*ON HOLD* Answer To My Heart (Jesse Anderson/ Yu-Gi-Oh GX)

17: Touch

Happy New Year Lovelies!

I'm so sorry that this is a short chapter, but I promise I will write longer ones in the new year! It's been really busy but after this, my situation will calm down so I can write for you guys :)

But other than tha, I wish you all a lovely New Year- If it hasn't already passed! I wish you all good luck, good health and good food!

Until 2015,

Rin

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Rhia Pov.

Zane and I approached the Slifer cafeteria, a sudden tightness in my chest stopped both my breathing and my movement. I stood still...

'I don't want to go back in there'

'Rhia, you can't keep running from him.' Zane replied, turning to look at me with a gentle smile. I remembered Zane's previous ruthlessness and ego and how he changed into the gentle man he is now.  

'Think about how he feels?'

My eyes didn't meet his for a moment but I smiled back at him, I felt at ease at his understanding. 

'What am I going to do without you?'

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He slid the cafeteria doors open and we were greeted by warm smiles, Jaden stood to meet us halfway. ''You alright, Rhia?' he whispered, smiling but concerned.

'Yeah, thanks... Sorry for walking out like that'

'Don't worry 'bout it, lets enjoy dinner' He rejoined Alexis and began to eat again. I sat inbetween Lina and Zane who both looked over to me.

Suddenly, Syrus gasped happily...

'Who cooked dinner? It's really good'

'I don't know, It was in a pot that someone left on the stove and it wasn't turned off...'  Lina explained as she poked the meat with her chopsticks.

'What if someone was saving it for themselves?' Alexis suggested

'Rhia, were you in the kitchen before you climbed the tree?' Zane leaned over to study my reaction, I sensed a smirk at his lips.

'Maybe, why?' I muttered, my voice was almost silent.

'You cooked this, didn't you?' 

I felt heat rush to my cheeks almost immediately...

'You're a great cook, Rhia! You'd make a great wife' Jesse beamed happily...

I felt a lump at my throat form after hearing his voice, I couldn't speak let alone look up at him. 

'What's wrong, Jess?'

'I don't know if this'll sound weird and not, but it feels like I've said that before'

'That's because you did...' Syrus coughes, Jaden nudges him as if to say shut up.

'Huh?'

'You're awfully quiet, Rhia, say something' Lina looks over to me, my eyes never leaving my food.

I felt all eyes on me, I tried to get rid of the lump at my throat but it wouldn't go away. I just wanted to go upstairs and cry myself to sleep...

'Would you like me to open a window for ya, Rhia? You look like you could use some fresh air...' Jesse offered and I felt tears well up in my eyes. I quickly looked up at Jesse to smile slightly before looking at Zane, I signed 'I can't speak' and he immediately understood. 

'Don't worry, Jess, I'll do it' 

My eyes fell onto my food again as Jesse spoke, 'Jaden, is she-'

'Nah, she uses sign language when she's nervous or shy'

'Well there's no need to be! I won't bite ya, Rhia, you've got nothin' to worry about!'

Zane returned to my side but I signed, 'I can't do this...'  before standing up to leave the cafeteria yet again.

Jesse POV.

She signed something to Zane before getting up to leave the cafeteria... She had tears in her eyes, it killed me inside to see her upset...

'Did I say somethin'?'

Jaden placed a hand on my shoulder and shook his head.

'Go after her' Zane offered, twirling his noodles. 

'Zane?'

'She could use the company' He answered, looking up at me with a small smile

From what I've seen or heard about Rhia and Zane, the two are really close. 

I couldn't get the image of her sad smile out of my head, 'I dont even know where to look for her'

'You'll find her' Lina responded, giving me an encouraging look...

'She's just shy, talk to her, she'll warm up to you so just be patient with her' 

Ruby appeared on my lap, nuzzling her head on my arm. I smilled at her, 'You think I should go after her too, don't you, Ruby?' I thought as she nodded and then disappeared again.

'Alright, I'll see you guys in a bit' 

And with that, I stood and left to look for Rhia.