REVENGE (2nd book of FEAR)

- chapter twelve -

"God, what's taking so long?" Locus snapped, running his hands through his sweaty hair. Johnny shrugged in reply. The soldiers had been sitting outside of the building for hours. The sun was beginning to set, sending a blaze of orange and red over the sky.

"It doesn't make any sense," Johnny muttered under his breath. The green and grey armored mercenary sent him a quizzical look, "What?" The boy shook his head, staring at the ground blankly, "It doesn't make sense. Daniels, Camille, the burned truck and rations..."

"You're acting as if those events were connected somehow," Locus crossed his arms as he leaned against the wooden building. Johnny's brow furrowed, and a dribble of sweat leaked down his temple. It was cool outside.

The boy was silent for a moment, his eyes unblinking and his breathing slow. He seemed to be in deep thought, but he looked as if he were in pain. Johnny cleared his throat, his voice brittle, "What if they were?"

Before Locus could reply, the doctor opened the door to the clinic. The soldiers jumped in surprise and eagerness. "She's alright, if you want to come in and see her," the man with glasses smiled and motioned the two inside.

The mercenary glanced at Johnny, who shook his head, "No, you go. You probably want to see her more than I do..." Locus nodded solemnly, then entered the building. Liz was laying on an old couch next to the armchair the doctor was sitting in when they first arrived.

"Hi," Liz perked up as soon as she saw him, her smile brightening the room. "Hey," Locus greeted, his voice soft. He felt the panic feeling wash away, and a new feeling of warmth replaced it.

Even though it had only been a few hours, she looked way better than before. The olive pigment had returned to her skin, and her cheeks were pink with color. Her eyes were bright with life.

A new bandage was covering her shoulder, and it looked like she had just taken a shower. Her black hair was down and in her face.  Locus felt his breath catch in his throat when he noticed a slight curl in her damp locks. Liz quickly brushed them out with her fingers.

"How're you feeling?" Locus took a seat in the chair, leaning forward to get a better look at her. Liz's smile grew, "Good. Really good. The doctor says my body is recovering quicker than he thought. My shoulder's gonna be healed in a week, he says."

"That's amazing," Locus shared her grin, absentmindedly taking her hand in his. Liz froze, glancing down at their hands for a moment. The mercenary noticed his mistake and quickly tore his hand away.

"I-um," the man stumbled over his words, "I'm... glad you're okay." Liz nodded, suddenly feeling the awkward silence settle in, "Yeah, thanks." Locus stood up from the chair, rubbing the back of his neck, "I bet you want some rest. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Locus, wait," she caught his hand, leaning off of the couch to do so. The soldier stopped, his body tense. "Will you stay with me?" She spoke in a soft tone. Locus closed his eyes for a moment, telling himself to walk out the door.

His body betrayed him, and he held on to her hand tightly as he lowered back into the chair. Liz sunk back into the couch, her green eyes locked with his. There were no words, no noises. Just them. Liz allowed herself to close her eyes in the peaceful silence.

With the sun now fully set, the moon took its place and illuminated the clinic with a deep blue haze. Liz's grip on his hand became loose, and Locus watched as her chest rose and fell with even breaths of a deep sleep. The muscles in her face and body were completely relaxed, and her lips were slightly pursed.

Locus smiled, his mind at a lost of thoughts for the beautiful girl before him. Before he could stop himself, the soldier was leaning forward and laying a hand on her cheek. He sighed before tucking a loose strand of her midnight colored hair behind her ear.

"I miss you," the girl whimpered, her words slurred from her sleeping state of mind. Locus froze. "I miss you too," he muttered back, gently bringing his lips to her hand. He closed his eyes, his head throbbing in pain. The soldier shook his head, thinking to himself...

What the hell am I doing?