Crystallized (Hiatus)

Confession

I was stirred awake by a warm hand cupping my cheek. I heard faint whispering but I couldn't make out the words. I slowly cracked my eyes open and saw Tonowari staring down at me.

He gave me a small smile and pulled his hand away. "How are you feeling?"

"Like shit.." I grumbled out.

Tonowari gave a small chuckle, "I am sure you will feel better soon."

I pushed myself up into a sitting position with the help of Tonowari. He placed a hand on my back to steady me.

"Why did you leave? We were all very worried about you."

I turned my head away and looked at anything but him.

"Complications.."

Tonowari frowned at that. "You did not have to leave because of that. I am sure we can fix these.."complications"."

I heaved a sigh and turned my gaze towards him.

"Tonowari, I..I have feelings for you and I don't want that to ruin what you have with Ronal." My face reddened at the confession.

Tonowari's smile returned, "Crystal," he placed one of his hands on mine. "Ronal and I..we never truly loved each other. What we have was decided by our parents when we were young."

I frowned, "That sounds..awful."

Tonowari shrugged, "We did what we did for the wellbeing of our people."

I twitched my tail back and forth nervously. "I see.."

"As for your..confession. I feel the same."

My eyes widened, "Y-You're joking..right?"

Tonowari gave a playful smirk, "Do you want me to be joking?"

"N-No!" I blushed again and looked away out of embarrassment.

Tonowari chuckled before leaning over and kissing my cheek.

I shot him a glance as he rose to his feet.

"Tsireya wanted me to fetch her once you were awake. Do you mind?"

I gave him a small smile, "Of course not."

With that, he nodded and left.

I sighed and laid back down.

Well that just happened..

I placed a hand on my bandaged stomach.

It still hurts so bad. I probably shouldn't change for a while.

I closed my eyes and listened to the sound of the water mixed with the hushed voices of the tribe.

After what seemed like forever, Tsireya came into the hut.

"Crystal?" She walked over to me.

I looked up at her and gave her a sheepish smile.

"Hey, Reya."

Tsireya sat down beside me and studied my face.

"You have a nasty bruise on your cheek."

"Probably." I sighed, "It hurts like hell."

Tsireya raised a brow, "Like what?"

I shook my head, "Just a saying from Earth. Basically, it hurts a lot. Not as bad as my stomach, though."

Tsireya looked down at the bandages.

"You took a bullet for us?"

"Of course I did. I care about you guys. I've gotten more love here from you guys, than I did back on Earth."

Tsireya looked back up at me. "I am sorry, Crystal. I cannot even imagine what you went through." She smiled. "I am glad you feel at home with us."

I smiled back at her. "Sooo..I uh, I told him."

Tsireya's eyes widened slightly, "My father?"

I nodded.

She gasped, "What did he say??"

I chuckled, "He said he feels the same."

Tsireya grinned, "I knew it!"

I started to laugh but then winced, "Ouch.." I moved a hand to my stomach.

Jake poked his head into the tent and looked at us.

"Hey, kid. You alright?"

I looked over at him and noticed multiple bandages covering his body.

"Yeah. What about you? You look worse than me."

Jake waved me off, "I'm fine. I didn't get shot. I did almost drown, though."

My eyes widened, "What?!"

"Yeah.. The whole ship sank. We're all fine, though."

I let out a sigh of relief. "And Quaritch?"

Jake shrugged, "Disappeared. Hopefully he drowned."

Tsireya frowned at that, "No matter how terrible a person, you should never wish for such."

Jake nodded, "You're right. I'm sorry." He looked away for a moment. "Oh," he looked back at Tsireya. "Lo'ak was looking for you."

"Oh? What for?" Tsireya tilted her head curiously.

He shrugged, "Not sure. Maybe more swimming lessons?"

Tsireya hummed, "Okay." She rose and looked back at me. "Call if you need me."

I gave her a nod and watched her leave with Jake. I sighed and closed my eyes.

What a day..

A/N: Short but sweet? Maybe? 🙃