Dragon Rider Play

Pat reached the medical ward and caught her breath before going in and walking cautiously to Jeremiah's room.  She opened the door, afraid of what she'd find.

53 looked up.  "Ah.  Here's Pat now."

Jeremiah looked at the door, and almost tried to sit up.

53 put a finger on his shoulder and pushed him back down.  "Come in, Pat.  Do you want some time alone?"
Pat looked at Jeremiah then down at the floor.  "Um..."

Jeremiah gave Pat a pleading look. They should probably talk.

"I'll take that as a yes," 53 said, standing.  He was a little stiffer than usual, but stepped out calmly and closed the door behind him.  

Pat took 53's seat and sat picking at her fingers, staring down at them.

"Pat..." Jeremiah tried to start. He felt like his heart was pounding. "I... the girl I told you I like? Well.... it was really you." His face got red. "I wanted to say something before, but I was so scared that you didn't actually like me back, and I didn't know how I was going to say I liked you, and then I was trying to figure out what to do and....." he trailed off. He hadn't meant to spill it all out like that and ramble.

Pat swallowed hard, peeking up at him through her thatch of hair.  "You mean it?  I'm the one you like?  I just wanted to steal one kiss because I thought for sure you'd never notice someone like me."  She dropped her gaze.  "I think I love you, Jeremiah, and I don't know what to do about it.  I'm sorry.  Have I messed everything up?"

Jeremiah blushed a little. "I don't think you messed everything up. And why wouldn't I notice or like you? You're strong and determined. You aren't afraid to follow your dreams, even when people say no. You're pretty, and there wouldn't be anything I can think of that I don'tlike about you."

Pat blushed deeply.  "Thank you," she said for something to say.  "You are so handsome and wonderful, brave, and fight so well.  You're amazing.  I just... I wish I could be with you."

Jeremiah laughed humorlessly. "You'd rather be a trouble-making, abused, washed-up assassin? I have no clue where you find any glamour in that. And you saw where fighting like I do lands me just earlier today..."

(Be WITH you, not be you)

Pat reached out daringly and took his hand.  "Maybe that was the old you, but you now... You are the greatest person I have ever met."

(Sorry XD I am too tired to read, I suppose)

Jeremiah blushed a nice shade of red, but didn't take his hand out of Pat's.

Pat smiled, holding his hand and brushing her thumb across his knuckles.  She badly wanted to kiss him again but resisted.

After a while, Jeremiah fell asleep, relaxed by Pat's presence and exhausted from when he tried to go find Pat.

Pat closed her eyes, a slight smile on her face as she mentally replayed her first kiss again and again.

Jeremiah slept soundly.

At Pat's feet, Nightshade was doing her best to stay awake now. She wasn't going to nap! What if Pat needed her again?

Pat looked down and laid a hand on Nightshade's back.  "I forgive you, Nightshade.  I know it's hard to stay awake."

Nightshade arched her back under Pat's hand like a cat, and even purred some.

Pat smiled and stroked her dragon.  "I love you, Nightshade.  You're the best dragon any rider could have."

Nightshade purred a bit louder and rubbed against Pat's leg. For Pat, Nightshade would try to live up to that expectation. She WOULD be the best dragon ever!

Pat smiled and patted her knee.  "Why don't you come sit up here?  You aren't too big yet."

Nightshade gladly jumped up and curled up in Pat's lap. The feathered dragon loved being near Pat.

Pat circled one arm around Nightshade, her other hand still occupied with holding Jeremiah's hand.  She knew she'd probably get into trouble for skipping a couple of classes now, but she didn't care.  Not this time.

It was lunchtime when Luke showed up, apologizing for not coming sooner. He had brought food for both Pat and Jeremiah, who was still dozing.

"Thank you, Luke," Pat said, subtly letting go of Jeremiah's hand.  "How were classes?"