We Stand Together

Chapter 31: Girls' Day In

Eden spends the rest of the afternoon with Jaren, eventually falling asleep on the couch. The next morning, she wakes up to see Lux staring into her face. Eden can't decipher the look in its optic but then again, it startles her so badly she almost falls off the couch.

"Good, you're awake," It says, stiffly. "I need to talk to you."

Eden rubs the sleep from her eyes and sits up, alert as she can be. From within her, Uriah sends pangs of confusion. He's wondering what the little Ghost could possibly want. Eden's not sure herself but she's willing to listen to it.

"We got off to a bad start. To be fair, I don't really like you."

Eden raises her eyebrows at the blunt confession, frown pulling at her mouth. Lux ignores her and continues to speak.

"I know of your...affection towards my guardian. You make it so obvious sometimes. But, you make him happy."

The Ghost looks awkward as it shifts and spins.

"Just don't hurt him, okay?"

Lux's voice is soft, softer than its ever been. There is no trace of malice, no coldness. It sounds only as if it wants the best for Jaren.

Eden smiles gently at the Ghost.

"I promise on my life that I would never intentionally hurt him."

The Ghost's shell puffs up. "Good because if you did, I'd have to hunt you down and make you suffer."

Eden nods, not at all offended. The Ghost takes that as his cue and turns away from her, moving to leave. Eden shifts and begins to lift herself from the couch, stretching. She runs a hand through her hair, trying to fix her bed head as she leaves. Luckily enough, Lance and Axel are nowhere to be seen, meaning she won't have to explain why she came from Jaren's room. Thank goodness.

Her bedroom door slides open and Eden flops on her bed, bouncing slightly. Uriah hovers above her, twisting and turning.

"Ava and Tayton would like to hang out today. Something about a Girls Day In?"

The small grin on her face grows into a full-fledged smile and she shakes her head.

"I'm guessing it's Ava's idea? I don't think Tayton would ever call it that."

Uriah dips his shell on an agreement and says, "Completely Ava's idea."

Eden shakes her head but the smile never fades as she changes out her shirt and shorts for sweatpants and a tank top that says, "Hit like a Titan."

Satisfied, Eden heads back to the living room and sits on the couch, sprawled out like a cat.

"Well, you certainly look comfortable. And better I might add."

Eden glances up to see Lance peering down at her with a fond smile.

"Thanks! I decided that it was time to get something off my shoulders."

Lance hums and sits beside her.

"So I've heard." He glances at her and adds, "I suppose you did? Get it off your chest I mean."

She nods with a content grin upon her face. He smiles and pats her shoulder.

"Good. I'm glad to hear it. Anyways, I best be going."

He moves to stand, robes swishing quietly as he walks toward the door. In a moment of curiosity, Eden calls, "Where are you going?"

Lance pauses in the doorway to look at her.

"Oh! The others and I have a meeting with the Vanguard and I have to report back about the Gate eye." He quiets a moment, seeming to think about something before a soft 'ah' leaves his mouth and searches himself for a moment. When he finally finds what he's looking for, he pulls it out of one of the pockets and tosses to Eden. Upon catching it, she realizes it's the Gate Lord eye.