15. Trust

"Hold on tight," Five commands Elisa as his arm curls around her waist until it's cupping her side. She does as she's been told, and the two bodies press against each other. The rising and falling of Elisa's and Five's chest synchronize without any of the two realizing so.

"Okay," Elisa whispers, finding it rather difficult to get out a decent reply while being this close to Five. Even though she spent the whole night close to him, today is different. Her breathing hitches when Five's free hand raises to press her even tighter to his warm body.

Her eyes flicker from his hand to his face, and she notices that his eyes are right upon her. His sparkling blue eyes are a darker shade than usual, and his lips have parted. The sight makes Elisa swallow, unsure.

Then a nervous chuckle fills her ears. Five smiles weakly before his eyes travel to his free hand. Blue light immediately blinds Elisa. She squeezes her eyes closed as she throws her arms around Five's body. Her head leans itself against his chest automatically. He doesn't stop her.

The strong light stays for a while, and Elisa keeps herself close to Five. She knows he'll keep her safe. He'll make sure that she doesn't fall into the endless light.

"We're here," his soft voice whispers, and just now she realizes that she's been squeezing his body more and more with every passing second.

Elisa dares to open one eye to find out that he wasn't lying. They're at the commission. Oh, how she hates returning here again. But this time, she's with Five. Two assassins helping each other to stop the end of the world.

She doesn't attempt to take a step back. Instead, she takes a deep breath before stopping with squeezing him.

"I didn't fall into the light," she states, proud of herself. It causes Five to chuckle lightly. It's a stirring sound, but anyone could hear the nerves betraying him. He's just as frightened as she is to be here, at the commission.

Just now she lets her arms unfold. While doing so, she comes to the realization that Five didn't lie about the time of arrival this once. He didn't wait so he could hold her a little longer. Elisa swallows when she realizes that she wishes he did.

When both his arms and her arms unfold fully, Elisa takes a step backwards. There's a weak smile on her lips, trying to hide the confusing feeling she's wondering about right now. Her legs seem to be rather shaky after the spatial jump-normal symptom for a beginner, she assumes.

Her knees collapse, still trembling. Before Elisa can react, she falls backwards. Her reflexes are just in time to notice Five's eyes widening, too.

The blue light appears again, and before she knows it, Five is gone. There's no time to scream or make any kind of sound, really. It all happens quickly.

Hands slide against her sides from behind, and they curl around her waist. It doesn't take longer than a second until Elisa realizes that it's Five. Her body collides with his. He keeps her from falling. He holds her.

Once she's able to react again, Elisa blows some hair out of her face while a somewhat wider smile forms onto her lips. "Thanks," she mumbles quietly.

"You didn't fall into the light." Five smiles, too. "But that doesn't mean you can't fall afterwards." None of the two move; they stay in the same position.

"You should've told me about the effects about spatial traveling," she remarks, leaning her head backwards. . .against his chest. She doesn't know why. Perhaps she just likes the way she can feel his rising and falling chest strongly.

"There aren't effects?" he tells her in a questioning tone.

Elisa's eyes widen. It doesn't take her long to stand up, turn around, and look at Five. "There aren't?" So no wobbly knees? No quicker breathing. . .

"No?" Five smirks, already guessing at what she was feeling. But really, it just makes Elisa scoff.

"let's go," she mumbles, hiding her reddened cheeks as she turns her back at him. With her chin pointed high (and her breathing still quick), Elisa moves herself towards the commission.

"What are you doing?" Five asks her, running behind her.

"Getting inside, of course."

"You can't take the route you took last time, Elisa." Five shakes his head. "She might have seen it coming. There could be assassins."

"This building," Elisa starts, pointing at the commission. "Is full of assassins, Five."

Five's hand sneaks around her wrist, stopping her from walking toward the commission any more. "Stop."

"What's your plan, then?" She rolls her eyes at him. "There can't be a safer route than mine."

"We're taking the entrance."

"The what!" Elisa exclaims, and her mouth falls open. She could start laughing immediately, but she could also shake his brains thoroughly in order to make him see clear.

"Don't tell me you're afraid?" A sly smile flashes onto his lips, making Elisa narrow her eyes at him.

"We're talking about the commission here!"

"So. . . Elisa Brookle is afraid."

"I am not!"

"Very well." he smirks, freeing her wrist. He then intertwines her fingers with his, surprising her. "Let's go."

She'd stop him. . .really, if it wasn't for the dozen of assassins entering and exiting the commission. They could notice her strange behavior. Well, they probably already have.

The two assassins join all the others in the tiny courtyard in front of the commission. No confused glanced have fallen on the two, but Elisa thinks it won't stay like this. Assassins don't hold hands. She sighs, knowing she has to shake Five's hand away. She does. For a second, there's a pained expression upon Five's face, but he recovers himself. He understands.

With both of his hands, Five opens the huge door so that Elisa can enter. She smiles softly to thank him, and he returns a smile.

Once inside, they're both faced with the busiest hall of them all. It was here that Hazel fell in front of Elisa. He might be here again.

"Where did you leave Mor?" Elisa asks Five as the two continue walking through the many blue costumes.

"I left her with Cha Cha," Five replies.

"Is she with her now?"

"Yes."

"Where are they?"

"The handler's office."

Elisa's eyes widen, and her head turns to Five. He just shrugs it off as if it's nothing.

"Don't worry," he doesn't even truly attempt to reassure her. "They're on their way to the handler's office. We've got to stop them."

"Oh," Elisa mumbles. "I've handled with Cha Cha before, I can do it again."

"I know you can, but I'll lend you a hand anyway." He sends her another of his convincing smiles. Elisa knows that she won't be able to change his mind.

The two continue walking. Elisa knows where the handler's office is-she knows that very well-but she prefers to stay close to Five as if not knowing her way through this labyrinth. Glances have already fallen upon them, but all those persons seemed too busy to mind. They just continue whatever they were doing without a second thought.

When Elisa and Five arrive at the stairs, they think of what might happen next. The hallway that leads to the handler's office is just above them. Morgana and Cha Cha will be up there already.

Elisa's hands nervously fold around the railing while she bites her lip.

"Everything will be all right." Five lays his hand on her shoulder and squeezes the spot softly. He doesn't succeed in reassuring her. But they've got no time to lose. That's why the two immediately head upstairs.

The amount of people lessens enormously. It's even getting more and more suspicious. Still, Elisa only sees one goal in front of her, and it's not caring about any of these people. Morgana is close.

This time it's Elisa who opens the door. She lets Five through first, making him shake his head combined with a chuckle. The hallway is. . . strangely empty. It's dark, too. It reminds Elisa of the hallway that she attacked Cha Cha in. Perhaps the adult assassin in returning the favor?

"There," Five whispers in Elisa's ear just when Elisa's eyes have fallen onto the two figures coming out of a door. She recognizes the two persons immediately. Cha Cha and Mor.

"Let me handle Cha Cha," Five tells her. "You go for Davis."

"Morgana," Elisa corrects him, rolling her eyes. "Will you be okay?"

"Of course," he says. "Now, go." Elisa hesitates, watching Five's expression carefully. Will he able to make it? Won't he need help? Of course, he's a trained assassin, but everyone needs a little help sometimes, don't they? She nods quietly, still unsure if she really should.

"I'll handle Cha Cha," he reassures her. "And if I need help, I'll call you." That sounds better, Elisa thinks. She nods strongly this time, and the two assassins start to run.

Cha Cha notices them quickly-also being trained by the commission. Her eyes narrow at Five, not truly noticing the girl. Perhaps she thinks the girl won't be a problem. After all, this Cha Cha hasn't met Elisa at all. Maybe it's best for her that she doesn't. . .for her sake.

When Five reaches the woman, Cha Cha has already pushed Morgana in the door again. A tiny smile tugs at Elisa's lips when she notices that it's not the handler's office yet. They're still in time.

Five's fist launches itself toward Cha Cha her chin, but it misses since Cha Cha airs herself backwards. She then growls loudly. It's a frightening sound, really. Five doesn't mind, though. It just makes him even more excited for this upcoming fight.

"Mor?" Elisa slowly opens the door, not wanting to scare Morgana.

"Sam?" the worried voice of Morgana sounds. In this time she doesn't know Elisa's secrets just yet. When Elisa turns herself around to face Morgana, a relieved sigh escapes her lips. Even with Morgana safely here, she still worries for Number Five.

"It's me," Elisa whispers softly as her smile continues widening.

"I can't believe it!" Morgana whispers excitedly just before she jumps into Elisa's arms. Elisa folds her arms around Morgana, too. But she can't help but listening carefully to the sounds outside. "How did you get in here? These people they're-"

"Dangerous," Elisa cuts her off. "They're very dangerous, Mor. That's why I need you to listen to me. We're leaving with someone. I know you'll be afraid of him-and I understand. But he won't hurt you. I can promise you that, Mor."

Morgana frowns while she listens to Elisa. She doesn't exactly nod, but it's something like it.

The door swings open, causing both Elisa and Morgana to flinch away. But they had no reason to be frightened because it's Five.

"You're all right!" Elisa beams at him. He'll be a bit sore, she notes, but he'll be okay.

"Did you ever doubt that?" He cocks his head to the side, beaming, too.

"NO!" Morgana's voice shocks the two. Both faces are immediately turned to her. Morgana's eyes are wide-and on Five. Her lips have parted slightly, and she slowly steps backwards.

"Mor, I told you-" Elisa starts, but gets cut off quickly.

"I won't come with him!" Mor shakes her head fiercely. "Never. He took me here, Sam. I don't trust him. I never will."

Elisa eyes flicker to Five, but they go back to Morgana even quicker all the while Morgana watches her reaction carefully.

"Do you trust him?" she asks Elisa.

This time, Elisa doesn't turn to look at Five. Her eyes stay on Morgana when he nods. "With my life." It's crazy what she intended in order to get answers out of him just a few days ago. It's even crazier that she didn't lie when she answered Morgana. Elisa trusts Five with her life.

"I'll be in the hallway," Five suddenly speaks up. "Don't take long, Eli- Samantha. They'll be coming. We've got to leave."

"Okay," she murmurs quietly, still not looking at him.

Morgana starts shaking her head again. Her eyes narrow at Five when he turns his back on the two girls. "I will not come with him."

"You'll have to," Elisa tells her. "You'll have to or you'll change immensely, Mor. They're going to make you one of them."

"How would you know? How do you know any of this-and him?"

"You deserve answers." Elisa sighs. "I'll give them to you when we're safe. I'll tell you everything, Mor. But please, come with me and Five."

Mor's lips part as she frowns at Elisa. She breathes in and out before speaking. "Who are you?"

Then the gunshots sound.

Elisa's eyes widen, and she turns around. "Mor, we need to leave now. I'll open the door, and Five will come in. We'll leave immediately."

Not waiting for a reaction, Elisa swings the door open, but only to see that Five is trying his best to avoid getting shot by using his ability. The blue light appears on the one side of the hell, but disappears again to appear on the other side.

"Five!" Elisa yells, knowing that he won't be able to continue this action much longer. He'll tire out, and they will get him if so. "Come here!"

Five's head turns to Elisa in the doorway when he hears her voice. He shakes his head before disappearing in the blue light again.

He appears behind Elisa, next to Mor who starts to scream immediately.

"This was a trap," he growls at Morgana. "You've been acting! They were here way too quickly! They had backup just behind the door!" Mor's eyes widen, but she doesn't yell back at him. Her lips stay sealed.

"That's impossible, Five," Elisa grabs his wrist forcefully, pulling him away from the shocked girl. "Take us away. We've got her."

"This isn't the Morgana that I brought here, Elisa." he doesn't even look at Elisa. His eyes stay on Mor and only Mor.

"That's not possible!" Elisa attempts to yell, but she can't do so. Her voice is weak as she starts to panic.

"It is," Mor's voice sounds, making Elisa look at her again. It's as if Mor has become a whole new person in just one second. There's an evil smile on her lips as she watches Five and Elisa arguing. Her head cocks to her right side.

"You've been acting," Elisa states, feeling her eyes water already.

"Yes."

Five hisses at the girl as he frees his own wrist out of Elisa's grip. He then folds his arm around her waist once again, just like he always does when they spatial jump. The blue light appears, but Elisa can tell that he's already getting tired. It takes longer to disappear.

"Open your eyes," Five commands Elisa after just three seconds. Elisa opens her eyes, but only to notice that they're still at the commission.

"Why aren't we out?" she demands.

"They'll be on our heels if we both leave. That's why I'm staying behind."

Just now Elisa notices in what room they are. There are time capsules everywhere. When her eyes land on Five again, she sees him gesturing to grab one.

"No."

"What?" He growls. "You've got to go. You'll get locked up again if you don't."

"I said I don't care about the damn risk, Five." She growls back.

"I don't want you taking any risks." He grabs a time capsule himself, and then forces the device into Elisa's hands.

"We both entered this hell together, and we'll leave it together, too."

"This isn't anywhere near hell, Elisa." He shakes his head.

"It is mine, and it can be yours, too. I won't let you experience that."

Elisa takes hold of the time capsule with one hand, and then reaches for Five with her other hand. Instead of grabbing his wrist forcefully again, she intertwines their fingers.

The blue light appears immediately, but not because of Five. Because of Elisa.

Five's eyes widen. He wasn't planning on this, but Elisa could never leave him here to die. She couldn't leave him. That's why she presses his body close to his once again as they disappear through the blue light.

The light fades away eventually, and Elisa is glad. She opens her eyes at the same time Five does. They're safe. Elisa chose the room Five brought her to when she was wounded, when she needed his help.The commission is now far away. That's how Elisa sees it, at least. Five looks at it in a different way.

"Why did you do that!" he asks her, defeated. He takes a step away from her, leaving her standing in the doorway.

"I couldn't leave you there, Five," she tells him in a quiet voice-unlike him.

"You should have! If you left me there, they might've been happier. There could have been a chance that they left you alone!"

"I couldn't abandon you like that," she says, still in her quiet voice. Her eyes stay on Five, even when his arms get thrown in the air out of frustration.

"Why couldn't you! It should've been so easy!"

"It wasn't," Elisa shrugs as her breathing quickens when his eyes fall on her again. And they stay on her.

"Why not?" Five's voice breaks as he leans his body against the wall. He didn't care that he might've gotten locked up. He didn't care that he'd return to the hell that she feared. He'd be glad if it meant that she'd be safe.

Her lips part a little, but no sound follows. Why not? Her eyes flicker to her feet while she thinks about this question. When she has the answer ready for him, she looks up again.

"I didn't want to leave your side," she whispers quietly while starting to approach him. "I couldn't bare to see you. . ." Elisa trails off. She's now standing close to him. Their bodies not yet pressed against each other like they have been when disappearing through the blue light. Elisa raises her hand slowly while her eyes stay on his. Even when her soft fingertips touch Five's sore jaw, the two keep eye contact. "Hurt," she finishes.

"That doesn't make any sense," he whispers. His voice almost fails him. He leans a little into her touch.

"Doesn't it?" she asks him in a whisper, almost too quiet for him to hear. Five's warm breath fans over Elisa's face as she slowly leans her. He stands there, frozen, hating himself for bringing this girl into this much danger. Hating himself for being so selfish that he can't stop himself when her lips brush his.

Five's hands place themselves automatically on Elisa's hips, pressing her closer to him again. He waits for her to stop him-a signal that tells him to stop-but he's waiting for something that will not come. She wants this to continue.

When he understands that, one hand of his frees her hips so it can cup her chin. Their eyes stay locked as he tilts it softly and collides their lips.

Five takes hold of Elisa's body when both his arms curl around her waist again. He turns her and himself around so that Elisa is now leaning against the wall.

The kiss breaks, and Five watches Elisa closely. His face stays just inches away from hers. Elisa's breathing is heavy, and her eyes are sparkling. It turns something inside of Five. The smirk that was forming vanishes immediately. The astonishment on his face fades away, too.

"What?" Elisa asks him, frowning.

"This isn't right," he whispers, still watching her sparkling eyes closely.

"This is right," she replies, tilting her chin a little higher.

"No." Five slowly shakes his head. "It is not, Elisa. I'll ruin you. I ruin everything." A sigh leaves his lips, but Elisa won't have any of this.

"You won't. I know you won't."

"I'm a murderer, Elisa."

"I know," she tells him as her hand cups his cheek now. Again, he leans into her touch. His vision becomes blurry, but his eyes stay on Elisa.

"Yes, you know. . ." he whispers. "How can you still look at me. . . like that?"

Elisa her frown grows, but she stays in place. "Like what?"

"With those twinkles that. . . that. . ."

"Those twinkles that show you that I don't care anymore. Those twinkles that show you that I understand why you did it." she whispers.

A sad chuckle escapes Five's lips, and his head bows a little forward, causing her forehead and his to lean on each other. It's a gentle action, but one that the two adore.

"I know, Five," Elisa reassures him. "And I don't care."

"You don't care?" he repeats in a question.

"No," she answers. "Now kiss me."

A smirk forms onto Five's face as he answers. "Yes, ma'am."

-

Y'all! The next chapter is something else . . . ;))