An Unexpected Hug
It all started out as a hug good-bye as he dropped her off. Until neither of them let go.
"Stay safe" he said.
"You stay safe hun, you need it more than I do" she said.
"I promise I'll always wear my helmet and armor."
"You better" she warned "Or I'll smack you up-side the head myself."
She felt the rumble of his laughter flow through her as he embraced her all the tighter. When they finally drew back, there was a look in his eye. Beside the moisture that was there, it was a look she had seen twice before. It made her heart clinch as memories flashed through her mind. She had seen the look before, one of caring, one of trust; the first time she saw, it ended in heartache; the second time she saw it ended in hate. She had taken two chances, she didn't think she could survive a third.
After all: love is a very cruel emotion.