Cost? Reprocussion? (Ziare)

[Alastin]

Alastin fell to his knees panting softly sweat trickling down his forehead as he slammed his fist into the floor. His wings weren't out but, he had been trying so hard to improve his healing magic. Texts covered his desks, tonics were distilling in the open windowsil, and it just showed how hard Alastin had been working lately. Not just for anyone he had been working hard to for Ziare. Trying to improve his abilities so he could better fufill his promise. Her happy smile the key to his drive as he shivered slightly. Again he had failed in trying to create a new healing spell and he had wasted quite a bit of magic with it. He closed for a moment his frustration so evident so percise. He wanted to better help people and he wanted to be a full-fledged healer but, he had so much to learn. So many things to try and understand before it was too late.

I have to...

~YOU PUT TOO MUCH ON YOURSELF!~

I have to try!

~You're no good to anyone like this if you keep pushing yourself to the brink!~

No good. Those words made him look up and narrow his eyes and Misae knew that something else was bothering her bond mate as well. Jyo. He hadn't exactly been hitting things well with him it was that grating irritation that Alastin. Yet Jyo had been showing progress as well much as Alastin hated to admit it. Much as he didn't want to share the progress that he had been working his ass off on and Jyo was doing it so casually never showing the effort. Alastin closed his eyes and studied his hand for a moment. It was bruised from hitting the floor too hard and he winced craddling it closer to him. Alastin gazed at the ground in thought, not thought, more like impulses because he didn't understand. He didn't understand the full depth of Jyo's bond with Ziare. What were they too each other? Where did this leave Alastin? Why was he so worried about it?

~ALASTIN GET SOME REST!~

Not yet.

Alastin looked up gazing at the wall for a moment. He was at his limit but, he wanted to push. He knew he had more potential he could feel it. He didn't want to just be an apprentice he wanted to advance. He wanted to become better. More capable. More able. He shivered slightly the room felt cold. Why did it feel so cold? Why were things feeling numb almost? Was he at his limit? What was limit?

Misae didn't waste anymore time. She called for Ziare. Perhaps she could ease her overworked bond mate. For the first time Misae called Ziare directly.

~ZIARE! I NEED YOUR HELP! Alastin... that fool is overworking himself!~

[Ziare]

Ziare had been on her way anyway when she heard Misae's voice in her mind. It took her a moment to realize what it was. Who it was for that matter. She had just come in from her meeting with Jyo and was coming to just chat with Alastin. She broke out into a full run her hair racing behind her as she ran to his room thanking God she didn't trip on any of the spells.

Opening the door she looked down at Alastin on the floor and raced over. She took his hand and winced at the bruise. She picked him up carefully and moved him over to the bed laying him down gently she put him under the covers and kissed his bruised hand.

"You idiot." she whispered softly her eyes filling with tears. She hated to see him like this.

She summoned Celeste and the young girl in the kimono went right to work. First feeding him her mana so that he was no longer depleted of energy but full once again completely recovered in that aspect. The other was that she healed his hand gently so the bruises were no more. Unsummoning the girl Ziare sat on the edge of the bed and brushed his hair out of his face.

"If you ever do this again I promise I will never speak to you again, do you understand?" she asked harshly as she leaned down and kissed his forehead letting her lips linger for a moment.

[Alastin]

He heard the door opened and already knew who it was there was no need for him to turn his head. He had sensed her running even when Misae had made that call and he winced slightly. He felt her take his hand and gaze at the bruise but, he didn't say anything for the moment but, surprise came when he felt her pick him up. He shivered slightly and felt himself layed down in the bed and he looked up into her eyes and immeadiately felt tearing pain going through him. He felt immeadiately bad for what he had been doing as he saw the tears in Ziare's eyes. Whatever happened they were still good friends and he looked up at her giving a nod as he felt himself slowly recovered because of Celeste and his injury gone. He was able to carefully flex the knuckles once more but, then almost winced when he heard her question. Not winced tears flowed from his cheeks that he had made her made by doing something like this.

"I'm sorry Ziare, I'm sorry..." he whispered as he looked up at her feeling her kiss his forehead and sat up carefully and wrapped his arms around her waist burying his head into her shoulder.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean too go overboard I just..." he shivered and held himself against her his fingers lightly touching her soft hari but, he felt so guitly and bad for what he had done. He knew Ziare wouldn't lie about that that threat either and that had made him feel even worse that she had to resort to something like that. That someone else had to snap him out of it rather then he being able to pull himself out of it. It only made him further realize just how much he had staked into this.

"Never again I promise I didn't meant to make you mad or hurt you...I just...I wanted to be better. So I could better help other people..." he whispered softly. It was Alastin's deep-seated goal to become a full-fledged healer as he sensed something was on her mind and he pulled back wiping his eyes. He looked up at her with a weak smile as he lightly touched the cross around his neck and gently played with it.

"I'm sorry I should be the one helping you," he said with a wary smile. "What's on your mind?" he asked as he pulled himself so he was sitting beside her.

[Ziare]

Ziare felt him wrap his arms around her waist suddenly and she smiled. He was like a little kid sometimes kinda reminded her of her younger brother back at home. She smiled at him as his tears fell down onto her shoulder. Carefully and gently she ran her fingers through his hair and held him tightly to her.

If she ever lost Alastin her life would be forfeit. She didn't want to live in a world where her very best friend was gone. He was her life line in many ways and kept her sane through so much. She let him finish his speech and she calmly held him to her. There was no way she was going to let this one go. He was the only person she trusted with her life. And the first person she ran to when she needed something.

But realization hit her and she finally realized that .. she was depending on him too much. If he was doing this to himself then she was the cause and she knew it. It was time to begin to work on her own problems by herself before running straight to his arms. But the smile he always gave her was so heartwarming.

Her thoughts were broken when he looked up at her playing with the cross he had bought in the city and went back to his old self. Asking what she needed. She shook her head and pushed him back down on the bed. Bringing a blanket up from the foot of the bed she sighed as she looked down at him her fingers gently removing his soft lavender hair out of the way.

"I don't need anything but for you to watch out for yourself. It's you that needs to be better now okay? Where would I be without my angel?" she asked softly.

She leaned down and for the first time she planted a very soft kiss on his lips. It didn't last for more than a few seconds but when she broke it a blush crossed her face.

"I'm not leaving til you sleep and if I have to summon Noxy for it I will." she told him.

[Alastin]

Again Alastin was nuzzled into her warmth and comforting presence this time he was the one in need. It kind of made him shy that he was doing this to Ziare when he was trying to help her but, he couldn't help it at the moment. She was there offering comfort and just allowed him to vent off more of the pent-up stress from all of this. Her fingers gently going through his hair just relaxing him a bit more as he closed his eyes against her and just enjoyed the soft touch. It was there he realized that Ziare really meant alot to him and there were times when he felt that he would do anything for her if it meant that he could help. He flushed slightly at that thought but, he knew it was true there was nobody else that Alastin was this close to before. With Ziare he could trust her without even having to worry or think about it and just be himself without worry.

It's nice...

When they had broken apart he felt himself pushed back into laying down on the bed and looked up at her almost protesting. He felt the cover drawn up over him giving warmth and he relaxed alittle as he felt her gentle touch. Her hand brushing his hair aside and away from his face as he just felt alittle vulnerable at the moment. He had never had the reverse with Ziare and it embarassed him slightly yet at the same time he was glad that it was her.

Then she did something else.

Something that left him off-balance.

She kissed him.

He froze when his lips connected with hers when she had started the kiss but, he had gently kissed her back. It was something that made him blush with her and he looked at the blanket for a moment before turning his gaze to her and heard her say she wasn't leaving yet. Yet she had again called him her angel. He looked up at her and gently ran his fingers against her hand.

"Two questions," he said softly.

"One....why do you call me your angel? You've called me that several times before yet I never really understood why I'm just me...and that endearment sounds too wonderful," he said softly as he bit his lip nervously for a moment. "Secondly, would you be willing to stay the night?" he looked up with a hopeful look.

"I just...I feel so content and warm when I'm snuggled up against you when I sleep, I admit that I enjoy it alot," he said with another blush. "It just feels trusting and right..."

[Ziare]

Ziare smiled as he kissed her back. It was the first time she had ever kissed him but sometimes he deserved something and she smiled softly cupping his cheek. The ever curious Alastin decided on two questions. She chuckled and nodded waiting for them.

The first was very easy to answer. She knew exactly why she called him that. Because to her he was just that. Her very own angel and she wasn't going to give him up no matter what. He was the one that had been sent to her.

"Because, when I needed someone the most you were there. Sent by whatever higher power on the exact day that I needed someone to save me. Not only that but when I first woke the first thing I saw was you covered in this bright ethereal light your wings wrapped around me and your voice.. it was so beautiful and distant. It called out to me and your lips were the very first thing I felt coming back. You saved me from the darkness and the cold. I never felt warm like I did and still do with you. It's amazing the calming effect your touch alone has on me. You make me happy and you make me relax even when I'm really scared about something. You show me that it's okay to trust even after what happened you accepted me for who I was and not who I was before." she told him softly with a smile on her face.

"You are my angel." she whispered.

"As to the second question I suppose since you asked really nicely and made me feel all warm and fuzzy I can." she chuckled. "I'll just change and be right back."

She went into his closet and grabbed a tshirt before she changed into it and came out leaving her clothing in the bathroom for the morning. She turned out all the lights and climbed into bed pulling Alastin close.

"Goodnight, my angel." she chuckled.

[Alastin]

Alastin could only look up in awe for that brief and single moment in this time that was known as life. He was gazing up into her eyes his golden ones meeting her blue ones as he felt her hand gently cupping his cheek. She told him why she called him her angel and he blushed slightly as he closed his eyes for a moment. To be held in such a light with someone made him feel giddy almost that he was valued so much. Not just by family but, someone that was outside of his family valuing him like life itself just made him feel special. Cherished almost. He opened his eyes as she continued explaining why making him feel like a bit more then just a normal person for a moment. He smiled a shy smile up at her as he nuzzled into her touch listening to her soft and wonderful words that made him feel like he did.

"Thank you," he whispered softly. "I didn't aim for the result on purpose but, well I feel special to be called someone's angel you know feel like I'm taking a step in the right direction," he said with an innocent blush as he looked up at her and heard her chuckle. He gave a bright smile when she said she'd stay. Again he'd be able to enjoy her touch once more.

He saw her leave and come back in just a t-shirt and gave a small blush at the thought of it all. He felt himself drawn close and smiled gently. The lights were off now and he just nuzzled into her neck for a brief moment. He shifted his head and gave her a soft goodnight kiss before breaking it gently blushing and nuzzling his head into her neck curling against her.

"Goodnight, Ziare, my best friend..." he whispered back to her as he snuggled against her more firmly his arms around her waist as he finally drifted off to a beautiful sleep her comforting presence keeping him so happy and content.

[Ziare]

She pulled him closer now and nuzzled him. She felt the kiss and blushed softly. Her hand went through his hair. Over and over again she worked to console him. It wasn't so much consoling as it was to get him to relax she couldn't have her perfect angel doing this to himself. It wasnt something she wanted to see happen and so she just worked to keep him relaxed.

In the dark she held him close to her and she nuzzled down into his soft hair.

"Goodnight, Alastin. My very best friend." she whispered back in regards to his own words.

In the dark she stayed awake for sometime. Her eyes finally began to grow heavy though. The world had taken it's toll on the girl and she finally drifted off into a soft and relaxing sleep with him in her arms.

[Alastin]

Dawn again arose and flooded it's warm revitalizing light into the room more importanly the warmth spreading too Alastin who was again curled up with Ziare. His eyes slowly opened and he blushed slightly but, gave a smile he felt so warm and content in her arms it was something that he truly enjoyed. He shifted his head slightly and streched out carefully so as not to wake her as he shifted his head and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. Like a kitten he streched out ever so slightly and carefully pulled out of her embrace and tucked her back in the covers. He kissed her forehead lightly before he padded over to the kitchen area and set things to work.

Toasting bread and making a light meal overall for them since he wasn't a heavy eater during breakfast and he knew Ziare didn't eat so much in the morning either. He came back with the tray and sat it on the table. There was juice and ice water available also eggs and toast. He sat down beside Ziare and gently shook her awake giving a smile as he watched her wake up.

"Breakfast is ready as a thank you for last night you get it in bed," Alastin said with a bright smile.

[Ziare]

Ziare was shaken awake by Alastin. She hadn't spent the night here in a while and she smiled at him softly before she even opened up her eyes. Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes she yawned happily and sat up proping herself up against some pillows and the backboard.

"Morning Al." she said softly as she finally opened her eyes.

His smile was so sweet and innocent she couldn't help it. He was really sweet. She just enjoyed who he was and that he was always there for her. But this time she had been here for him and he was lucky she hadn't slapped him like she wanted to. She had really wanted to just throw him into a cold shower and wake him up putting some sense into his head.

"You made breakfast? That's so sweet." she said softly as she leaned forward and kissed his cheek gently. "Come sit by me and share."

She patted the bed next to her and put a pillow up as well so that he would have something to lean against when he took his place.

[Alastin]

He gave a smile at her seeing he wake up and smiled at the way she sat up and began to rub her eyes. It was always so sweet and innocent the way that she did that and he couldn't help but, enjoy it sometimes because he always did that himself when first waking up. He chuckled softly at the nickname that she had given him for a moment. It it wasn't 'her angel' it was her shortening his name rather then using it fully. He was starting to get to used to the fact that she only used his full name whenever she was mad or hurt. He blushed slightly at the kiss on his cheek and gave a gently smile for a moment as he slipped his lower half under the cover as well sitting where she wanted him to sit this time around.

Mornings are so wonderful sometimes...

Still, he could sense that she was still annoyed with him for what he did. He shifted the tray carefully so the legs of the tray were on either side of their waists since they were sitting side by side and he leaned back against the pillow.

"I always try to eat some form of breakfast to start off my day. Since you were asleep I wanted to make it for you as well," he said with a warm smile at her as he snuggled in his spot getting comfortable and picking up one of the toasted slices of bread he lightly buttered it for a moment before taking a bite. He was silent for a moment and looked up at her giving a worried sort of smile.

"I'm sorry I worried you like that now that you sort of gave me that reality slap so to speak I realized how stupid I was being," he said with a small blush.

[Ziare]

Ziare looked at him as she placed jam on her toast. Her eyes narrowed while he talked so non chalantly about the crap he had been putting himself through. She put her toast down and cleared her throat.

"Alastin Skylark, I swear to any higher power you believe in that should you ever do this again I will forcefully break you. I will let Armenius hold back Misae while I show you just how badly it hurts to be slapped for real. And then I'll let Misae at you followed by Armenius for being so stupid I'm sure they all want a shot. So I would suggest that you never do it again unless you want to find a visit to the hospital wings and a 'summoners whimp' as your title. Do you get me?" she said a bit forcefully but it was serious.

She had never seen Alastin like that and it had scared her. Not only that but she was not going to let it happen again. She was too worried and too concerned about him. There was something special about him and if she lost him now she knew that her life was not going to be right like it was right this moment.

Picking up her toast she began to eat. She was done scolding him she only hoped that it had gotten through because she wasn't kidding. She was not afraid to show him what it meant to get a Summoning Wizard mad at you.

[Alastin]

Alastin flinched hard from her tearing into him and looked down at his breakfast for a moment Misae not commenting either. His free hand moved up and lightly played with the cross around his neck as Ziare tore into him hard. Had he really grown that important to her to where she tore into him if he did something stupid like that? Not out of anger or anything but, out of worry? He chewed his lip gently instantly feeling bad as she tore into him. She had even used his full name which meant that he really must have screwed up since she usually called him Al or her angel. What was it though that fueled Ziare's rant to where it cut him deeply. What was that attachment that they had? Could either of them truly say it was just friends?

Misae....

~You had this one coming to you bond mate.~

Sorry....

~*sigh* Look just be more reasonable on this ok?~

K.

Alastin looked up at Ziare after finishing the bite of toast and leaned against her lightly closing his eyes. He hadn't responded but, the flinch and the saddened look showed that her message had gotten through to him. He took another piece of toast and lightly nibbled at it after buttering it with shaking hands. The rant had gotten through all right.

He realized what an idiot he had been.

[Ziare]

Well that poor look made Ziare feel about this *holds up fingers squished together* big. She looked at him as he leaned against her and she knew that in the least her message had gotten through and he wouldn't be trying anything that stupid ever again. She put her toast down as she really wasn't hungry even for what he had made and lifted his head up kissing his cheek.

"Look, I can't lose you. Not only are you my angel, but you're my best friend and aside from that you are the one I look forward to seeing all the time. How often do I come up here just to say high? Hey, don't be so sad, just don't do it again. I can't worry about you all the time you know." she said with a soft smile.

She put her arms around him and pulled him close for a tight squeezy hug. She nuzzled into him and chuckled.

"Besides you probably just wanted a reason to get me to sleep here again." she joked and poked his nose gently. "Now eat."

She picked her toast back up again and began eating. She had torn into him but he had to get a reality check and she had given him a good one. This kind of thing couldn't happen a lot. She was still trying to heal herself she couldn't do that if she was constantly trying to heal him.

[Alastin]

Silence for the moment was something that could wiegh lightly or heavily on a person depending on what the situation was. For Alastin those seconds of silence were like an agonizing torture that he really didn't like at all it was another slap. Another realization to how much he had upsetted her in his foolish pursuit to advance himself more quickly rather then letting the natural order of things go through. He sighed softly for a moment but, then he felt her warm hand cupping his cheek. That soft hand showing that it was ok almost as if trying to tell him that she had gotten mad at him sure but, it wasn't the end of the world. He looked up at her as he felt her soft lips kissing the other cheek and looked into her eyes as she spoke.

Then she spoke.

His eyes looked into hers as she spoke.

She said that she couldn't lose him. He was not only her angel so to speak the one that had brought her back from the damning darkness and ice that had weighed on her soul after what HE did; yet, also gave her the strength to allow her to face forward. He thought about how often he saw her now and then just dropping by on the shorter visits or randomly nudging him when he least expected it. He had gotten used to her visits, used to that spunky personality, yet more importantly he had become used to being needed by her. He rubbed the back of his head for a moment as he thought things over even as she spoke reaffirming what words she had said repeatedly. Reaffirming the fact that they were indeed best friends.

He felt her arms holding him close in a tight and squishy hug which he returned for that moment and nuzzled into her. He smiled for a moment feeling those warm arms around him it was always so damn comfortable. Her touches. He felt the prod on his nose and blushed for a moment rubbing the back of his head.

"As interesting as guile sounds I'm afraid that I'm innocent on that aspect. Guile just doesn't fit me," he said with a smile as he began to eat again with alittle more vigor.