Something Worth Fighting For (REWRITING)

Chapter Twenty-Three

PICTURE OF RIVER>^>^>^>^

(I changed the actress)

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The faint sounds of singing birds and swaying trees slowly pulled me out of my sleeping state. I could feel Archer against my back, his arm holding me to him. Last night's events crept into my mind causing me to smile. We didn't go all the way but the night was still beautiful and one that I will never forget. I felt something press against the back of my head and Archers arm tightened around my waist.

"Good morning." His husky voice caused a shiver to run down my spine. I turned my head to face him and was surprised when his lips pressed against mine. He pulled away and pressed his forehead against mine.

"Well good morning to you too." I giggled, causing an adorable grin to grace his perfect features. He pulled me into his chest and I wrapped my arms around him, wanting to get as close as possible. We stayed like that for a while, just enjoying each other's company. Finally Archer broke the comforting silence.

"I'm sorry I stayed away from you for so long. Can you ever forgive me?" I looked up at him and was boggled at what I saw. It may have been a trick of the light, or my imagination, but his normally strong face at that moment looked weak and even vulnerable. I stretched up and kissed his jaw.

"It's already forgotten." I tried to nuzzle back into him but he abruptly sat up.

"River, it's not okay." I sat up as well. "You were here hurting and I didn't comfort you. Instead I stayed in my office and only came in here when you were sleeping. That shouldn't happen. It's my job to make sure you are happy but instead I pushed you in the totally opposite direction. How could you forgive me so easily?"

"It's not easy, Archer. I want nothing more than to be angry with you. It would be so easy to be mad at you. It would be so easy to hold a grudge. It would be so easy to be weak. But it's times like these when we need to be strong. A wise man once said 'The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong'. We can't afford to be weak right now, Archer. Not with everything Emma is going through. I do forgive you. Honestly I do. But that doesn't mean I have forgotten."

He gazed into my eyes, processing everything I had said. When he finally snapped out of it he practically threw himself at me. I was embraced in his strong arms and pressed firmly against him.

"I know I keep saying it but god dammit River I don't deserve you." I didn't say a word but instead enjoyed the safety barrier that was his arms. The feeling that consumes me whenever he is around is the most soothing and content feeling I have ever experienced here. Which slightly confuses me. Why, from the moment I laid my eyes on him, do I feel so protected and wanted? Why does he feel it's his job to make me happy and protect me when he doesn't know anything about me? Why is Emma willing to die for me to keep me with Archer? I can't make sense of it all. I was about to ask Archer when we were interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Archer? It's Bryn."

"What do you need?"

"The Doctor needs you. It's about Kye." Archer jumped up and practically sprinted to the closet.

"I will be there in a minute." I peered through the door to see him throwing on a white V-neck, that hugged his muscles in all the right places, and a pair or torn up black jeans. He threw on his converse in record time before walking back out to me; his hand running through is messy hair.

"What's wrong with Kye? I should go see him." I stood up and wrapped the sheet around me as I began to walk to the closet.

"Not so fast." I was yanked around by a strong arm and turned to face Archer. "The last thing Kye needs right now is a bunch of concerned visitors."

"What's wrong with him?" Archer sighed before he began to rub his hand up and down my arm.

"He is fine. It's just Emma bring kidnapped is driving him crazy."

"So he's depressed?"

"Something like that. Anyway I should get going. I promise I won't be long." He gave me a quick kiss on my cheek before turning around and walking to the door. It was then that the conversation with Damon pulled me out of my paradise as I remembered the instructions given to me.

"Archer?" He turned and looked at me. I raked my mind, trying to think of a way to get everyone to gather at the clearing. "I think we should gather the town and have some sort of party."

"Oh? What for?" He eyed me suspiciously, not sure where I was going with this.

"Everyone is worried about Emma and, I'm sure, frightened about Damon. We should do something fun to keep their spirits up."

"That's not a bad idea. I will talk to Bryn and see what day works."

"I was actually thinking today."

"Today? That's to short of a notice. Nothing will be ready." I was starting to get nervous. If I pushed too hard he would suspect something. But if I didn't get everyone to meet at the clearing, Damon wouldn't bring Emma. So, I began to pout. "Don't give me that face." I bit my lip and walked to him.

Once I reached him I threw my arms around his neck and stood on my toes to kiss his lips. I then moved my lips to his neck and began nibbling and kissing down it.

"Please?" I whispered against his skin. I heard him groan and the next thing I knew I was slammed against the wall with his lips presses firmly against mine. His hands roamed my body as mine found his hair. I tugged and ran my fingers through it, causing a quiet moan to fall from his mouth. I moved my hands and wrapped my arms around his neck, wanting to get as close to him as possible. He growled and moved my hands from his neck back to his hair, showing me what he wanted. I chuckled against him lips and resumed tugging his hair. He pulled away and began to kiss down my neck, quickly finding the sweet spot in the crook.

"About that party-" My voice came out frazzled and breathy but was quickly interrupted by Archer.

"Whatever you want I will do it." He was about to crash his lips back on mine but a knock on the door, yet again, interrupted us.

"Archer, they need you now." Bryn yelled. I could detect the irritation in his voice and couldn't help but smile. "I'm coming. Next time you yell at me I will cut off your tounge." Archer growled. He walked to the door and began to open it.

"See you at the party." I giggled. He turned to glare at me.

"God, you have me wrapped around that tiny finger and you know it." I huffed and crossed my arms over my chest. He sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "What time should I tell everyone the party is?" I couldn't help the smile that took over my face.

"Noon, at the clearing." He turned around and walked out the door, closing it behind him. I felt bad for manipulating him like that but it's what I had to do. God I'm really going to miss his strong arms and soft lips. Who knows what my life will be after today, if I can even call it a life.

I mentally smacked myself. I was being nothing but selfish. My happiness isn't an option now. I have to get Emma back to her life, no matter what. It's my fault he has her. If it wasn't for me she would still be here with Kye. But, to be honest, the brief time I have spent here and the bliss I have discovered is enough to last the rest of my life. I glanced over at the clock on Archer's bedside table to see it read 9:26 am. Two hours and thirty four minutes until it begins.

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Hello my lovelies!

Words cannot express how sorry I am about the delay in updating. I am finding it difficult accomplish any leisurely activities due to working 2 jobs trying to save money for school! I will try to update soon but don't hate me if it takes a while! This chapter is dedicated to Angelic_Rune. Thanks for being so supportive and reading my stories! It really pushed me to make time to update this! :)

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