Is it you?

Author: Nicca-Chi Title: Is it you? : Chapters 31-32

Is it you?

Disclaimer: I don't own The Slayers but a few added little spells and chars and such. Please don't sue me and I'll give you cookies :D

Chapter Selection

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20
21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30
31 | 32 | 33 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

Chapter 31

Lowering his newspaper, Zelgadiss turned his head to Hiyo. They were seated across from each other in the small cafe across the street from the hotel, and it had been about 13 hours since he'd last seen anyone besides the perky little Hiyo. "Hey, do you know what happened to Lina and Xelloss? They both disappeared right after we booked our hotel rooms last night."

Hiyo smiled sagely, and shrugged, feigning ignorance when in reality she knew what had gone down in the heat of the night. She had spotted Xelloss entering Lina's room, and just the fact that Lina had let him in willingly was a sure sign that her hunch was right on the mark.

"Hmm..." Zelgadiss murmured, giving Hiyo's dazed face a scrutinized stare, but waved it off and continued flipping through his newspaper and sipping his black coffee.

OoO

"Xelloss, what do you think they'll say if they find out?"

Xelloss propped himself on his elbow, watching Lina sift through all of the discarded clothes from the night before, and raised his eyebrows. "What do you mean, 'If'?" She stopped, and gave him a 'duh' look. "Well, yeah. I would rather die then actually tell everyone that we...err..."

"Had sex?"

She waved her hand, as if excusing it. "Yes that. Anyways, they can't know. I mean, it's us."

His blank stare made her throw her hands up in exasperation, which looked very odd in her current state of nudeness. "Xelloss, don't play stupid. I'm supposed to hate you, and just look! You're naked in my bed." Her voice had fallen flat on the last sentence.

A wolfish grin appeared on the priest's face. "And do you hate me, Lina-san? I don't recall any say-so last night..."

Her face reddened as his voice trailed off, and she turned away quickly, only to yelp in pain. She was so sore from last night, and damn it everytime she made any sudden movement it felt like someone had socked her one right where it would really hurt. Stupid priest. Stupid bed. Stupid sex. Arrrggghh!

"Are you alright Lina-san?" The distinct sound of the bed straightening as he lifted himself off, made Lina swoosh back around, biting her lip to keep from crying out again. "N-No, I'm fine. I just don't fell normal." Her gaze sank to the floor, where she tried desperately to keep from looking at his naked splendor.

"Well of course you don't. I know what's wrong Lina-san, I'm not an idiot." The huskiness in his voice brought her gaze to his, and she instantly felt sheepish under his eyes. Stepping forward to give her a soft kiss on the lips, Xelloss broke away to head for the washroom. "I'll run a bath, and we can have one together."

He turned his head to smile at her, and then the door shut with a resounding thud. Before Lina knew it, she was on the floor laughing, still imagining Xelloss's smile...and his naked ass.

OoO

"Morning everyone!" Lina chirped, bringing everyone's head up instantly. "Good morning, Ms. Lina." Hiyo bowed her head respectfully, and then turned to Xelloss. "You too, Mr. Xelloss."

Nodding his greeting, Xelloss grinned. After they were all settled around the table, Zelgadiss turned his attentiont to Lina. "So, Lina, where were you last night? I haven't seen you since you dissapeared in the middle of the gathering that was held in your honor."

Lina grimaced at the memory, and couldn't stifile a groan as she told her story. "These greateful little chits just wouldn't leave me alone! Everywhere I went people were bowing their heads, or shoving presents into my hands, but it was the food that was offered that kept me there for as long as I did." She ended with a shrug, as if it was completely normal.

Zelgadiss couldn't resist grinning, but still persisted. "What about after that? You weren't at dinner."

Lina opened her mouth to reply, but Xelloss, that dirty bastard, decided that he should do it for her. "I brought her dinner up to her room, and we talked for most of the night." Whilst Hiyo and Zelgadiss exchanged baffled glances, Xelloss turned his head to give Lina a devilish smile before wiping it clean from his face.

"Really?" Zel mused, giving the priest an unmistakable death glare. "And why would you do that?"

Xelloss put his hand to his chest, looking hurt. "I can't be nice to my long-time companion? It's not like I'm always evil, Zelgadiss-san. Don't be silly."

Before Zelgadiss could strangle him, Hiyo quickly intervened. "Eh, so! So...what did you and Mr. Xelloss talk about, Ms. Lina?"

Her eyes widening, Lina turned to Xelloss for help, but the devil chose now of all times to simply shrug. "Err...we talked about...the spear. Yeah, that's it, we talked about the spear. He was just curious about what happened while I was inside the castle." She forced a smile, hoping to the Gods that it didn't sound as pathetic as it really was.

Zelgadiss turned a scrutinized eye to Xelloss, as if to confirm her story, and Xelloss smiled and shrugged yet again. Stupid mazoku.

"Riiiiiiight. Anyway, this is getting ugly. We have two pieces of the spear now, and there are god knows how many left out there. I think we should go after them all before we even think about going into this war."

Lina rolled her eyes. "Zel, do you realize how long that would take? The war won't wait for us."

"Exactly. We don't know really know how long it will take, and considering how fast we got this one it looks like it will be easier then we first thought."

Hiyo frowned, holding her hand in the air. "What if it's not just a human this time with a piece of the spear? It could be in the hands of a demon, or a dragon." Her gaze swiveled to Xelloss. "Or a mazoku." Her tone had lowered, and her eyes had become suggestive.

Xelloss assessed her for a moment, before grinning evily. "You could be right, Hiyo-san."

Lina frowned, her gaze darting between them. "Ok, well let's just think about this seriously. We don't know how many more pieces are out there, we don't know when the war will start, and we don't know how easy it will be to take back the rest of the spear. The ryuzoku have already replaced Gav, too. So what's the plan?"

A silence fell upon them, and they all sighed in unison.

"Your orders?" A perky voice interrupted them, and they all looked up to see a cheery teenaged waitress with a notepad in her left hand, and a sparkly purple pen in the other.

Taking refuge in the interruption, everyone but Xelloss-who politely requested non-sweetened tea-ordered a hefty morning meal. Once the girl left, the silence returned with a vengeance.

"Are we really prepared to do something this stupid?" Lina asked to everyone, but directed it at no one.

"God, Lina, I just don't know." Zelgadiss replied in a less then confident tone, laying his head into his hands.

Hiyo pursed her lips, turning her worried gaze to each face with uncertainty. "Ms. Lina...I believe in you. I think that you can do it, and you'll do it with every good intention in your heart. I just know it."

"Hiyo..." Lina uttered in astonishment, feeling suddenly bashful at the encouragement. "Thanks, Hiyo. I mean it." They exchanged smiles, but Lina could feel that hers didn't quite reach her eyes.

Xelloss grinned, and he gave Hiyo a secret wink as soon as their eyes met. Her momentary glare made his smile widen, and as soon as her eyes became soft again Xelloss gave a small chuckle.

Hiyo turned to Lina, giving her a newly acquired smile. "Hey, you know that we're back in the little town that we passed just before Nara?"

"So?" Lina gurgled through her food.

"So that means that you have a chance to meet that prince, Mr. Fairagg. You know? The one that came to see you while you were sleeping."

"Isn't he still in the hospital?"

"I suppose so, but my father has is out in the city as we speak and I'm sure he's reached the hospital by now. He's probably fine."

"Yeah, guess it wouldn't hurt." Lina shrugged, seemingly uninterested, but deep downs she was at the very least curious to see the son of that king. She felt a strong bond with him, and secretly hoped that he was in the hospital with his son so that they could talk some more.

Just then, Takahashi Sano pushed open the wooden doors to the small cafe with a joyous stride. Hiyo jumped from her chair and into his arms, snuggling her head into his chest. "Daddy!" She squealed excitedly, reminding them all of a tiny golden puppy. Sano smiled proudly, patting her head. "Hello, Hiyo-chan."

His gaze lifted upwards, and his eyes met Lina's. She glared at him, the memory of her first seconds of consciousness after the church fiasco. "Didn't know I'd be seeing you again, old bastard." Lina mumbled grudgingly, turning her head away.

Hiyo spun around, her sky blue eyes turning red with fury. "Ms. Lina! I won't have you talking to my daddy like that!"

Sano only laughed, his eyes crinkling from years of smiling. "It's fine, Hiyo-chan, Ms. Lina and I didn't have such a warm meeting."

His gray eyes rose to meet hers again, this time with an amused twinkle in them. "Hello, little girl."

Lina stuck her tongue out at him, greatly resembling the child he accused her of being.

Hiyo ignored her, turning back to her beloved father. "Daddy, have you been to the hospital near the edge of town yet?"

Sano pursed his lips in thought, and then a slow smile spread over his face. "Why, yes I have. I think it was yesterday."

"Ok, thank you daddy." Hiyo gave him a kiss on his cheek before coming back to sit with the rest of them, her happy mood seemingly returning since his arrival. Sano gave Xelloss a nod, and a grin. "Well, Xelloss, it's nice to see you again."

"The pleasure is mine, Sano-san." Xelloss bowed his head in return.

Giving Zelgadiss a first glance, Sano held his hand for him to shake. "Nice to meet you, Mr. ...?"

"Zelgadiss."

"Ah, yes, Zelgadiss. You are the one my daughter spoke so fondly of yesterday."

Both Hiyo and Zel turned bright red, instantly avoiding each others gaze. "Daddy!" Hiyo whined. Sano chuckled, giving Zelgadiss a knowing stare.

Lina laughed, her gaze suddenly meeting Xelloss's. He was staring at her with a strange intent in his now open eyes, and he seemed to be in a faraway place inside his mind. Blinking once, his eyes focused and he smiled lazily at her. She tried to force a smile, but it only felt lopsided and awkward even to her.

Turning away hurriedly, Lina felt her guilt wash over her like a tidal wave. Blocking all thoughts of Xelloss out of her mind for the moment, Lina stared past Zel's head to the window behind him.

After she had finished eating, she would go and see Fairagg.

Chapter 32

"Ah, that was damn good." Lina said, rubbing her stomach as a sign of fulfillment.

Everyone mumbled their agreement, scrapping their chairs back before lifting themselves up to stand. "Off to the hospital, then?" Xelloss asked, more to Lina then to anyone else.

She shrugged before nodding. "I guess so." She paused for a second before continuing. "But I want to go alone."

They all stared at her, their faces showing a mixture of concern and disbelief. Sighing, she waved her hand. "Oh, don't be such babies. I can go alone, I'm a big girl."

None of them looked convinced, and Zel took a nervous step forward. "Lina, I really think you should rest a little more after what happened back at the castle. Your hair hasn't even returned to its natural color yet."

Lina grimaced at the memory, taking a strand of her hair to twirl around her fingers. "Well, at least its not white anymore. For some reason the color came back faster then usual, so I should be back to normal in no time. It only looks a little faded."

Zel's face was still set into a frown, but he turned away with a sense of defeat.

Hiyo gave her a small, unconvincing smile before turning away to hurry up the stairs to her father's room. "Do you mind if I escort you, Lina-san?" Xelloss offered, giving her a smile.

She rolled her eyes, giving him a worn-out look. "Didn't I just say I wanted to go alone?"

"Yes, I know."

"Then why are you asking?"

"Because I wanted to give you a chance to enjoy my company up front. If you don't want me to come that's fine, but I'm sure that you are aware that I'm going to be following you whether you like it or not."

Lina stared at him for a long moment, trying to figure out if he was joking. When she wound up with the conclusion that he wasn't, she sighed and nodded, leading the way to the front door. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't be too much of a pain in the ass, ok? I have a headache already."

OoO

"Is there a Fairagg here, Ms. Nurse Lady?"

The middle-aged woman seated behind the desk looked up at them, her eyes peeking over her tiny red spectacles. Holding up a finger, she looked down at the pad next to her. "Ah, yes. He's in room 202, just down that hall. Last one to the right." She pointed her finger to the hallway behind them, her face never turning into a smile.

Lina nodded, and took Xelloss by the arm to drag him down the corridor. As they walked, an uneasiness fell over them.

Just before they reached the blue door with the numbers '202' imprinted into the wood, Lina stopped abruptly, causing Xelloss to stop as well.

"Lina-san?"

"I meant it when I said I wanted to go alone." Her voice was firm, and the determined gaze she gave him from beneath her fluffy bangs accented her seriousness.

Chewing the inside of his lip for a moment, Xelloss pretended to be deep in thought. After a bit he turned his head to her, smiling. "Very well, Lina-san. I'll be in the lobby when you're ready to leave."

She gave him a smile, and looked both ways down the hall to make sure no one was there. When she had found they were alone, she stepped forward to wrap her tiny arms around his torso in a quick hug, then spun around just as fast and yanked the door open just before slamming it.

Xelloss stared at the closed door for a moment, and then a small smile crept onto his lips slowly. Turning away, he took his time strolling down the ill-carpeted corridor to the waiting room.

"Who's there?" A voice called from the farther part of the room. Lina paused for a moment, deciding whether or not to announce herself.

"L-Lina Inverse?" She offered almost shyly, stepping out of the shadowed doorway and into the florescent light.

Two pairs of strikingly blue eyes stared at her from the other side of the hospital room, and Lina let out a low whistle. "Wow...you're like twins!" Both of them let out a small chuckle, their eyes twinkling simultaneously.

The king stood up, his grin identical to the one spreading across his son's face. There were truthfully only minor differences between them, for instance the king's hair was shorter, and fully aged a deep gray that made his eyes seem even more dashing. Of course the king had many wrinkles around his eyes and mouth, but that didn't make his looks any less handsome.

His son, Fairagg, had a full head of blond hair the color of wheat, and a smile that lacked the charming dimples his father had failed to pass down. The blonde hair was long, and it looked His chin was squared, and there was a 5 o'clock shadow darkening his attractive features. His muscular body imprinted from under the thin hospital sheets made him seem Lina looked downwards to realize that he had been holding out his hand, and she reached to slip her palm above his in a warm handshake.

"I'll take that as a compliment, Ms. Lina. And it's a pleasure to meet you. It was such a disappointment that I couldn't have met you sooner, but last I heard you were under the weather. I hope you are well now." His voice was deep, and how easily her name rolled off his tongue brought a slight shiver up her spine.

"Yeah, same here." Lina responded lamely, her gaze switching to the king as soon as her hand was separated from the prince's. He walked over to take her small hand between his huge, warm ones, just as he had done the day before. "I don't believe that we have properly met, Ms. Inverse. I am Gregory; King of Nara." He gave her another grin.

She returned his smile before taking a seat beside him in one of the hospital chairs. Once they were all settled, and the introductions had ended, Gregory looked to his son with a renewed seriousness. "Fairagg, it is very lucky that Ms. Inverse is here today, because I wanted her to hear this. I have some news that might shock both of you, but I still think it important that I tell you now before she embarks again on her journey."

He sighed, and glanced at Lina before continuing. "My dear son, I regret to say that I have not been the father that you have always needed. Even before my encounter with the spear, I was so wrapped up in my duties that I didn't take time to think about your feelings. When your mother passed away, my fears had come to life as I had to try my best to raise you on my own." He shook his head solemnly, hanging it down low with shame.

"There is something that I have never told you, Fairagg. I have always been very sick, and many years ago my doctor had informed me that this sickness has no cure known to man...even today there is still virtually no hope." His voice had fallen flat, and despite herself Lina felt the tears prick at the back of her eyes.

"What I am trying to say, is that I will die very soon. Maybe tomorrow, maybe the day after, or even next week. In my wake of terror I sought power, and I was granted a terrible power that has corrupted my beloved kingdom." His head fell into his hands, and Lina turned her head to Fairagg. His face was torn, his eyes sad and broken. The look on his face made her want to embrace them both, and tell them everything was ok.

"Father, it's not your fault. How many times to I have to tell you-"

"Wait, Fairagg, that is not all I have to say." The king held his hand up, his tone firm.

"My one last wish is that once I die, you and Ms. Inverse are to...marry." The hesitation was obvious in his gruff voice.

Lina and Fairagg both stared at him, mouths agape in naked astonishment. Lina jumped from her chair, her hands both placed atop her head in frustration. "But I don't even know him!"

Gregory nodded, sighing heavily. "Yes, I understand that. And I did anticipate this, but I knew even before I met you Ms. Inverse that you would be the one to stand beside my son as queen."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I knew while the spear had control over me that I was in some sort of trouble. My mind might have been in a bit of a fog, I'll admit." He paused to reach into his jacket for a handkerchief that he nervously wiped his forehead with. "But it is done, and in my will it states that unless you marry Ms. Inverse, you will be disowned by the royal family and erased from the will."

Fairagg's face had become flat, and he stared at his father with no expression readable. Lina shook her head. "How did you know my name if you didn't even know who I was yet?"

"I didn't exactly know your name yet, but I wrote that the person that separates me from the spear will be The One."

"How did you know it would be a female?" Fairagg decided to speak now, his voice bordering on just plain pissed.

"Xaldin told me, but he didn't speak of any names." Lina blinked, and a small smile spread onto her face thinking about the 'puppet'.

Her smile disappeared at the realization of reality. "King Gregory, with all due respect, there is no way in hell that I'm marrying your son."

She turned her head to Fairagg. "No offense." A smile finally appeared on his face, and he nodded. "None taken."

"It's just that right now isn't the best of times for this to happen, I'm not exactly single..." She frowned as her voice trailed off, and she started to wonder. Are Xelloss and I a couple?

Gregory smiled a knowing smile, his eyes seemed much duller all of the sudden. "The matrimony doesn't have to take place anytime soon, my child. Take your time in making a final decision. Until you have decided, whether I'm dead or alive, Fairagg will still rule as prince. Your decision can be made tomorrow, or in three years."

Lina held her hand up to protest, but her eyes met Fairagg's, and she saw something desperate deep in his blue eyes. Her mouth closed slowly, and her hand dropped back down to her side. "Could I have a moment alone with Fairagg, Gregory?" The king nodded, lifting himself out of his chair. Giving Lina a supportive pat on the shoulder, he left quietly without making eye contact with his son.

Once they were alone, Lina sighed, collapsing into the chair she had abandoned only moments ago.

Fairagg broke the silence, his face more relaxed now that his father was gone. "I'm sorry about all this, Ms. Lina."

She waved off his apology, a half smile brightening her face. "It's not that big of a deal, your father isn't a bad guy. And call me Lina."

He grinned, nodding. "Alright then, Lina."

They sat in silence again, their gazes holding for an extended moment. Lina looked away, breaking the intense contact. "How do you think we should handle this?"

"Well, I don't see any reason why we can't at least get to know each other a little more so that we can make a solid decision. Now, I know that you aren't in any position to be married to me at the moment. But who says friends can't go out for a cup of tea?" The bright smile that lit up his face almost brought Lina to her knees, but a vivid image of the night before snapped her back to reality.

"Err, that's really sweet of you Fairagg but I'm sort of on a mission right now. In fact I think I'm supposed to be leaving the village soon...maybe even today."

He smiled. "Where is it you're heading?"

The question startled her, but she recovered somewhat quickly. "I don't really know yet, but I'm after something."

Fairagg nodded, understanding by the tone of her voice that she didn't want to go into any further detail. "Then is it alright if I accompany you? I'm actually a very well trained swordsman, and I'll do everything within my power to protect you."

Lina's eyes widened, and she couldn't stop the instant replay that ran through her mind of her and Gourry's first meeting. Tears brimmed her eyes, and Fairagg sat up instantly, his eyes clouded with concern. "I-I'm sorry Lina, I didn't mean to upset you." Lina shook her head, wiping away the annoying tears. "No, no. I just got something in my eye, I'm fine." She tried to give him a smile, but even she knew that it must have looked just as forced as it really was.

He held eye contact with her for a long moment before slowly nodding, as if deciding that her excuse was legitimate enough for his taste. Lina watched him sit back onto the uncomfortable looking hospital pillows, and noticed that his face was slowly falling into a deep frown of what she supposed to be thought.

She watched as a thousand emotions crossed over his face, and took her sweet time noting ever angle and curve of his flawless tanned face. A bit of guilt filled her mind, she'd admit, but this man was god like in every way imaginable...unlike Xelloss.

Xelloss!

Lina hopped out of her chair, nearly falling over herself as she scurried to the door. "Ah, listen Fairagg, I'm really sorry about this but I've got to be going now. Someone is waiting for me in the lobby, and I don't think I should keep him there any longer. I'll try to keep in touch, but I can't promise anything!"

She was in such a rush, that Lina didn't even catch the last words Fairagg uttered just as she slipped through the door.

"I'll have you for my own, Lina Inverse. You'll see."

Chapter 33

"Back already, Lina-san?" Xelloss asked a bit sarcastically as Lina ran into the waiting room, her hair a mess and her face a flushed red.

"Sorry, Xelloss. That took longer then I thought it would." She replied between breaths, adding the last part as an afterthought.

Xelloss nodded, watching her. "What did they have to say?"

Lina thanked the gods that her face was already red, because she was betting that a blush was creeping into her cheeks anyway. "Umm, well I met King Gregory's son. He's a very...nice guy." She chose her words carefully, trying to dance around the subject of their conversation.

"Ah, yes. Fairagg, was it? He was indeed a very charming young man. You forget Lina-san, I met him while you were passed out only days ago."

"Right, I forgot." Lina muttered under her breath, turning away. "Well, let's head back now before Hiyo sends her daddy out to look for me."

OoO

"Back so soon, Lina?" Zelgadiss asked, looking up at her over his newspaper.

Lina shrugged, feeling more exhausted than she remembered just from the walk back. Or was it her little episode with her supposed 'fiance'? She shuddered.

"Ms. Lina, you should head up to your room to get some rest. You look awful." Hiyo advised, giving Lina a worried stare.

Lina gave Hiyo an annoyed look. "Gee, thanks, Hiyo. You really know how to make a girl feel better." Turning and heading for the stairs, she didn't give Hiyo a chance to reply.

Hiyo lifted a hand in an attempt to stop her, but Zelgadiss shook his head. "Relax. She's probably just really tired. I'm sure it's nothing serious."

"...But I didn't mean anything by it." Hiyo murmured, lowering her eyes to the table in shame.

Xelloss watched her closely, his eyes catching her every movement. His suspicions were appearing to be confirmed, and it was obvious that something was not right about this innocent little girl. He glanced up at the oblivious chimera seated in front of him and sighed. Maybe not all that obvious.

Even so, this girl was up to something. She was far too nice, too naive, too harmless. In a way, she was very much like him. And that was defientely something that everyone here should be terrified of.

OoO

Lina collaped onto her unmade bed, breathing in the sweet scent of last night's lovemaking. It gave her some comfort to be surrounded by the prescense of Xelloss, even if in reality, he wasn't here at all. To her though, he was still right beside her, his eyes smiling down at her while he brushed her hair behind her ears. When did she fall so in love with him? Since when did she think of him as a support instead of an obstacle?

Everything was happening too fast. This trip, her life, the world. Everything. It seemed like everyone was just slipping by her, leaving her alone to search for her own answers.

Sighing, she sat up, turning to peer out the little window behind her bed. The little people below her skipped by happily, oblivous to the horrors of the world around their tiny little village. It made a tiny part of Lina very jealous to see all of these people so safe in their little bubbles of complete and utter contentment. What was it like to be just like everyone else? To wake up in the morning in the same bed as the night before, to see the shining ocean just over the hills every day of her life? What was it like to be stable?

She'd never know.

Because she was special. She was Lina Inverse, one of the most famous sorceresses of the world today. Her life was wrapped into the small bundle she carried on her back everywhere she went, and it was a life she'd never escape...ever.

The weird thing was, she'd never wanted anything more then this kind of life. She had always enjoyed her days as a wanderer; it gave her the only happiness she'd ever known. Or maybe that was because Gourry was there beside her. Yes, that's right. As soon as Gourry left, everything had fallen down around her.

Lina was strong though, and she knew that she would have to get over him one way or another. But was her one way out Xelloss?

"Lina-san?"

She turned her head slowly, the shining amethyst eyes coming into her view. "Hey, Xelloss." She greeted him softly, a smile spreading across her face.

He smiled back, his eyes expressing the concern he was feeling. Apparently Lina had been too deep in thought to hear his entry, and the strong emotions vibrating from her body made him worry.

"Are you ready to leave yet? We think we may have found another piece to the spear." Lina nodded, standing and walking to the chair where she had left her armor. "Where are we going?" She asked while slipping on her special boots.

"Atlas City." There was a long pause, and Lina looked up to find Xelloss staring at her expectantly. "Oh." She answered lamely, looking away while donning the rest of her attire. He watched her silently, his eyes boring into her soul, making her skin crawl.

"Are you all right, Lina-san?"

"I'm fine." She knew that she had answered too fast, and that her voice cracked a little, and she coughed to cover it up, but Xelloss had caught it. He wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on her head. "You know, Lina-san, it's ok to tell me how you feel. It's a waste of energy to be jealous of ghosts."

She let out a sob, closing her eyes tight. "Xelloss, I know I'm being so unfair, but just the thought of seeing him again...it scares me." She sniffled, and then continued. "I don't know what I would say, or even how to say it. And it feels like I'm being so selfish because I'm here with you, but my heart still knows him. I-I can't deny that."

"It's not like anything is definite Lina. Who knows if you'll see him at all? There are millions of people in Atlas City."

"...Yeah, you're right. Let's just...go..."

"As you wish, Lina-san."

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