The Return (Once Upon a Time sequel)

Chapter 23

Jade

I took a deep breath as I slowly moved towards Alek who sat on a log and stared into space. He didn't seem to notice me stand before him. So I cleared my throat loudly, snapping him out of his train of thoughts. His eyes met mine and I felt a chill run down my spine. 

"Can we talk?" I asked, nervous. 

He only nodded his head and scooted to the side so that I could sit next to him. Which I did. 
We sat next to each other in silence, staring at the fire in the middle of the camp. I searched for words but nothing came to mind. 

"I'm sorry." I finally said. 

"For being such a bitch...and for acting so foolish to you in front of everybody." I added, looking at him. 

"And I totally get it if you are mad at me and don't want to talk to me but-" I started rambling on but Alek cut me off. 

"Jade." He said, making eye contact. 

Our faces were so close his breath fanned my face. I blinked slightly, not being able to look away from his capturing gaze. 

"It's okay. I get it." Alek replied. 

"You do?" I questioned, flabbergasted. 

I have known Alek my whole life, of course we have gotten into small fights or arguments. And he always ended up forgiving me, even if it wasn't my fault. That's why it surprised me most, I always thought that it would be the last time he would forgive me but every time he proved me wrong. 

"Yeah...I mean, you have been sitting in your cabin alone for the past two weeks...and I had told you that I would visit but I never came. You were hurt, you needed fresh air. I don't blame you." He reasured me, resting his big hand on my thigh. 

I looked down at it, feeling tingly at his touch. 

"I should be the one apologizing." He continued. 

"No...okay maybe yes....but I don't want an apology. It's okay. You were busy with work." I immediately replied.

Alek chuckled and shook his head slightly. I relaxed, it was okay. Alek wasn't mad at me, we were back to being...friends? 

"So what has been going on while I was locked up? I heard some things from Pan and my mother but there's no way they would tell me everything." I changed the subject. 

"Nothing much. Well, Pan gave me a job...kinda. I'm one of the hunters now." Alek announced proudly.

"Oh my God, for real?!" I shrieked, looking at him in excitement and surprise. 

Alek nodded his head 'yes' and I attacked him with a hug. 

"God, Alek, I'm so happy  for you! Peter finally accepted you!" 

Alek laughed and hugged me back tightly. He gave such good hugs!

"It seems like it. He has been nicer since your mother's arrival." 

I pulled away and looked down to my lap, remembering that Peter and my mother were and still are a thing...and that Peter was my father. Who I still hadn't accepted despite his many attempts to make me see him like that. 

"You okay?" Alek questioned. 

"Yes....Well, actually no, not quite. I just remembered I've got to make up with someone else too." I answered, sighing. 

Alek put his arm around my shoulders and pushed me slightly into his side. 

"It's going to be alright. I'm sure it will turn out fine." He said and I looked up at him, smiling.