Kawaii~Chan's POV:

"You know...it's nice to have someone that you can act normal around.", I say, meaning against Zane's shoulder. We were in a little opening in the forest, sitting on the lush and soft grass. "Thanks so much Zane."

"No problem, Nana."

I blushed a bit. It's not like I like him or anything....okay that's a complete lie. He's the total opposite of me and...he's perfect. Every time he says my name, I get butterflies in my stomach. His hair is so soft and dark, it reminded me of the comfortable nights back in Washington DC. When I laid in bed and just breathed, with no worries. His laughed was so contagious and his personality was intense but, friendly in a way that I cannot describe. I feel like me around him.

"Zane...if I do tell everyone about who I am, can you be there to help me?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Because...I don't know. I just want you to be in this situation as well."

"Heh, Nana, don't worry. I'm here to be your friend."

I went wide eyed.

"So, I'm your friend now?"

"D-Do you not want to be?", He asked, a bit shocked.

"N-No! I do!"

"Oh...yeah. I just...I feel like we are bonding while you're here. More than I am with anyone else."

"Oh...well, that's great!"

"R-Really?"

"Of course! Zane, you're so sweet and kind and I'm glad to be your friend!"

"T-Thank you...Nana."

We just smiled at each other. It was like we were trying to say something to each other but, nothing came out. I opened my mouth, about to ask him something to start conversation again;

"Kawaii~Chan!"

I looked over to see Laurance running over to us. He froze and asked;

"Am I interrupting something?"

I sighed.

"No, Laurance~Kun. Is there something you'd like to tell Kawaii~Chan?"

"Katelyn informed me that we will be departing from here in thirty minutes."

"W-What?"

He frowned, upset that he had to tell me.

"Thank you, Zane. For having us here.", He says.

"No problem. It's our pleasure.", Zane says, frowning a bit. Laurance ran off, disappearing into the forest again. "You okay?"

"N-No...Zane, I don't want to leave."

I looked over to me and wrapped his arm around me, trying to comfort me.

"I know. I don't want you to leave either."

I buried my head into his chest. Trying not to sob in front of him.

"Hey, look at me."

I looked up at him, tears already rolling off my cheeks.

"Why are you scared?"

"...I don't want to see the world again, Zane. The world that my family created!"

"Nana..."

"Zane, I'm dead serious! I'm terrified! I didn't know how much I hated that world until I came here and met you!"

He just looked at me...not knowing what to say in this situation. I didn't blame him. I wouldn't know either. He brushed the hair away and wiped away the tears.

"Nana, you have to tell them how you feel."

"B-But, I-"

"No!", He said, sternly. "They aren't going to understand unless you tell them."

I looked down, knowing that he was right.

"Will you come with me?", I asked. He responded by getting up and letting out his hand. "Why would I change my mind?", He chuckled. I took his hand and we, together, walked to meet up with the others.

•••

Everyone was silent. The only one smiling, besides Katelyn, was Zane. I told them. I told them everything. It was the only way and I knew that. They were my family. Even Vylad and Garroth. I needed to put out the truth and say what I was feeling in this situation. Laurance said, after a few more moments of silence;

"Are you okay, KC?"

"First of all, call me Nana. Second of all, I'm fine now.", I say, smiling up at Zane. "But, now, I understand I have to focus on the mission. Besides, we can always just come back."

"Thank you, Nana...for understanding.", Katelyn says. She hugged me, soothingly. "I'm so proud of you." She looked up at Zane. "Thank you...for everything."

He nodded and said;

"Just know my brothers and I would love for you all to come back anytime."

The other two agreed.

"That's great to hear. We promise we won't be gone too long.", Katelyn smiled.

"Good.", Vylad spoke. "Is there anything we should do to help?"

"No. I think we're okay.", Katelyn says, thanking him. "Besides, once we get that information from Denver, we'll be coming back as soon as possible."

"You sure?", Garroth asked.

My team and I nodded.

"We always seem to get out of trouble easily.", Travis chuckled. "I'm sure we can handle ourselves."

"Okay. Just come back if something happens.", Zane says, smiling softly.

"Of course."

•••

We were saying our goodbyes, in front of the entrance of the island. I was trying to keep myself together, knowing that I might never come back.

"Nana, here.", Zane handed me a small sea shell. I put my ear to it and I heard the winds and oceans inside. "So, you'll remember me...just in case you take longer than expected."

"Heh, thank you Zane.", I say, taking his hand. "I'll be back. I promise."

He nodded and hugged me once more before backing away to his brothers.

"You all should be careful. I get that you know what you're doing.", Vylad said. "But, there's always that risk."

"We know. We will.", Katelyn assured him.

She waved goodbye and exited through the hole in the tree. Travis and Laurance smiled at the three, Travis doing a slight salute and they followed Katelyn out. Aphmau, seeming to be really upset but, still had a smile on her face, hugged Garroth one more time and ran out. I looked back at Zane and nodded, leaving.

•••

Zane's POV:

"Remind me, why, we aren't going with them?", I asked, not looking at my two brothers.

"Because-", Garroth began, trying to say something.

"We aren't ready.", Vylad interrupted. "We would just drag them down..."

"But, Father said-"

"I know what he said!", Vylad shouted. "But, he doesn't pay attention enough to understand that we aren't!"

With that, he walked back to our home, his head down. I looked over at Garroth, who was just staring at the hole.

"You going to miss her?", I asked.

"Same way you'll miss Nana."

I sighed and decided to head back to the cliffs...I needed to get back to work...

Word Count
1104