"... Feferi, it's a pleasure to be travelling with you!"

The others introduce themselves before you all continue on your way. Everyone had spread out, all of which kept to themselves as they enjoyed to warmth of the sun. Feferi had stayed beside you, beginning a conversation.

"So how long have you all been travelling together?" Feferi asks.

"Not very long," you shrug, "we've been travelling quite fast."

"Oh, ok," she nods, "so why are you all going?"

"Well, we all have our own reasons, I guess. But I'm going to defeat the Grand High Blood."

"The what?!"

You jump at the exclamation. You look over at Feferi to see she was horrified. You understood this horror, but try to stay calm.

"I have a plan." You gulp, gripping your wrist, the metal of your bracelet pressing against your skin.

Feferi seems unsure, but doesn't say anything. The air around the pair of you was suddenly awkward. You wanted to walk away, but couldn't force yourself to do so. You were too polite to just leave her alone. But luckily you were saved when Sollux, who had noticed this, walked up to Feferi. He begins a conversation with her and you silently thank him and walk away. You lean your head on Eridan's shoulder as you sigh. Eridan just lets you do so, continuing on his way.

"I think you're getting lazier every day." Eridan huffs, glancing down at you.

You jab Eridan in the side, causing him to wince.

"Don't be rude." You huff.

"We just have to go through the Space Kingdom and we'll be there." you gulp.

"Yeah," Eridan replies, "it hasn't taken very long, has it?"

"Nope, but in that time I've finally gained something I haven't had in a long time."

"What is that?" Eridan asks, both of your voices were now low.

"People who care about me." You keep your eyes down on the ground.

"Well, I could say the same."

You look up to see that Eridan was looking forward, a calm look on his face.

"Well, at least you care for me."

You grin, looping your arm in his, your staff held firmly in the other.

"Damn straight I do."

You glance behind you to see that Feferi and Sollux were laughing. Karkat was at the front, marching ahead and Vriska was just behind him. It was true that this was quite a small group, and you hadn't known them for very long. But honestly, you finally felt safe, although you were heading straight back into the place that you feared. For so long it had just been you and Rose, and before that you were utterly alone. So you wanted to feel like this, just for a little while longer. You had no idea why you felt so close with Eridan, but it felt as though you'd known him your whole life.

"Eridan." You mumble, catching his attention once more.

"Thank you, I'm happy you left the village with me."

"I'm happy I came too."

The two of you fall silent once again. But it wasn't the awkward silence that had been between you and Feferi. It was comfortable and warm. You feel Eridan shift awkwardly and look up, seeing that Rose was sitting comfortably on Eridan's shoulder, snuggling into the collar of his cloak. You giggle, causing Eridan to look over at you. He smiles before looking back forward once more.

You want to feel happy, but in the pit of your stomach you feel a heavy weight. You may feel safe, but you knew deep down how this would end, and you weren't ready for that.

~~

Sorry for the short chapter, but the next one should be longer.

So, who do you think you'll be picking up in the Space Kingdom?