The Knights and the Princess

Chapter 14

Was he waiting on me? I walked over and knelt down in front of him, reaching a hand out as I made to poke him on the cheek. I froze right before touching him, realizing how peaceful he seemed. He's sleeping. A small smile spread across my face and instead of poking him I reached a hand up and gently ruffled the fur on his head, before moving and sitting down next to him. I sat in a similar position, but had my head leaning back and resting against the wall. "Night, Blue. Sleep tight, sweet dreams." I yawned, closing my eyes. "Don't... let the cave bugs... bite." I ignored the urge to scoot closer to him, because even though I was cold and I could feel the warmth coming off of him I didn't want to make him uncomfortable.

I wish I didn't have to leave... I thought, holding back a sigh. My chest hurt as I thought about the day I'd have to leave. It would surely be soon, considering my injuries were nearly healed. My side was really the only thing I'm worried about at this point. I just want to be friends with you. I just want to stay living here with you. I don't want you to be by yourself either... I'm too scared to ask how long he's been here by himself. I'm terrified to learn the answer.

"P'kyuu?"

"I'm fine, Akito..." I mumbled, ignoring how she pressed her cold nose against my cheek. I shivered once more, rubbing at my eyes, and slowly drifted off to sleep. For once I had no nightmares, but at the same time... I dreamed of nothing.

I awoke sometime later by a hand on my shoulder shaking me lightly. I yawned and groggily opened my eyes, staring at the male next to me as I let out a small,

"Huh...? Oh, hey, Blue..." I then remembered, snapping wide awake. "Hey, you're up!" He stared at me, making me wonder what sort of expression he was wearing beneath that mask, and stood. I looked up at him, wondering what he was doing when he extended a hand to me. I stared at it blankly, trying to figure out if he wanted a high-five or something, when I realized he wanted me to take it and that we were leaving. "O-Oh!" I awkwardly reached up and grabbed his hand, letting him help me up onto my feet, and he wasted no time in leading me back to the room.

That's why he was waiting on me, I realized, he knew I'd get lost on my way back. Come to think of it, he'd been the one to guide me to the stream many times before as well. My eyes softened as I looked up at him, feeling just as guilty as I did grateful. I lowered my head, struggling to keep up with him. I really can't do anything, can I?

"I'm sorry..." It just came out. Blue stopped walking abruptly, causing me to slam into his back. I flinched and cried out, stumbling back as I wrapped an arm around my stomach. Blue had yet to let go of my hand. "S-Sorry!" I had slammed into him. I lifted my head, stiffening when I saw him stare down at me. Akito was resting on his head. I quickly discerned he wanted me to elaborate on what I was apologizing for and I felt my blood run cold, not at all liking this situation. "I-I just..." Blue tilted his head at me. "You... You're just... so nice a-and you're doing all these... things to help me and I-" I lowered my head, squeezing my eyes shut. Again I was thankful for the mask, as it let me look away. "I can't do anything to pay you back..." I'm useless. I can't protect myself, I can't do laundry, and I'm unable to find my way back to the room because of how easily I'm able to get lost. All I do is chatter away to Blue and try to make conversation, and even then I'm sure I freak him out when I have a nightmare or panic when he's gone for too long. I'm just... I'm just a burden, aren't I?

"...Your company."

My eyes snapped open and my head shot up. "Wh-What?"

Blue was staring at me, seeming thoughtful. "I like... your company." Akito squeaked loudly in agreement. I was stunned, and just a little disbelieving. I had no idea how to respond.