“I can't believe we did that!” Becca said on a laugh.
“Hey we were only kids! What did you expect?” Kai asked.
“I know! Man, we were crazy.”
Kai smirked, looking away. Becca narrowed her eyes, the smile still on her face.
“What's that look for?” she asked.
“What look?” Kai asked, eyes innocent.
“The look that says 'I have a different memory'. The one you always have when we talk about those old times.”
Kai smirked again.
“That look! Tell me!”
Kai got up, sauntering away. Becca raced after him, but he moved faster than she did. He stood across from her, the sofa in between them. Becca jumped over the furniture, knocking him over. He brought his hand to the back of her knees, knocking her over. She landed on top of him. It was quiet for the space of several seconds before they both burst into laughter. When they had caught their breath, Kai propped his head up with one arm. Becca lay with her head close to his chest, staring up at him. He smiled down at her.
“I've missed you, Kai,” Becca admitted quietly.
“Me too, Swan.”
Becca smiled and Kai brought his head down so their foreheads touched. They stared into each others eyes, content. Kai brushed their lips together for a brief second. Becca felt a small spark and looked at him. He smiled and winked at her. She smiled, a light blush on her cheeks.
“You haven't done that in a long time,” Becca whispered.
“I haven't had alone time with you,” Kai said in way of explanation.
Becca simply smiled, resting against him. Kai scooped her up and stood. He walked out onto the balcony, putting her on her feet. He leaned against the railing, and Becca's hands gripped it. She looked at the full moon. And screamed.
“Becca! What's wrong?!”
“He's here! I knew it!”
“What? Becca calm down! You aren't making any sense!”
Becca grabbed the front of Kai's shirt, eyes wide with fear.
“Aroan! He's coming to get me, Kai! He's supposed to be dead! I killed him! Why is he back?!”
“Whoa, whoa! Becca! It's okay! Aroan can't get you!”
“No! He's coming! He's going to take me back! I don't want to go back, Kai! I can't go back!!!!”
“Becca, shh. Relax! Aroan can't get you here! You're safe!”
The crazed look in her eyes disappeared, but they turned a dark blue in her fear.
“Kai...I'm scared.”
He hugged her, bringing her close. She wrapped her arms around him, taking in deep breaths. Kai rubbed her back in a soothing manner.
“I hate seeing you like this,” he whispered.
“I'm so scared.”
“Becca...give me your fear.”
“Kai...I can't. My boyfriend-”
“Becca, you know it's the only way. Let me hold your fears.”
“Kai, what about you?”
“Becca, look at me.”
Becca looked away, tears in her eyes. A hand cupped her cheek, turning her head. Becca leaned into the touch, tears streaming down her face. Kai ran his thumb along her cheek. Their eyes connected and Becca looked into the blue depths that always calmed her.
“Becca, I have no fears. The only thing that scares me is the thought of you going away. For good. It gives me pain. Let me hold your fear. And I promise you we won't ever speak of this.”
“Kai...hold my fear.”
Kai smiled gently into her eyes before touching his lips to hers. Becca felt a surge of pain and clung to Kai. He wrapped his arms around her, helping her to stay up. He pulled away gently, opening his eyes. He looked at Becca. Her eyes were half open and she leaned against him.
“I'm sorry,” he whispered.
“Was it...too much,” Becca asked sleepily.
“No. I'm sorry you had to hold so much.”
“I can't tell...them about it. They....would be too...hurt. I...may never...see them...again.”
“Enough talking. You need to sleep.”
Becca nodded against his chest and didn't protest when he picked her up, princess style. He entered the apartment, moving towards one of the bedrooms. He placed her on the bed. Becca fisted his shirt in her hands weakly.
“Don't leave me,” she almost whispered.
Kai looked at her.
“I'll take your boots off.”
Becca released him and he moved to take her boots off. He covered her and Becca looked at him. He lay on the bed next to her, gently stroking the top of her head.
“Are you going to...leave when I fall...asleep?” Becca questioned.
“No. I'll stay beside you all night. Until you wake up.”
“Okay...”
Becca closed her eyes, falling into sleep. Kai stayed beside her, looking down at her. The moon shined through the window, highlighting her features. Kai bent down, kissing her forehead and then her temple. He pulled back, just watching her.
“Sleep tight, Sparrow. You haven't finished the war.”