for some air. It's really nice out and I wouldn't mind watching the moon for a little bit."
"Are you sure?" I loved how she always wanted to make sure we were okay even if it overrode her own agenda.
"I'm sure, Red." I gave her a playful wink. "I'll be back in two hours. Maybe three. I gotta shower, but I'll do that after I get back. No point doing it now when I may get sweaty with how warm it is."
"I need to shower, too," she groaned. "I feel like water hasn't grazed my skin in days."
That made me chuckle, especially with her disgusted expression.
"Go say hi to Jax and shower."
"Okay," she replied but pulled me into a hug. I wrapped my arms around her before lifting her up and slowly lowering her so her feet landed on the ground.
"Love you, Brianne," I whispered into her ear before kissing her gently on her neck.
"I love you, too, Finnick," she replied with just as much emotion while her arms tightened around me. "We've grown stronger."
"I agree." Kissing her one last time on her neck, we moved apart, and I let go of her. "Get some rest tonight if I don't see you when I get back."
"Okay. You too." Her chirpy reply was followed with her pausing at the doorway to look back at me. "One day you should paint a picture of what you saw in your dream," she encouraged. "I think it would be a nice escape."
"Good idea," I whispered, feeling as though her words had a hidden meaning in them.
A hidden command that would lead to the healing of my open wounds.
Her grin was priceless as her bright eyes twinkled and she waved back at me.
"Night, Finnick. See you tomorrow."
"Night, Red. Let's go swimming tomorrow."
"Sure!" She seemed excited about the random idea and I watched her disappear down the hall, the last strands of her orange hair teasing me as I felt the urge to have her back in my arms.
I have to work on myself a little more.
The idea of self-improvement was easier to accept now. I knew what I had to do, and now with this gifted weapon from Flynn and the background story of the God of Creation, I realized exactly what I wanted to achieve now.
What would help heal the wounds in my heart so that I could become that strong warrior that defends a victim of cruelty and hate.
If Elijah was indeed alive and fighting to kill Brianne and Jax, I'd be one of the few who wouldn't hesitate in striking him down. I wasn't going to endure losing any more people who I loved and cherished. Not in this final year, nor in the future beyond graduation.
Turning to look up into the sky, I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly while my eyes took in the magnificent moon.
I will succeed in becoming a man you can be proud of. Dad. Mom. Flynn. Watch me soar as I become the bringer of justice.
Dark Display Of Loving Comfort
~BRIANNE~
* * *
"Jax?" I knocked on the door before opening it up slightly to poke my head into the small space. My eyes located him with ease, locking on to his body as he lifted his shirt over his head and stood in just boxers.
Adding the lovely beads of sweat that rolled down his muscled back and the way the moonlight shone perfectly on him, like a god who'd just descended upon our lands, I was in a trance of adoration.
A thick enough trance that I didn't hear him say my name...or see him turn around.
"Brianne," he repeated while those teasing lips curled up to give me a taunting grin. "You know I'm yours to touch if you like. Don't need to stand all the way over there to gawk at me."
"I-I wasn't gawking," I defended and slipped into the room and closed the door.
And locked it.
"From your actions, I feel as though you're planning my murder," he pointed out while lowering his gaze to my hand that was still on the lock.
"I'm locking it for our own safety," I defended while my face grew flushed with embarrassment.
"Our safety, huh?" He lowered his arms and tossed his shirt on the floor before he began to approach me. I pressed my back against the door while keeping his intense gaze as I tried not to be tempted and take in his divine body once again.