"Don't you look a frightful mess," Oliver said, turning his head. He sat up from his plastic covered chair, blue skies through the window of the beige-ish hospital room.

I glared back, crossing my arms. "You don't look so swell yourself, Doctor."

Dark circles under his eyes, he pulled on the collar of his blue bathrobe. "Are you kidding? These are the best threads a patient can get, I got connections."

"Bet they even give you extra pudding cups," I snorted.

He shook his head, with a giant sigh. "Tried and failed. Apparently I make a terrible patient." He gave a lopsided grin, something aching in his eyes. "Glad you're still alive, Okie."

I nodded. "Me too…" I'm glad we all are.

Jude followed in behind, Max in tow. He swept his eyes over the room, shutting the door. "Whatever's said in this room doesn't leave it," Jude hushed.

Oliver gave a nod, Max slouching down in a spare chair. I shuffled my feet, frowning at the entourage. "Guess we do have a lot to discuss," I said.

Jude raised his eyebrows, laughing, "Sure, but first we have to make sure you're alright." Right. I scowled.

Oliver frowned, scratching his chin. "Something's wrong?" He turned his head, eyes burrowing into mine. "What's the problem, Okie?"

"Nothing, I feel fine." I rolled my eyes. "Once this stuff wears off, I'll be fine," I said, the room shuffling in awkward silence.

Oliver shook his head. "Ya? Cause you're as pale as a ghost. Not exactly looking fine."

Max gave a little wave. "She threw up on the plane too." Oliver raised his eyebrows.

I turned my head. They're ganging up on me. I scowled at them. "It's nothing, just a little headache and some nausea."

Oliver shook his head at me."You're not getting out of this so easy. What sorta 'stuff' are we talking about?" he asked.

I sighed, pacing to the window. "They didn't exactly tell me...but it suppressed my ability. I only started feeling bad after using my ability. It's been wearing off, a little sleep is all I need."

Oliver waved his hand away. "Well there you go then, get some rest."

"I'm being serious," I growled.

"So am I," he laughed. "I assume you're here because you want to keep your return quiet? If I run a bunch of tests that'll be a giant red flag, and if I don't know what's in your system, I'm not giving anything else. So what's left?" He leaned on the chair, taking a breath. "Rest up, have someone monitor you for the next twenty-four hours. If conditions change we can risk doing more."

Jude frowned, tapping his chin. "I guess that makes sense." He nodded. "We can make that work."

I darted my eyes between them. "Just wait a minute, who would have time to watch me anyway?"

Max stood up from his chair. "Count me out. I have a full schedule."

Oliver tilted his head. "There's too many people in and out of here."

Jude took a breath, pursing his lips. "Ingrid I can tag-team it. The plan was to hide you in the Tower anyway. It shouldn't be too difficult."

"Okay...I guess." I rubbed my eyes. "But twenty-four hours is a long time."

"Can you at least try to stay put?" Jude locked eyes with me. "This is serious."

I scowled. "Fine…" Crossing my arms, I looked at each of them. "What is this anyway? You forming your own secret club?"

Max shrugged. "The circle's been small, not just by choice. Everything's been shaken up."

I sat down in the chair. "I see, so-"

"We haven't made any moves yet," Oliver growled. He walked over to the window, shutting it. "Even Brian is walking around free."

Jude fidgeted, eyebrows locked down. "We don't have solid evidence yet that he's a part of this, Brian is a common name," he said.

Max leaned on his arm, his gaze resting on me. "It might help to have the whole story. You wanna give us the gist of what happened?" He crossed his arms.

A muffled beep through the door. I shrugged. "I don't know what to say...I really don't know much more than you." Everyone's eyes on me, I sighed, facing the window. "Where should I begin?"

Oliver sat down on the edge of the bed, rubbing his forehead. "How you ended up in Idyllic, would help."

"Well...I don't really know how I ended up there, but I can start with a whom." I scanned the room, narrowing my eyes. "Know anyone who can make people hallucinate the dead?"

Blank faces, Jude cleared his throat, adjusting his blazer. "You're saying another person with an ability is involved?"

"Uh huh, both me and Allister saw someone we thought was dead…" I pursed my lips, hanging my head. "This happened to me several times as things were going down."

"Seriously, Phyn?" Oliver snarled. "Why didn't you tell anyone?"

I rolled my eyes. "There were more pressing matters than sanity. I didn't know what was happening. Would you have told anyone if you thought you were going insane?"

"Of course I would. Something like that is extremely dangerous in a life or death situation," Oliver hissed.

"Well whatever, I'm telling you now," I huffed, throwing my hands up. "Anyway whoever this person is, they're the one who took me to Idyllic. From what I know they're not Vitriol, I don't think this was about the war either. What the Pacesetter said, it centered around a plan of hers. She didn't seem interested in current politics. They mostly tried to interrogate me about my ability."

"And what about the woman with one eye?" Jude asked, sweeping his gaze back to me. "That whole thing was quite dramatic, she smashed right through the window, shouting at me till he ran in with a gun."

"Raine was there?" Oliver frowned. "Why was Raine there?"

Jude looked between us. "So we know about this woman?"

I nodded. "She's a gun-for-hire, we've run across her before."

Jude furrowed his brow. "Why would she want me to leave?"

"What?" I spat. "She wanted you to leave?"

"That's what she kept saying." Jude frowned.

"Strange…" I muttered. Why would she try to stop the meeting? This doesn't make sense.

"Raine is always weird." Oliver rolled his eyes. "Don't bother trying to understand her." That won't be enough to kill my curiosity. I tightened my fists. She knows much more than she's saying.

"Knock, knock." Everyone jumped, Ingrid pushed open the door. "I assume I'm invited to this party," she hummed, her lip-stick grin saying she was a step ahead of us.

"Of course," Jude said, making way for her to enter.

Pushing her glasses up her nose, she grinned at me. "I see you're back safe and sound...how wonderful."

I nodded. "Alive, kicking, and ready to make your life difficult," I said. Jude glared, I rolled my eyes. "I'm only joking."

"Joking or prophesying," Ingrid sighed, stuffing a notebook in her jacket pocket. "It sounds plausible."

Jude pursed his lips. "Please, let's just keep this civil."

"I am always civil," Ingrid laughed. "And I'm sure Ms. Okie can try to be less stubborn."

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

This is going to be painful. I shut my eyes for a moment, walking for the door. "Can I just go to sleep now or what?"

Jude chased after me. "Yes, we'll figure that out." He waved Ingrid to follow. "I need your help," he pleaded.

She pursed her lips, following after us. "What do you need?"

Jude frowned, darting his head around. "I'm sure Phyn has stuff she wants from her apartment. A change of clothes, a toothbrush? I don't know," he stuttered.

I waved an arm. "Grab whatever, most of my important stuff got left in Idyllic." Or burned. A weight forming in my chest, I shook my head. Not the time to get emotional.

"Alright," Ingrid grumbled. "And where are we putting Miss Okie?"

Jude stalled his feet. "Yes...that. I've been giving it some thought...she can stay in my suite." I turned my head, Ingrid raising an eyebrow. Jude shook his head, his eyes wide. "It's not like that, we just need somewhere private, where Ingrid and I can move back and forth from, without alerting suspicion."

Ingrid nodded. "Makes sense, I will arrange some of her things to be brought up." She made a note in her book, flipping the page back.

"Thanks," Jude said, motioning for me to follow. Ingrid tucked the pen behind her ear, turning down the opposite direction. She walked away, leaving me to tail the Commander.

I frowned at my sneakers, walking just behind him. Not sure if this is a good idea. Grayish tan walls, surrounded by the blur of hospital equipment. A nurse passing by, I ducked my head down. Jude stood straighter, walking forward with a strong presence. His eyes flickered with a twinge of nerves.

Looking both ways, we slipped down a shorter hall. A little elevator tucked in the corner. He clicked the button, stepping back. "This elevator isn't used as frequently, we don't have to worry about you being seen."

I took a breath, leaning against the wall. It's important to be clear. "Jude…" I started.

He shook his head, eyes dimming. "You don't have to say it...I already know."

The door rolling open, I followed him inside. "What do you mean?" I said, my voice wavering.

He held his breath, pushing one of the buttons. "It's obvious enough that you don't have feelings for me."

I tensed my shoulders, giving a shrug. What do I say to that?

Jude tilted his head. "And I haven't been overly subtle that I do, so I understand this is awkward."

"I just don't want you thinking this is something other than it is." I slipped my hair back, the elevator rising. At least he understands.

He nodded, eyes glued to the door. "Our relationship is professional, I can respect that boundary," he said, a note of vulnerability.

I shifted my feet, the change of elevation messing with my stomach. "It's nothing to do with you. I just, I don't know." I moved my eyes to my shoes. Five years, and I'm still not past this.

"Is that because of Dr. Strong?" Jude darted a nervous glance. "You seemed friendly at the party and well-"

I shook my head. "No, gosh, no. Oliver's a friend, just a friend." An ache in my gut, I shrugged. "My past is complicated. There's just a lot of things I'm not ready to let go of, and maybe that sounds silly-"

"I don't think it's silly," Jude said, the elevator door sliding open. "You do what you have to do, that's that."

I stepped out of the elevator, turning back. "You speak as someone with experience."

"I guess you could say, I know what It's like to feel pressure to move on." Jude shrugged, his eyes low." I wasn't ready to be a leader when my father died."

"I see." I followed the pixelated carpet, light from the window across my shoes. "Were you close?

"Not very, he was away a lot." Jude scratched his head. "When he died, I was left underqualified, and with all the problems he created."

"I remember hearing it was during his term that the war with Vitriol broke out."

"He wasn't the easiest person to get along with. Alaric and him were disastrous." Walking past me, he motioned to the door. "This one's mine," he said, turning the handle.

A huge arched window overlooked the city, the opposite view from his office. Dark sleek furniture, marble floors. Other doors broke off into different rooms. "You have a nice place," I mused, crashing straight onto the couch. I blinked up at the ceiling fan, the blades swinging round.

"I have a proper house elsewhere, but I stay here when I don't want to bother with travel." Jude swung his jacket on the coat rack. "But yes, it's not bad."

"Not bad?" I laughed, "You know how many people would kill for a place like this? I even know some of them personally."

He hid a grin, sitting in the chair across from me. "You frequently hang around shady characters?"

"I guess so…" I chuckled. "Maybe I find them easier to understand, they have simple motives. I don't know what to do with the fancy and refined."

"You seem to be doing just fine from where I'm sitting." He leaned back in his chair.

"That's because I've spent most of my time with the team. You invite me to more parties and I'm sure to embarrass you."

"I look forward to it." He smirked back. "When this is all over, there'll be endless celebrations."

"Wonderful," I grumbled, my eyelids growing heavy. "You mind if I just fall asleep here, I don't want to move."

"Of course not." He grabbed a newspaper off the table, flipping through it. "I'll be here or in the other room."

"Thanks," I mumbled, shutting my eyes. The headache of everything we'd have to figure out could wait.

Jude cleared his throat, "Hey, Phyn...what sort of plan was the Pacesetter trying to convince you of?"

I lifted my eyelids, taking a breath. "She wasn't specific, something about saving the world," I mumbled. "It wouldn't have worked and I don't trust her either. There was something off about the whole thing…." Sleep pulling at my consciousness, I shut my eyes again. "You don't have to worry though, I'm not leaving Avarice." I'm here to stay, I'm back in this fight. Yet isn't it strange how fast this happened. Everyone seemed to know exactly where I was, how to find me. None of this adds up. "Jude...how did you find me in Idyllic...?" I muttered, my voice falling off.

He turned the page of his paper. "Well…" his voice disappeared, sleep stealing my answer. Awareness slipped away.

----------------------------------------

I wrung my hair out with the towel, turning off the bathroom light. The skyline darted with citylights. It's nice to feel clean, get a fresh pair of clothes. Normal, aside from it being the middle of the night.

I tiptoed back through the hall, into the living room. Jude's probably asleep somewhere, I didn't want to wake him. The quiet is nice anyway. A moment to breathe, collect my thoughts. I yawned, sitting back on the couch. The balcony door, the tiniest crack open. Fresh air would be nice.

Wandering to the glass door, I slipped out into the night. Shivering at the air, I pulled my arms close. A few stars in the sky, though they might just be satellites. The glow of the city chases away the stars. I moved to the edge of the railing, leaning on the bar. Everything looks small from this view.

Jude lifted his head, standing at the end of the balcony. "Can't sleep either?"

I paced over. "I woke up, and was feeling restless. Figured I should clean up, feel less like I've been a captive."

"Makes sense," he murmured, his head low. Eyes focused on the foggy street.

My smile fell. "Something on your mind?"

The light bounced off his green and blue eyes. He sighed, "I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed with everything..." He shut his eyes, letting out a hiss. Agony across his face, he shook his head. "Are you really okay, Phyn?" an ache trapped in his voice. "You're okay, right?"

I blinked up at him. Where did that come from? "Of course, I'm already feeling much better. By morning I'll be back to myself."

His expression loosened, he turned his head. "I mean beyond that...I don't know what they did to you, what you went through. If dragging you into this has led to you getting hurt-"

"I knew what I was getting into." I fought to catch his eyes. "What happened is not your fault." I took his hand. "Look at me, it's not your fault."

"...I know." His eyes wavered, on our hands. I slipped it away, stepping back. I don't want him thinking that...what don't I want him thinking? I leaned on the railing, biting my lip. Bright little lights, cheap knockoff stars. I don't have to be alone forever.

His eyes lingering on mine, my stomach in somersaults. He really thinks the world of me...I really don't mind him either. I met his gaze, drifting closer. His fingers slipped over my arm, pulling me in. Jude leaned his head down, our lips brushing. Memories danced like firelight, rushing like wildfire. A starry night, desperate fear, my death grip onto a moment…my brown-eyed dreamer. My heart lurched in my chest, tears stinging my eyes. Jude reaching for a deeper kiss, I pulled away.

Wringing my hands, I paced. I can't do this, I can't. A quick breath and the tears went away. I kept my gaze on the city. "I'm sorry…" I mumbled. Deafening silence, I shut my eyes. A twisted ache left me shaking. I still belong there.

Jude slipped his hands in his pockets. "I'm sorry...I promised to keep things professional, it just seemed like-" He hung his head "I don't know, it's late...you look lovely."

"It's not your fault, I just meant what I said before." I looked back, meeting his eyes. "I'm stuck in the past, I'm not ready to get past this." Stuck? more like spiralling...drowning.

Jude gave a weak smile. "So there's a sliver of hope?" he said, the wind tossing his dark curls.

"Only sliver," I chuckled, leaning on my elbows. I took a breath. "You should put your hope elsewhere. I don't know when I'll move past this. It could be years." Cool wind on my skin, I shut my eyes. Or never.

"I'll put my hope where I think best." Jude nodded, eyes straight over the horizon. "It's not everyday, a woman turns me down. This is strangely exciting."

"Exciting?" I laughed. "Rather an unusual reaction to someone pulling away from a kiss."

"As I see it-" He turned his head, his eyes drifting back to my lips "-when you do fall in love with me, I will know it's real."

My face went pink, I moved my eyes away. "You're taking my maybe a bit far, now aren't you? Suddenly it's a matter of when." I raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, it's a when." A smirk cracked out, he chuckled, "I've been told my whole life how irresistible and charming I am, so I know it must be true."

I shook my head. "You are charming enough...but right now there's a mountain ahead of us, and I just need a friend." He stiffened, frowning at the city below. I bit my cheek, taking a breath. "Until the chaos is settled-" I met his eyes "-can you be my friend?"

"Okay," he said, his gaze serious. "For you...I can do that."