Changing Our Ways (KIRA)

[Lotus]

SAGA GREGORIO

I heard his voice and I jumped a little bit. He'd made it back to make sure I was okay; to talk to me. I turned my head slowly, but remembering what the man in white said I didn't say anything. All I could do was try to smile slightly. It was forced, but at the same time it wasn't. I wasn't happy, but I couldn't help feeling something of happiness to see him there next to my bed.

I saw his arm and reached out as my way of saying sorry that he got hurt. I looked into his eyes and realised how sad they looked. I wondered if they reflected what I was feeling. I wanted to try and be brave; to show that I didn't always need saving. But there were tears brewing and soon enough they welled over. I retracted my hand from his arm as I covered my face.

Sobs escaped from my throat, but all that did was hurt which made me cry more. Crying more, hurt my throat more. Was there no end to this torment?

[Deleted]

Ash Faulkner~~

I smiled softly at Saga. As she pulled her hand back, I reached out my own hand to pull hers away from her face. "Please don't cry" I said softly. I tried to smile at her. I didn't want to her to be sad anymore. She'd been through a lot. I wanted to comfort her.

I put my hand over hers. I didn't know why I'd done it but it felt right. I didn't know what to do to make things up to her. "I'm sorry..." I tried to look her in the eye.

[Lotus]

SAGA GREGORIO

I looked down at where he held my hand, it made me warm inside. I twisted my hand around so that I could somewhat hold his hand back, but it was difficult with bandages wrapped around my knuckles. Despite the look of how small and battered my hand looked in his large, tough hand it tugged my heart because in truth, it felt right.

As I heard his apology I drew my eyes away from our hands and I shook my head with limited movement. I opened my mouth but remembered I wasn't allowed to talk. How was I supposed to make this better without the use of words? All I did was keep shaking my head as more tears rolled down my cheeks. It wasn't fair that he was apologising. I swallowed hard and winced.

[Deleted]

Being tough is only a facade,

but it's become a facade that acts like my personality.

I looked at Saga, she seemed even more frail and breakable than before. I wanted to protect her more than before. I gently stroked the back of her hand, which I was holding, with my thumb. I heard her wince and so I looked up. She hadn't said anything to me yet but I hadn't expected her to want to.

I saw her crying then and something inside me broke, a feeling I didn't even know could exist. I reached out with my other hand to brush away her tears; but gently, I was unsure whether she had much damage to her head after what that brute had done. I lent in closer to her and whispered, "I'm sorry that I didn't get thete dooner. I'm sorry I didn't protect you. I'm sorry that I let you go in the first place.... I should've kept hold of you and explained... I wish I'd have held you close..." I trailed off.

[Lotus]

SAGA GREGORIO

With what he said I finally managed to look in his eyes and hold the look he gave to me. It was one of pain and longing. All I could do was let out a sob, which hurt my throat. Why did everything hurt; not only physically, but mentally?

I needed to say something! That's all I needed to do. I opened my mouth but nothing came out. That panicked me but I tried to keep calm as I tried again. Slowly I managed to say, "No...I'm...sorry." But it wasn't the voice I'd come accustomed to hearing. It was croaky and raspy, and I knew my eyes had widened at how I sounded.

I looked into Ash's eyes as I tried to will the pain and suffering out of those usually gleaming and perfect eyes of his. Everything was dawning on me. I'd never expected I would let myself fall for someone so different to me. I never know I'd had all of those thoughts within me. It was scary...

[Deleted]

Being tough is only a facade,

but it's become a facade that acts like my personality.

I tried to hold Saga's gaze. She looked so hurt and upset. I had done that to her and I needed to make things better. I heard the croak that was her voice. It shocked me at first but I tried to hide it quickly. I couldn't help but think that I had gone and done that to her. I'd broken the girl I loved.

Loved? The thought shocked me, I'd never thought of Saga that way. Had I? But now I said it I realised that I did love her. And there was always that kiss, even if it had gone so wrong. I looked at Saga anew with this knowledge, it hurt to see her so frail but she was still beautiful.

I shook my head slowky at her apology, it wasn't her fault. I lent forward and brushed back her hair as gently as possible. "It's not your fault," I whispered, stroking the back of her hand again.

[Lotus]

SAGA GREGORIO

I smiled sadly at him as all those thoughts raced through my mind. We were so different, yet I liked him. I liked him more than I ever thought was humanly possible. The idea scared the living daylights out of me. What would happen if people found out...?

That thought trailed off as I felt him stroking my hand again and I heard his words. I shook my head again and croaked out an, "It...is...". It was getting more painful by the minute to speak and crying wasn't helping. If I had just let him explain instead of running off none of this would have happened.

I tried to sit up and cried out a little from the ache it caused through my whole body and the dizzying effect it had upon me. I tried to shake it off but I felt hands pushing me back down. Ash had let go of my hand and was now restraining me. I guess I was more beat up than I could actually feel.

My throat was on fire, but I needed to say one last thing. "Paper...Pen?" I looked at him questioningly. I could talk like that, if I could hold a pen with these bandages.

[Deleted]

Being tough is only a facade,

but it's become a facade that acts like my personality.

The hurt was still in her eyes. It felt like there was nothing I could do to make that go away. To make things better, easier, for her. I shook my head as Saga tried to speak. Even I could tell that it was bad for her to do so. Then she started to sit up, at first I motioned for her to stop and sit back but Saga seemed so set on doing this. So I tried my best to help her get comfortable.

When she was settled I looked back at Saga. I smiled internally as I thought about how I loved this girl. But I didn't smile openly, not yet. Not since I was stupid and tried to rush things with the kiss. And considering what had happened, with my brother.

I jumped up after hearing what Saga wanted. I frantically looked around the room; a doctor had left a pen on the side but it took me a bit longer to find some paper. Once I had I handed it to Saga and sat back in the chair. I smiled softly at her.

[Lotus]

SAGA GREGORIO

When he was up and wandering around the room, I had my chance to take a look at him without fear of being watched. It was calming to watch him and to know that I could feel safe around him. I felt safer now, even after what had just happened; but that was still painful to think about.

I took the pen and paper off him and tried to stop my hands from shaking. I took the pen in my hand and struggled to grip it, but I managed to write the first thing; even if it was worse than Ash' handwriting. "Close your eyes".

When he did I managed to finish the rest of what I needed to say, but having to keep it short because of the difficulty. "I owe you my life. I should never have run off, this wouldn't have happened. I should've stayed and listened. I should've stayed because...because I like you. I like you more than I thought I ever could. I know you've saved my life, but I need to ask one last favour:" Then at the bottom of the page I wrote, "Kiss me?"

I was about to nudged him to tell him I'd done, but he looked so peaceful and I couldn't help but stop and just look. I came back to the real world and nudged him, holding the paper in front of him. When he took it I suddenly felt all the embarrassment come over me as I hid my face with my arms again.

[Deleted]

Being tough is only a facade,

but it's become a facade that acts like my personality.

I felt a little silly closing my eyes and just sitting there. But it gave me time to think about what had happened and how I felt about Saga. The more I thought it the more I realised that I loved her; but Saga wouldn't feel the same. I knew she wouldn't.

I was brought back to the present by Saga nudging me. I smiled at her and took hold of the piece of paper. I started to read it, my emotions flickered as I read it. At first I felt guilty and bad for making her feel this way. But then I reached the end and I couldn't help but smile. She liked me. She wanted me to kiss her!

I saw her out of the corner of my eye, she looked so cute and sweet being embarrassed. I smiled and reached out to gently pull up her chin. As the moment came closer I became more nervous. But I lent forward and kissed her softly on the lips.

[Lotus]

SAGA GREGORIO

It was a different feeling compared to before. This time I liked it and this time I kissed him back. It felt natural, even though I'd never done it before. It seemed easy with him, like it was meant to be this way.

I lifted a hand up to his face as I pulled away. I wanted to say something but the words wouldn't come up without burning up my throat. So instead I just smiled and traced my finger over his lips.

[Deleted]

Being tough is only a facade,

but it's become a facade that acts like my personality.

Even when Saga pulled away I felt a warm feeling inside. It wss so much nicer than ladt time, she hadn't run away for starters. I smiled back at her gently. Her fingers felt soft. I put my hand up against her cheek as softly as I could, I didn't want to hurt her anymore than she already had been.

I looked into her eyes. I loved her, and I didn't know how much she felt for me but that didn't seem to matter. "I know that you can't speak, so just nod. But please, was that ok?" I mamaged to get out.
I didn't know how she would respond to that, I tried to smile at her softly.

[Lotus]

SAGA GREGORIO

I looked into his eyes and bit my lip at his question. I knew I didn't need to think about my answer but I still did. Still biting my lip from embarrassment I nodded my head slowly. I saw him relax again.

I dropped my hand from his face and looked around me for the pen and paper. I found it and picked it up. As he was still leaning over me I scribbled something that was barely legible. I held it up to his face as I felt my face flush.

"I didn't run away this time. Again?" It felt weird wanting to kiss him again, but there was a growing need inside of me that told me that's what I wanted and I never wanted him to leave.

[Deleted]

Being tough is only a facade,

but it's become a facade that acts like my personality.

I watched her face, trying to work out how she would respond. Trying to see what Saga actually thought about me and the kiss. But I relaxed when she nodded her head, things were definitely going better than last time. A lot better. I smiled at her softly.

I noticed her writing something again, and it made me a little nervous. I didn't know what to expect but after reading it I couldn't help but smile. "as many times as you want..." I replied softly. I lent forward and kissed her again. I let my hand brush her hair back. I rested the other on her cheek.

[Lotus]

SAGA GREGORIO

I let him lead me into the kiss again. After all, I'd never done this before so it was better if I didn't do anything silly; especially not with the state I was in.

His hand on my cheek made my face feel hot from his touch, but it was a good feeling. I knew he was there and I knew that this was real. I copied what he did I reached up a hand to his cheek and held it there. I was enjoying myself properly for the first time in years.

But then it all went wrong. I heard a cough from behind Ash and I broke up suddenly, scared. I looked into Ash's eyes as I shrunk back into the pillow. Who was that? A man in white? My family? The...brutes? I had no idea and I didn't want to look and find out.

The person behind Ash started talking and I vaguely recognised the voice, but I couldn't quite recall from where, seeing as I wasn't looking at them.

[Deleted]

Ash Faulkner~~

She seemed to be enjoying the kiss, that made me happy. It made me feel like Saga had wanted to kiss me, In know she had said that she wanted to but it felt like she might like me in the same way that I liked her. I really hoped that she did, I wanted to be able to be with her. I did love her, a lot.

The sound of the cough made me jump little, I thought we were alone. It must be a doctor, I was in trouble if it was. If it was the nurse I might have been able to smooth things out and keep Saga out of trouble. I could see her cowering into her pillow. She was scared! But this time, I was going to protect her.

I stood up from my chair and turned round to face whoever it was. There was a man standing in the doorway. He wasn't wearing a white coat, like a doctor. I didn't know who he was, I'd never seen him before. I couldn't tell if he was angry, shocked or generally just stern. I was a little nervous, "can I help?" I asked gently.

He looked past me at Saga. "You could explain what's happened to my daughter ." I was dumbfounded

[Lotus]

SAGA GREGORIO

At the word daughter I instantly knew who it was. I peeked around Ash and burst into tears at the sight of my dad. I reached out my arms and tried to say something, but again, nothing came out.

He came rushing over to me and pushed Ash out of the way. I didn't like the fact that he did, but he was here and he was hugging me like he'd never let go. I cried into him, but tried to stop myself when the pain in my throat got too much. A lot of the pain was slowly coming back all of a sudden; I didn't know if I would be able to stand it.

[Deleted]

Ash Faulkner~~

I was a bit surprised to realise it was Saga's dad, but then he would've be been told. I was embarrassed after I had realised that, him seeing me kissing his daughter would most likely have made a bad impression. I was worried now, but when he pushed me aside, I felt angry. I curled my fists, I didn't want to be treated like that. But then I remembered who this man was and I tried to make myself calm down.

I retreated to the corner of the room to watch saga with her dad from a distant. I shouldn't get involved. But I saw how she greeted him so lovingly and that made me relax, they must've been close. I could tell that Saga was in pain whilst crying, and when he tried to talk to her she struggled to reply. "She can't talk yet..." I supplied slowly, wanting to help buy anxious about how he would respond. I stepped back.

[Lotus]

SAGA GREGORIO

I wiped my tears away and took a deep breath, even though that was painful. I heard Ash's voice and smile over at him. I motioned him forward and he did so slowly whilst my fathers raking gaze watched him.

I looked around for the paper and pen. When I located them I scribbled, "Dad, this is Ash. He saved me!" I held the piece of paper out in front of my dads face and I could see his eyes water. He would be okay with Ash now. I hoped.

I looked out towards the door, but no one else was coming. Maybe mum and Ace would be along later. They were probably busy or my mum was trying to locate Ace. I suspected the later.

[Deleted]

Ash Faulkner~~

I walked forward because Saga asked me to but I was worried about what her dad thought about me. I smiled softly at her. I saw what she had written to her dad, so when he turned around, I stuck out my hand. "Ash Faulkner, it's nice to meet you Mr Gregorio." I said as nicely as I could manage. I needed to try and make a better impression of myself. "Your daughter has been very kind at teaching me how to improve my school work and stuff, sir. She's a very lovely girl." I said a little uncertainly, but he looked at me oddly. "Err... I mean, you've raised a great young lady... sir."

I ducked my head, and waited awkwardly for something to happen. Had I just made an even worse impression of myself? I didn't know what to do. I looked at Saga.

[Lotus]

SAGA GREGORIO

I saw the look on my dads face and he seemed confused by the way in which Ash had spoken. I knew he could be extremely polite, but it still made me smile up at him. Calling my dad sir was just funny in itself. I nudged my dad in the side and when he looked at me I looked pleadingly back at him, willing him to be nice.

I clutched the pen again and scribbled something else. "Be nice dad. He's a good guy. I like him, a lot." I showed it to him and tried to keep Ash from seeing. He raised his eyebrows, but when he looked at me and saw the state I was in along with the way I looked back at him his eyes softened immensely. "I guess you do Saga..." He replied back to my note.

I reached out my hand to Ash and tried to hold his hand in mine, awkwardly again, as my dad said, "Call me Hal. It's nice to meet you, even if we are in unfortunate circumstances." I smiled a little between the both of them, happy they were getting along. I leant my head back on the pillow and closed my eyes, trying to forget that pain that was slowly becoming a lot clearer in my mind.

[Deleted]

Being tough is only a facade,

but it's become a facade that acts like my personality.

I tried to hold onto Saga's hand gently but firmly, so that she knew I was there for her and that I was always going to be there for her. I smiled down at her softly before turning to her dad. I smiled at him awkwardly. "It is a shame, sir.. errr, I mean Hal... but they Saga should be alright, the doctors I mean." I stumbled out nervously.

I looked between Saga and her father, not sure what to say or do next. I flexed my arm, the one that had taken the sword hit, I tried not to wince or show any pain. I needed to be strong for Saga and prove to her dad that I could protect her. I looked around the room for a chair to sit on but I couldn't see any. I went to sit on the edge of her bed but I was uncertain. I perched on the edge lightly.

[Lotus]

SAGA GREGORIO

I felt someone sitting on the end of the bed and I saw Ash there. He looked awkward and nervous, which was an unusual sight that very rarely crossed his features. I squeezed his hand a little and I saw his shoulders relax; even if it was only a little bit.

I closed my eyes again and tried to breathe normally. Where was the man in white? When he came he seemed to take the pain away.

I reached for the pen and paper and scribbled something again for my dad, "Mum and Ace?"

[Deleted]

Being tough is only a facade,

but it's become a facade that acts like my personality.

I smiled at Saga, trying to not look as nervous as I felt. I wanted to make a good impression on her dad. I knew it would mean a lot to Saga if I could. Then I remembered something, I was going to ask ger to be my girlfriend, after we kissed. I knew it wasn't a definite thought in my head, but it had been there since she had wanted to kiss me. I couldn't do it now her dad was here, it was inappropriate.

I looked over at what Saga had written on the notepad. I looked across at her dad. What if her mum didn't turn up? What would ace say when he saw me? He might already know about it and how Lawson was involved, what would he say to me?

[Lotus]

SAGA GREGORIO

I looked into my dads eyes and he simply shrugged. That wasn't a goo sign. "You're mum's trying to find Ace. That boy is never around when you need him." Just as I had suspected, so I nodded my head.

I sighed and rested my head back again. Then I remembered something else I had to write regarding Ace, "Don't let him come here and see me. Promise me?" I showed it to my dad and he looked shocked, but I guess he finally understood after the look on my face when he tried to explain that he was still my little brother.