Incipient

Chapter 19 - Zen

  Eventually, Avex leaves, muttering something about 'needing to get out of this negative environment' and his 'zen.' I don't bother telling him that he should probably get changed out of his onesie before leaving but I doubt he minds.

Cree releases a sigh, "We should probably talk about what we're going to do from here."

"Probably." I hum back, letting my head drop on his shoulder.

"Yeah, you probably should." Luka mimics, reminding me that she's actually here.

I send her a forced smile, "Okay, so when should we leave?"

Cree shrugs, sending my head up and down, "Tomorrow, I suppose. But I guess it depends on what everyone else thinks. It's going to be hard figuring everything out since we're bringing so many with us now."

"We don't have to bring everyone with us. We could always just ask them to meet us if we need them." I suggest, tucking my legs underneath me.

He rests his chin on my head, "I don't know, we're probably better off with the bigger numbers." I feel him blow air out of his nose.

I pull away, looking at him concernedly, "What's wrong?"

He rolls his eyes exasperatedly, "Nothing. I just miss your old hair, is all. Your braids hurt my face when I rest against your head."

"Stop whining. My hair is more practical this way." I roll my eyes back at him and lean against his shoulder again.

He rests his chin on my head again, "Don't listen to me. Your hair looking pretty and practical is definitely worth the pain I'm going through."

"Hey," I pull away, "No one's forcing you to use me as a pillow. In fact, I'd prefer it if you didn't."

"You're a sadist. You purposely had your hair like this to hurt me." He accuses.

"Oh yes." I drawl, "Because all my actions are based around you."

"And she admits it." He smirks, leaning into me. "You're utterly obsessed with me."

"I think you've got it the wrong way round." I look into his cognac eyes, unwavering.

"Have I?" His grin widens.

"Hmmhmm." My lips hover under his smile and he just about presses his lips against mine when someone clears their throat.

"Can you not do that while I'm here?" Luka grunts.

Cree quickly pulls away from me, a light blush across his face. I just roll my eyes, Luka could have just left the room.

I let out a yawn, pushing my head against the head of the sofa. I really wish I could go back to sleep despite having a really good night's sleep last night. I must be the last two weeks catching up to me or something.

A loud knock sounds at the door and I reluctantly drag myself over to the door to answer it. And to say I'm surprised to see Deamrat de Melsa standing there is an understatement.

He stands there in an old grey suit, fiddling with his moustache, "Good morning, Trula."

I open the door further, taking a step back, "Hi." I feel my eyes widen, "I'm glad you're okay. I wasn't sure what had happened to you after the attack."

He steps through the door and allows me to shut the door behind him, "The same goes to you. I really worried that you hadn't made it when you didn't make it back with here with the rest of the town."