A/N: This little piece was inspired by "Shadow in the Way" by Tift Meritt. Wicked good song writer, I suggest looking her up.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Tin Man or the lyrics that inspired this.

He could hold her hand while she reads, but she is a Princess.

He could brush that errant strand of hair from her eyes, but he is just a Tin Man.

He could go to her with his haunting demons, but it is late.

He could stand up for her opinion in the meeting with the Queen's advisors, but he has no authority.

He could ask her to dance, but there is a line of suitors waiting.

He could let her stay sleeping on his shoulder, but there are rules.

He could take her away from the palace- right now- because she needs some space, but there are security protocols.

He could hold her while she cries, but he's not allowed to touch her.

He could stay in her room all night and let her tell him of the other side, but it's not proper.

He could show her the breathtaking sunset like he wants, but instead has to tell her "there's a mountain in the way."

He could move from her embrace when she lays her head on his chest, but he doesn't, because she's DG and she's beautiful and passionate and so wise when she says, "No Cain, it's just a shadow in the way."

He could stop himself from kissing her, but he doesn't, because he loves her and he knows it and all the excuses that have ever stopped him have just reformed themselves from mountains to shadows.