Beyond The Sea Blue Light

Filling Up The Empty Space

"Kellin, wait!" I hear Vic chasing after me as I jump up the stairs, taking them two at a time as I run toward my room. I slam the door, but Vic catches it before it can shut, throwing it open.

"Kells," Vic pleads. "Just listen for a second."

"You don't have to protect me, you know," I snap at him. "I can deal with it perfectly fine by myself. If you didn't remember, I do have powers. I can save my own ass. I've been learning how to fight."

"I know. I'm just worried about you," Vic says. "I don't want you to get hurt."

"I should be more worried about you," I snap. "Considering everything."

"About me?" Vic looks confused. "What do you mean?"

"Yeah, you," I say. "Do you think I haven't noticed? You're not okay."

Vic sighs, running his hand over his face. "I'll be okay," he says, but I'm not sure if it's more to reassure me or himself. "As soon as we complete this mission, I know that we're safe from all of them."

"That doesn't mean I shouldn't be worried about you." I take a step closer to him, looking at him pleadingly. "Vic, please talk to me. I know you are struggling."

Vic looks away. "I'm fine," he says. "Honestly I'm going to be fine."

I just shake my head, going silent. I hate how he's keeping this from me. He seems to notice because guilt flashes across his face.

"We need all the help we can get if we need to pull this off," Vic says, eager to change the subject

"Then why shouldn't I come?" I counter.

The two of us stand there in silence, neither of us wanting to make the first move. At last, I drop my hands, taking a deep breath.

"I did have training, back at the Facility," I say. "And here with Oli and Frank. You don't have to worry about me. It's not like I'm useless."

"You're not useless," Vic comes closer to me. "You're far from useless, Kells."

"Then what's wrong?" I cross my arms over my chest. "Why don't you want me to go?"

"Because I'm scared I'll lose you," he admits. "I can't stand seeing you injured. Last time you went, I saw you get shot. You nearly died. I thought you were going to." I wince at the memory. When my powers weren't enough to save both me and Craig.

"I still think I should be more worried," I point out. "I lost you last time."

He grins at me. "I can fight though," he says. "Can you?"

"Yes," I say. "I've had training, I told you. With Frank and Oli."

"Really?" He smirks at me. "I don't know if that's true."

I try to argue but he pushes me backward before I can. I let out a gasp of surprise as I land on my back on the bed. "Hey! That's cheating!" I protest. "I wasn't ready."

"Is it?" He climbs onto the bed, hovering above me as he grins down at me.

"Yep. Can you let me up now," I glare up at him.

"I don't think so," Vic smirks at me. "Not until you admit I've won."

"You haven't," I say, jutting my chin out at him.

"Oh really?" He whispers. I don't have time to react before he's kissing me roughly, pressing me down to the bed. I can't help it, I kiss him back, pulling him down so he's pressed against me. I'm not giving up so easily though. I slide my hand down his back, until I tug out the gun from his waistband, pressing it to his side. He sits up, pulling away from me, looking down at the gun in my hand in shock.

"I think I've won," I grin up at him.

"I still don't think so," he whispers, pushing me back down onto the bed. He reaches over, pulling the gun from gently from my grasp. I don't give up much of a fight as he puts it down on the side table, checking to make sure the safety is on before he climbs back onto the bed.

"I can fight," I say. "I'm not just going to sit here and do nothing."

"I know," he whispers, reaching over to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. "I'm just scared of losing you."

"You don't have to worry about me," I reassure him. "I'll be okay."

"That's all I need," he says. "All I need is for you to be okay. I can't stop you from going but I just need you to promise me that you will be okay." I know it's an impossible promise to make—who knows what might happen as we fight this war? But I nod anyway.

"I promise," I whisper. "As long as you are safe too."

"Promise," he responds before leaning down to kiss me again.