Thicker than Water

Chapter Twenty Four - Haden's Point of View

I know it is wrong, but I couldn't help it.  I tried desperately to stay focused as we traveled through the tunnels.  It wasn't that I didn't like getting lost in those thoughts, but it came so easily even if I was trying not to.  Damn it, I was supposed to stay focused.  But my mind disagreed and always wanted to drift to her.  Her soft skin and sweet voice always sent me into this content mood.  Her graceful movements and smile seemed to leave this permanent mark on my heart.  Every time she said she loved me I felt at peace.  Not even words could express my love for her.  But she had me hooked.  And I was obsessed.  I was perfectly fine with that too because I knew she was mine and mine alone.  I no longer had to fight with Victor for her.  I didn't even have to share.

After practically forcing her to eat, I didn't have much time before we were on the path again.  I didn't get a chance really to soak in her love and warmth.  But every time I thought about that my mind drifted to the night we shared under the very artificial stars.  Even though I hadn't been thinking entirely straight, I knew she was what I wanted.  I knew deep down that the words I had said were true.  I would throw everything away if I had to.  I chuckled at that and she casted me a strange glance from her horse.

Her eyes meet mine then I let them drift to a red mark on her neck.  Her scarf wasn't doing a good job hiding the mark.  The mark I gave her to remind her she was mine.  I grinned to myself then faced forward.  What are you laughing at, she asked me and I swear I could hear her giggle.  So you enjoyed that did you?  I looked at her in confusion then realized what she meant.  Damn it, I had forgotten she was in my head.  I instantly blushed and kept my eyes forward.  Its fine you know, she told me and I looked at her out of the corner of my eye without moving my head.  She was smiling with a little pink coloring her cheeks. I love you too.

You are going to be the death of me, I warned her.

You are getting very full of your self, you know that, she said.

But you love me.

Yeah, I do.

I smiled even wider as I imagined kissing her again.  Then my mind drifted to the shower incident.  I had wanted to take her so badly and she knew it too.

Now I hate you, she snapped.

No, you don't!

You know that is so embarrassing!  You lied about not looking, didn't you?!

I didn't see much.

She took it the wrong way and grew self conscious. That's mean!

Hey, I was trying to make you not mad at me.  I wasn't commenting in your body.  I didn't even see anything.  I'm pretty sure you'd kill me if I did.

Damn right.

So when can I see?

Excuse me?

You heard me, Rogue.

At the rate you're going, never.  You're such a damn perv!  She laughed again and I grew warm from the sound.

I'm only a perv to you.  You know that right?  You're the only one I tease too, I told her without hesitation.

Yes.  But if you don't stop, I'm seriously going to not let you touch me.

I grinned at how childish that remark was and looked ahead, only to have my mood completely crushed.  A large army stood before us with Harrison in front.  His worn features and stressed aura gave me the impression he was at his wits end.  We had definitely made the wrong move by coming down here.  Our group stopped a good hundred yards from them.  He glared at Rogue intensely with hate and disgust, but she merely kept her eyes forward like she didn't see him at all.  However, she was physically struggling with that facade.