a way with slapping," Firey replies.

Leafy holds back a giggle, "you two would never get anything done!"

Firey playfully rolls his eyes, "that jerk had it coming!" He jokes as he waves a fist.

Leafy chuckles lightly, causing Firey to crack a smile.

Finally, after what felt like an hour, they saw a glimmer of light up ahead. Upon noticing, Firey quickened his pace. He feels excitement and relief wash over him upon the sight.

"Leafy, look! That must be an exit!"

Leafy gives a weak nod, and a small smile appears on her face. She would've shared the same energy as Firey if it weren't for her migraine. With just a couple steps, the light grows brighter and brighter, until they emerge from the tunnel.

The bright sunlight greets them and sends its rays to combat against the freezing space they were once in. Leafy squints her eyes as it adjusts to the brightness, and finally feels the relief set in. The sun's warmth feels much better in comparison to the cold, tight atmosphere they were in. Despite Firey's hate for water, he couldn't help but feel delight in seeing little droplets of rain on the trees and grass. They both sigh in relief, and Firey turns to face Leafy.

"...I guess we can head our way back now," he says.

Leafy intends to nod, but instead, she slouches over, before plopping onto the grass. She grips her burning head and lets out a pained exhale. Her migraine hadn't gone away, as a matter of fact, it had continued to gradually worsen. Remembering her condition, Firey approaches to help his friend.

"Take it easy, Leafy. We'll get out of this forest and get you some help," he tries to speak in a tender tone. It didn't help to mask the slight panic he was feeling.

Firey helps Leafy as she stands back up, and brings her arm around his shoulder to support her weight. As Firey helps her, Leafy can't help but feel a sense of warmth within her heart. She can't make out what it was exactly. Happiness? Relief? Hope? Despite everything that has happened between them, Firey has been there with and for her. And for that, she was grateful. Grateful for him. Her heart flutters as she thinks of another possibility of what the feeling could be.

Love?

No, it couldn't be.