The days passed by a lot faster now, and life has been better. Since we joined the Kinghts, Hestia and I spent our time training, crafting, hunting and socializing with the group. The group had improved dramatically since our first training session. All of them can now stay upright while flying in the air. They can now increase their sense of hearing radius and differentiate between sounds and voices. Their eyesight has improved and they can now use their sense of smell to track and find prey, enemies or eachother. Not only that, but they also improved they're crafting skills. Leo even set up a workshop for us all to make and repair equipment. When he had finished it, the first thing we did was construct saddles for every dragon. Each one was made with upholstery from abondand vehicles and factory grade bindings and cords, just like Hestia's. It wasn't as dangerous as my attempts, but still pretty damn difficult. It got done though, and by then it had already been three months.
Three whole months of training, building and most importantly bonding was how my time went by. Honestly, it felt nice to have other people around. Even Hannah, as much of a brat she and her dragon could be, was a welcome sight every morning. She seemed to loosen up a bit around me and Hess, but still has a snide remark ready everyday. And you know what? I'll take every single one if it meant I didn't have to lose this. Because I'm tired of being alone. Of holding Hestia back. Holding myself back. Now I can wake every morning and walk out my cabin to see Hestia and Monti playing games, Kyle and Connor discussing superheroes, and even Hannah subtly making moves on William (she doesn't realize that I know about her crush on him). Then Everyone goes to the dinning hall for a breakfast Markus himself has made. We talk and joke while the dragons set off to hunt. Leo the lays out our agenda for the day and William complains about it. When the dragons get back, we all get ready for training. Payne and Ethan go back to back about how much progress has been made, and Hestia has to put Helanti in her place (which is the funniest shit ever.) just so I can continue with our session. Next would be Leo and Daenerys leading us on a monster hunt to put our combat skills into action, but Kyle Darnadle try to hang back because they're not the best fighters. After all of that, it's time for dinner and we're all bone tired and ready to turn in, but Connor and I still talk before bed along with Hestia and Monti. We get to swap stories and Hestia gives Monti advice. Now that's what I live for.
Still, something always seems to be missing. I hangout Connor and wish it was Tyler. I laugh and joke around Markus and Kyle, but think about Simon and Nico. Hell I even have girl time with Hestia and Kaylin, yet I miss Adele, Jessica, Alice and Lia being my favorite girls. This is definitely one of the down sides of joining the Knights, you start to miss the friends you had before. I try so hard to not compare the group to my old life, but just can't help but notice those similarities between them. Sometimes I just sit in my bed at night and cry, but wake up in the morning with smile. Even now I have to hope I won't cry tonight, just have a peaceful rest and wake up tomorrow with a real smile. I haven't had one since my birthday when it was just Hestia and I playing in the sea.
"Anna!" Connor shouts.
I jump, startled by the interruption of my thoughts. Where the hell did he come from? I swear I was all alone with no one in sight. Still, despite the near heart attack he gave me, I take deep breaths and turn to face him. His eyes were wide, almost apologetic but mainly concerned.
"Are you okay, I didn't mean to scare you." He says.
I nod, "What do you need Connor."
"Uh, well...I was wondering...if you would...well, if you would like some... Uh," He stumbled, clearly nervous.
I couldn't help but smile. Connor had been acting like this for almost two months, and it was damn cute every single time. He was blushing like a thousand suns and trying to take deep breaths to steel his nerves.
"What I trying to say is, if you would like to have some..."
"He's trying to ask you out!" Payne shouted, interrupting Connor.
Connor went beet red while Payne, William and Hannah laughed at his expense. Clearly they were attempting to embarrass him, maybe even encouraging his advance for their own entertainment. I couldn't help but smile at the sweet, but nervous wreck of a date proposal.
"You don't have to say yes, just think about it please. I mean it's more...like us hanging out...like we usually do." He explained.
Connor had his head down, blushing so hard. He was so nervous and embarrassed that I couldn't help but laugh. How cute! Now he's shifting from side to side, definitely ready to run for it if I said no. His green eyes are adorable as he pleads to the ground to swallow him up, but I wasn't about to let it go that far.
Smiling at his cuteness I respond, "Ok, I'll think about it. After all it's not like I don't enjoy hanging out with you."
I turn on my heel and walk away, leaving poor Connor with his eyes bulging and his mouth wide open. He didn't expect me to say yes, but I definitely would have. This is life after all, and I might as well get use to them. Besides, I didn't lie when I said I enjoy his company. Connor is sweet, funny, and a very good listener. He has a big heart and a calming presence to those around him. Just being around him, despite the memories it triggers, has a positive effect on my day. We're clearly friends and I like every second of it.
{_Of course you do, but my friendship is better._} Hestia commented. She just came back from her evening hunt and asked about my day, so I told her.
"Yeah, your friendship is better." I joke, knowing she was playing.
{_Yes, and I'll ALWAYS come first._} She teased.
I laughed at her childishness. Only she can make me laugh like this. Only she can be so cheeky and not make it awkward. I love her to pieces and will always cherish her, but damn she is funny as hell. The part that makes me smile is it's all just for me. With that thought, I tuck in for the night.