I started writing this June of last year. And it was going to be a one-shot. But then it was a million pages long and totally bizarre and I desperately needed help. That's where ICanSeeYourFace came in, she rescued me from the nuttiness and now, here we are. Thank you so much Pia! The story I've been trying to tell for a year is complete! Let's all celebrate by reading, shall we?
They stand in a snow covered clearing, not moving, silent. Close by voices can be heard as well as music that seems to have no source. But they take no notice.
It's as if nothing exists beyond their circle of trees, nothing matters but their conversation.
"I know this is a lie," she tells him, her hand outstretched as if to stroke his cheek, but not quite reaching him.
"What are you-?"
"Please. I just want us to be honest with one another."
"I don't know what you mean," is what he tells her as opposed to everything he wants to.
"They call me the Illusionist, but what about you? How long have you hidden behind your magic?"
He reaches for her then, but just like hers, his hand comes up short and he clutches air as he wrestles with what should be done and what he wants to do. What he's already been told he will do.
"If I tell you," he finally replies. "You won't… You'll run. You won't give me time to explain."
"I will." She vows. "I've been… less than truthful myself. I can't fault you for keeping things from me."
"Swear it. Promise me you won't leave here until you've heard all I have to tell you."
"I'm not going anywhere."
"I knew who you were," he continues taking a small step forward. "The first night, under the oak I knew you. And I knew exactly what you were doing. Please… Please remember that and the way I've treated you since you joined us."
Unable to respond verbally, she nods. Now, she expects he'll reveal his true face. Instead, he takes another step forward and places a hand on her cheek.
In the breath before their lips touch, the instant before he whispers, "I love you," she is distantly aware that this is the first time they have ever touched. That the name he uses is not the one people know her as now, and that it's been close to a year since she heard it last. Then he closes the gap.
Their lips meet and it's soft and delicious and for the first time in her entire life she stops thinking altogether. When he pulls away, she can feel the reluctance. She opens her eyes and he is gone.
A face she would know anywhere in the world has disappeared only to be replaced by one she would recognise just as easily.
"Wait." He implores, holding her loosely by the elbows so as not to frighten her, but not willing to let go completely just yet. "Please. I can explain."
Resisting the urge to run, to shrug off his hands, she recalls her earlier oath and relaxes her tensed muscles, shifting slightly so she has a better footing and nods.
"Ok."
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