Zero opened her fingers and gently caressed her skin with his thumb. There was a time when her hands were hidden under folds of bandages. He rose this hand, pressing his answer into her knuckles. His chest filled with what he could imagine was love. Something that encompassed his entire universe and beyond. For no other girl but her.
She turned back, eyes glinted in the dim light, shadows falling like dark silk across her face and when she smiled—when she smiled it struck him again. Because those smiles were the reflection of her heart. She truly shined tonight.
At her simple response he tilted his head to the side, "Indeed you are." He couldn't agree more.
*
Eventually they landed and Ren snatched up the case. He was also the first to get out, hitting the ground and sweeping the area with eagle eyes. It occurred to Zero then that they were still in danger and had to take extra measures. He helped Loretta into the wheelchair, covered her with his coat and a blanket before wheeling her out. They were welcomed by a chilly gust of pre-dawn, but with less intensity. He gripped the handles of the chair and pushed onwards.
"I gotta ride." Ren said. He stood ahead, a cell phone at his ear. "Keep up." He signaled Zero pursue him as he lead the way.
Easily catching up. Zero focused on the voice at the other end. A low, tired voice belonging to the last person he'd ever thought they'd hear again. Levi Keaton. "You called Levi?"
Ren sent him a side-ways glance. "Who?"
Zero ground his teeth, "Ren—"
The kid snapped the phone as his way of ending the call. He removed the chip and crushed it. "Welcome home, brother." It was the smirk that belied his inner nature. "Unless, you're fine with growing tails."
Zero shook his head. "I'd take em down, no contest. But he's family. Don't drag anyone else into our mess."
Ren glanced behind them, then stopped once they reached the road. He checked his watch and stretched his arms over his head. After all these years some things just never change. "He's ninety by wheels. Thirty on foot." He eyed the wheelchair with a frown. "I know you wanna protect her and I get that, but it's better if she sits this one out."
"We stick together, end of story."
"It's no place for sleeping beauty, you know that."
"You almost sound concerned."
Ren shook his head and glared down the deserted road. "Then why don't you wake her with a kiss and settle my nerves."
Zero let go of the handle and touched the crown of her head with one hand. It was a galaxy within her, vast, alive, receptive to his touch. She still held traces of his influence, and hers were just... dormant. He pulled back, he couldn't do that to her. There was no way of knowing how she'd react to the sudden change. And what if... She wasn't the same in the end? Was it selfish of him to want to keep her as just Loretta? Zero ran his fingers through her hair. He wouldn't force anything upon her, not like this. "I can't risk it." He spoke softly, "I doubt she'd want to."
Ren shook his head and tsked, "Sure, bet she enjoys being a useless little girl unable to fend for herself."
"Shut up." Zero turned the wheelchair, he didn't need any ride, "We're going without you."
Ren scoffed, "Careful brother, we're miles away from the city, sure you want to take that risk?"
"Like you said, thirty on foot." Zero picked up Loretta into his arms, her warm body against him felt good. He continued inward and then, took off.
Ren sighed, he plucked up the contraption left behind and folded it up. They'll just have to meet at the place.