Midlight (Third in the Apocalypse Saga)

Chapter 23 ~ Fatigue

Chapter 23 ~ Fatigue

* Macy's POV *

I was in the dark place that Ash's mind was previously before, only that now it was bright - almost too bright. His chuckles resonated in my ears as I chased after him, I pushed my legs harder but somehow he was still faster. I felt the silent breeze and dodged the trees. I chose the epic moment to leap towards him. We advanced towards the ground. Grass had started to grow so we had a soft landing, we bounced around a few times before we came to a halt. We were side by side and he gazed at me earnestly.

"I wish this could last forever," he said. I smiled and poked his arm.

"Hey, that was my line," I teased.

He reached out to my face, his touch was feather light. His hand weaved through my hair and his thumb traced along my jaw line. His stoic expression changed into a smile, his eyes crinkled. "Are you always this beautiful?"

"Only in your dreams." He rolled his eyes at me.

All of a sudden everything began to waver. He was starting to wait up. I escaped his subconscious and went back into reality. I hopped over to the armchair and nestled myself in, I picked up the book I was reading and looked like I hadn't moved at all.

My eyes scanned the words but I couldn't concentrate on them. I focussed on the sound of his movements, commanding myself not to look his way. His deep breaths became shorter and he rose from the mattress. I felt his gaze on me - of course he will, he did that every time I snooped into his mind. I flicked over a page to make myself seem natural and unaware.

He got up and manoeuvred around the room, he went into the other room and quietly shut the door behind me. I threw out a huge sigh of relief. I closed the book and placed it aside, so I could bring up my legs and wrap my arms around them. My shoulders sagged as I closed my eyes, I waited for sleep to come. I knew this was a bad idea but sometimes you just can't help yourself.

I was halfway there when I was poked, I hadn't heard anyone come in. My face scrunched up. "What?" I grumbled.

"Get up," Ash said. I frowned and hid my face in my arms.

"No."

"Just saying, Selestia is in the other room and she isn't feeling particularly merciful today."

I sighed and opened my eyes. They met his and the blue orbs were sparkling again. His gaze bored into mine before he nervously looked away. "He have to go onto another hike today," he whispered. I groaned and got up, I made sure to brush past him.

"Brilliant," I complained. "Can I at least have a shower? I have to get rid of this fatigue somehow, I know you don't want to carry me up whatever mountain we have planned for us today."

He didn't say anything at first, I presumed it meant no but then I felt his gaze on me again.

Do I look that bad that he has to keep on looking at me?

"Sure, but make it quick. We have a schedule." My eyes widened, I hadn't at all expected him to accept.

I turned and gave a suspicious look. He was never this nice to me. "Are you feeling okay Ash? You haven't said anything unpleasant to me all morning, not even a glare. It's not like you." I was half mocking him and half genuinely concerned.

He rolled his eyes before his gaze widened. "Just go before I change my mind. Towels are in the closet, you have ten minutes."

"Aye aye Sir." I gave a mock salute before I headed towards the closet and taken a towel. We both had twisted smiles on our faces and I couldn't help but think that I was the reason for his.