Everything In Between

VIII

Illusion pounded on the door in front of him. He was still shaking. The flight from Nacrene City to Nuvema Town wasn't long, but it wasn't short, either. Illusion couldn't believe he was still physically reeling.

A blonde with green eyes answered the door, "I told you I was staying with my parents!" She whispered, "Be quiet!"

"I-I-I'm sorry, Raven..."

Raven gasped quietly, "Illu...Are you okay?"

Illusion shook his head frantically, "Come inside?"

Raven nodded and moved aside so her childhood friend could come in. Illusion rushed inside and watched Raven close the door. She turned to say something to him, but Illusion pulled her into a tight hug.

"Oof," Raven grunted, "Tight..."

Illusion sniffled, "S-Sorry..."

Raven blinked and wrapped her arms around Illusion, "Are you crying?"

Illusion sobbed, "N-No..."

"Oh Illu...It's okay..."

Illusion pulled away, "I-It's not okay!" He sniffled, "I don't know what's going on! Why can't I just be normal?"

"What happened?" Raven asked, worry seeping into her face.

Illusion looked like he might faint if he stood any longer, so Raven sat him down on the couch. She took a seat next to him.

Illusion told her about his dream. He remembered every little detail, down to the way the light reflected everyone's face.

Raven gasped, "That's horrible!"

Illusion nodded. He actually felt a little better talking about it. He almost felt ridiculous, too.

"I know it doesn't make any sense...but it was upsetting."

Raven put a hand on Illusion's arm, blushing at the contact, "It sounds upsetting..."

"I hope you're keeping your hands off my daughter, Illusion." A voice growled.

Illusion and Raven whipped their heads up. There was a raven-haired man standing on the staircase, leaning on the railing

"D-Daddy!" Raven gasped.

"Uncle Cheren," Illusion grunted, "I just...needed to talk."

Cheren narrowed his eyes, "About what?"

"He had a bad dream..." Raven said, rubbing Illusion's arm.

Cheren's posture suddenly stiffened, "Oh?"

"I forgot Musharna," Illusion sighed, "I'm just a little shaken is all. Rae was just trying to make me feel better..."

Cheren looked between Illusion and Raven, his eyes growing narrow.

"No funny business." Cheren commanded.

Illusion nodded. Easy! He had no attraction to Raven whatsoever, anyway. Cheren went back up the stairs, leaving the pair alone.

"Illu," Raven said softly, "I think you should talk to your mom about this."

Illusion frowned, "I guess...But I don't wanna worry her. She was always so worried when I was a kid..."

"Well I'm sure it'd worry her more if you didn't tell her."

"Not if she doesn't know!"

"Illusion..." Raven said, her tone filled with disappointment.

Illusion frowned at the sound of his full name, "Rae..."

"C'mon. You might feel better."

Illusion sighed and put his head in his hands. He ruffled his hair in frustration. He took his face from his hands and blew stray strands of hair from his face.

Raven blushed. He looked adorable when his hair was messy...but she didn't like the way his eyes looked. His usually beautiful blue and green eyes were full of fear, despite the rest of his body seeming calm now. She hated seeing him like this. It hurt.

Illusion sighed. He began to lay down, and Raven flinched as he put his head in her lap. He put his hands on his face and groaned.

Raven resisted the urge to run her hands through his soft green hair.

"What's the matter with me?" Illusion whispered, staring at the ceiling, "I don't get it..."

"Maybe you're crazy." Raven joked.

It didn't seem to get through to Illusion that it was a joke, "Yeah...maybe..."

Raven blinked, "I-I was joking, Illu..."

Illusion sat up. He yawned and rubbed the back of his neck, "I should get home..."

"O-Okay. Love you."

"Love you too, Rae."