Welcome to Gaia! ::

He hugged her back tightly, placing his cheek on the top of her head as he listened to her. "You're afraid of thunder...that's cute," He said, laughing a little. He became serious. "I want you to know that there's two more things I'm not telling you." He said. "That I'm not ready to tell you. Maybe in the future. But I want you to know that there is. Just so you won't think I'm hiding anything."

The nurse placed the last bandage on Eric. He continued to hug Dara. He hadn't felt the warmth of someone who had accepted him....ever.

"Blue...nettes? Oooooh!" Eric started laughing. "You're really easy to get along with, you know that?" He asked, smiling down at her. "I didn't expect people here to be so open with each other. I've never been out of the South East territories before. So I'm your first meister then?" He asked.

Eric smiled as she snuggled closer. His heart began to beat faster. He'd fought with several different Weapons but this situation was new to him. Where he came from, weapons and meisters were never friends, only allies. Things won't be that way anymore he thought. This is a new start with her. I can leave everything else behind. He looked down at her in his arms. He forgot about his wet clothes. The fiasco at the training room. The wound. The orange eyes. He forgot everything as he sat there with her, living only in this one great moment. This is what his new life would be. He couldn't think of anything better.

Eric felt her grip relax as she began to fall asleep. He smiled. He was tempted just to lay down with her on the hospital bed and sleep. "Hey," He whispered to her. "We will. We'll be a team and take on anyone. I'll have your back and you have mine. How does that sound?" He brushed her hair gently with one hand as he spoke.

Eric watched as she snuggled into the bed. He looked down at his wet clothes, wondering what he should do. He took off his sock and shoes and belt, leaving them to dry on the ground next to the bed. He kept his wet pants on, not wanting to upset Dara. He pulled the covers over them both and put his hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling. He thought about all the events that had happened during the day and how hectic it had been. The nurse had left to go home and wouldn't come back unless it was an emergency. He breathed in deep and looked over at Dara, so peaceful in sleep. He smiled to himself, wondering what it would be like to be as kind and carefree as her.

Eric woke up at the sound of a giggle. He looked over to see Dara laying on her stomach, smiling at him. "Did I talk in my sleep?" He asked, smiling at her. He reached over and brushed some of her bangs aside. "You feeling better?" He asked, stretching his arms.

Eric put his arm around her as he smiled back. "Glad I could help," He said. "And yes, I'm feeling much better." He lifted the covers a bit, looking down at the wound on his stomach. He pulled of the bandage. It had completely healed. He tossed the bandage in the trash next to the bed and laid back down. "Your scratch healed?" He asked, gently squeezing her against him.

It was true; he felt worlds better. But it was more than that. For the first time in years, he had had pleasant dreams.