Crystalline Cavern: The Brigaders

Chapter 12

Eliza

       I could only stare into Kai's eyes when he said it.  At first I didn't believe it. Every emotion was running through my mind and body right now. He wanted me to understand the situation but I have no idea what he was trying to tell me.

      "What do you mean?"

      "I want to make a deal with you if this is exactly what you want." What I  want? What do I want? "A deal?"

      "If you're willing to go through something like this with me, and that something being a chance to be with you, then I'm willing to put in the effort."

      "Put in the effort? What effort?" My heart stopped at his next words. "A relationship with you."

       His eyes a bright green. I could feel his aura radiating off of his body. He smiled at me, a smile that's cured me of so many dreary days and moments that could possibly happen to me. Only his smile could have that effect. I was at a loss for words at this point. Completely speechless. "Wow." It was all I could say. "As my best friend, I want to try this with you, but I need to know if this is something you absolutely want. For the longest time I kept thinking about a girl that gave me no attention whatsoever and yet, my closest friend and teammate did everything and anything for me to keep me happy and make my day.  All Alina ever did was impress me with her skills at a younger age and I've had her on a pedestal ever since. I was so focused on her that I never noticed you or gave you the time of day to explain your feelings, and for that I'm sorry." I could only sit there in shock and in awe of his words. "You have no reason to apologize for something that I've been putting off for three years! If anything, I'm the one who should be sorry that I didn't tell you sooner."

      "I know you. When you're out in the Training Facility, you dominate and never let your nerves get the best of you. I'm sure I'm just another target you have to aim for. I should've never been so clueless and blind about you and how you felt. I of all people should've seen the signs." Every word he spoke, every little expression he gave off said all that I needed to hear.  "I never saw you as a target." He smiled and nodded as a sign of thanks.

       The deal is what I'm concerned about. "What kind of deal do you want to set?" He took my hands in his and looked me in the eyes. "If we remain in this relationship until our coming of age and find our Aura Núte, would you be okay with the heartache of seeing me or me seeing you with someone else to hold, love, and protect?" I processed those words carefully. His question was the ultimate that could potentially tear our friendship apart. Was I willing to make this sacrifice? Or am I being too naive and childish to want to accept these terms immediately? I only have one option.

       I looked down and pry my hands out of his. "I think it's best if I take the time to think this over." He smiled at me as if he was expecting this answer. He knew I wouldn't want to be too rash. "Take all the time you need, okay? But just know that I'll be waiting for your answer." I smiled at him as I was caught off guard with his warm embrace. He wants this as much as I do, I can feel it.

       My aura was giving off a strong pulsing energy and it only collided with Kai's. I could sense anything from here to anyone I could think of.  Why was the energy so strong? That's when I sensed another aura. It was familiar too. Kai sensed it as well because he pulled away and said her name. "Nicole. She's coming." I nodded and composed myself, slightly shivering due to the loss of contact of his warm body. I looked towards the desk and looked over the vocabulary sheet numerous times. Kai did the same. Once Nicole was at my door, she opened without knocking and just let herself in like she always does. She stopped when she saw that I was with Kai. "Oh, hey Forest. What are you doing here?" He looked up towards her and gave a calm and simple response. "Oh nothing, just studying with Vi for that English test tomorrow."

      "Oh, I just came from the library for the same reason. I was gonna ask Violet for some notes that I left here the other day." Shit, I forgot she was coming by to pick them up later today. "Right! I'll just get them out from here in my desk real quick." I fumbled through my desk drawer, moving papers out of the way until I found Rose's notes. "Here you go!" I handed them to her and gave her a nervous smile. "Thanks, I guess? I'm gonna go to my dorm room now. Have fun studying!" She turned and left, closing the door behind her. Me and Kai both let out a breath of relief. "Hey, Ellie?" Ellie, a name I haven't heard him say since our youth. "Yeah?"

      "Let's keep all of this between us for now okay? I don't want anyone in the group to stir up trouble." I knew exactly what he meant and simply nodded in agreement. He stood up and stretched before yawing slightly. "I think I should head back to my dorm room as well. Curfew and all." I remembered that curfew was in an hour. "Right, wouldn't want to get in trouble and Ruby could be here any second anyway." He stood up and walked towards me. "Don't worry, I'll see you tomorrow."

      "What makes you think that I'm worried?" He laughed. "There's the Violet I know." I blushed slightly and laughed. "Whatever! Get out of here before I make you spend the night."

      "Is that an option?"

      "Go, you weirdo!" Considering what just happened, he still has the nerve to joke around like that. He just kept laughing and turned around to leave, not before hugging me and giving me a shy smile. "Hey Kai? What does this make us now?" Even though we had the option to accept the deal, the feelings for each other are still very much alive. He contemplated his answer and spoke. "How about we discuss it over some lunch this weekend at Harry's?" I giggled. "I'd love to. Now go before Jane walks in and starts asking questions."

      "Fine. Goodnight Eliza." I laughed, not before calling out to him one last time. "Hey Kai?"

      "Yeah?"

      "If you fail because of what happened tonight, don't blame me." He smiled. "I don't blame nor regret anything that happened tonight." He walked off towards his dorm. I felt my cheeks heating up and closed the door in front of me. I sat down at my desk and began to write on a piece of paper with a light lavender purple border. "Dear Anthony" was written across the top before I wrote to my brother seeking his guidance about what is to come. I sealed it in the signature light rainbow envelope before sending it through a small energy powered drop box above my desk. The letter vanished into thin air. It wasn't too long before I collapsed onto my bed and let sleep consume my inner thoughts.

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Due to an immense amount of work that is to come next Friday, I am publishing this chapter now and there will be NO new chapter next Friday, excuse the inconvenience and enjoy these chapters.

-M