Flame (Sequel to Green Eyes)

chapter ten

Damn. I can't lose her again. Ronald thinks numbly. He can feel Amber trembling in his arms and his grip on her tightens instinctively. No, he can't lose her, not after what they had to go through to be together in the first place. It nearly cost them their lives and it is a miracle that they are even this close. But what can he do; this demon has them in the palm of his hand. Damon pulls his lips back, his white incisors gleaming like blades.

"You know, you are very hard to kill for a human girl." He says teasingly, and Ronald's form turns rigid, "It is dreadfully annoying." Amber's fingers tighten around Ronald's shirt, her fear of Damon obvious in her terrified expression.

"Look sweetheart." Grell points his death scythe at the demon, his shark-like teeth peeking out from between his lips, "As much as I would love to see some action, these two are absolutely perfect for each other. Get in between them and you will have to deal with moi." Grell takes a step down the stairs, his heel clicking against the brittle wood, "Ronnie darling, get your lover out of here." He orders in a surprisingly demanding tone. Nodding, Ronald mentally thanks the red-headed reaper as he untangles himself from Amber, lacing his fingers through hers. He pulls her away, turning into the nearest hallway as the sound of Grell revving his chainsaw cuts through the air. There is a series of shouts, each one causing Ronald to give an internal wince. They turn down a second corridor, the noise fading behind them. Somber portraits are scattered onto the ground, each with a sharp, jagged tear down the middle of the canvas.

"Ronald..." Amber stops abruptly and Ronald turns to her with questioning eyes.

"Is everything okay?" Her eyes shimmer as tears begin to well up, "Amber?" A single crystal tear escapes and slides down her cheek, flushed from adrenaline and running. Ronald can feel his heart contract as he remembers holding her body on that boat...it felt like years ago when in reality it was only a few weeks.

"This is a mess." She says, a shaky smile gracing her lips, "I mean, look at this!" She lifts her hand, gesturing at the scattered artwork. Slowly, her smile fades and her hand drops, skimming the thick material of her dress.

"It's my fault we're in this mess." Ronald hesitantly pulls away from Amber, lifting his hand to her cheek. With his thumb, he wipes away her tears, "I'm sorry." Amber catches his hand in hers, resting against the palm of his hand.

"Don't be." She says, "My life was boring until I met you. Everyday, I would follow the same pattern, day after day, after day. Then I met you." Her eyes turn to Ronald and his breath hitches when he looks into her deep grey eyes. Without uttering another word, she launches herself to him, flinging her arms around his neck, "I don't want any boring life without you Ronald." The sound of Grell's death scythe ceases and something shatters against the ground.

"Keep going down this hall, then make a left." Ronald steps away from Amber, resting a hand on her shoulder, "I'll meet you outside. I have to help my friends, okay?" His hand slides down her arm and to her hand. Their fingers lock.

"Be careful." Amber whispers, giving Ronald's hand a gentle squeeze. She gives him a smile and Ronald notices that it doesn't reach her eyes. Amber takes a cautious step toward him, and the next thing he knows it, they're kissing. Her lips smiled against his as she leans to him, bringing with her the soft scent of roses. Ronald slowly pulls away, resting his forehead against against her's. She smils a sweet and true smile making her already beautiful eyes look even more beautiful than usual. Ronald can't keep himself from smiling back, "I love you Ronnie." Amber says, and his smile widens.

"I love you too Amber."

The carriage hits a bump and Ciel bounces in his seat, his hat sliding off his head. Scowling, he stares at the hat as it rolls across the floor, not moving to retrieve it.

"Sebastian!" He calls out as they hit a second bump, his shoulder slamming against the wall. His scowl deepens as he rubs his shoulder with a gloved hand.

"Yes Young Master?" Sebastian's voice drifts from the front of the carriage.

"Must you drive on such a harsh road?" Ciel inquires, kicking his hat with his foot. It flies to the other side of the carriage.

"Yes Young Master. If we wish to assist Lady Amber and her companion," Ciel notices the venom dripping from his butler's voice as he mentions the blonde reaper, "Then we must take the shortest route possible." An exasperated sigh tumbles from Ciel's lips and he turns his attention to the scenery on the other side of the window: thick green forests and dusty dirt roads. Nothing that holds his interest. Then he sees the thick cloud of smoke rising behind the trees.

"Sebastian?"

"Yes my Lord?"

"What do suppose that is?" There is an eerie silence, almost as if the world is waiting for the demon's response. No birds chirp, the rattling wheels silence, and the horses stop their braying.

"I do not know my Lord." Sebastian says curtly, "But I do believe that it is a fire."

"I know that!" Ciel snaps, lifting his eye-patch. Both eyes scan the swirling smoke, catching hints of sparks dancing in the air, "What is burning?"

"I do not know." And the birds begin to chirp, the wheels rattle and the horses bray. Ciel pulls away from the window, adjusting his eye-patch, images of burning wood flitting through his mind. It is of no importance if there is a small forest fire. As the minutes pass, Ciel can feel the heat increase, and looking out his window once more, he notices that they are going in the direction of the fire.

"Sebastian?"

"Yes My Lord?"

"Why are we getting closer?" Ciel can smell ash, and he can hear the crackling of wood.

"Oh dear." Sebastian says, and pulls the carriage to an abrupt halt. Ciel lurches forward, his fingers gripping onto the edge of his seat.

"What is it Sebastian?" He asks sharply.

"It appears that we have a problem." Sebastian replies, sounding slightly irritated. Ciel furrows his brows.

"And what would that problem be?" The horses begin to neigh frantically, stamping their hooves against the ground.

"Well, Young Master, the school Lady Amber is currently at appears to be up in flames."

Go RAMBER!!!!!!!!!! I just love it when those two have those mushy moments ^.^

Okay, since I'm done the 'busy' part of my summer, updates will become regular again!!!! (YAY!)

Thank you for reading and putting up with my non-updating days! Don't forget to comment/vote!!!