AN: Wow, so, it's been a while since I wrote for this fandom. And I haven't written all that much for it either. I think there's two one-shots sitting in my published stories list just, well, sitting there. :P

Anywho, I got this idea for a one-shot, and the only couple I could think of was Laurel and Tamani. Now, I'm pretty sure I messed up their personalities, but give me a little break, I haven't read the books in a little while.

On that note, who's excited for the third book? I know I am! :D

That's about it. Enjoy! :)

Disclaimer: I own nothing. If I did, the books wouldn't be as close to amazing as they are.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

Sweet words, whispered to me at night, in the dark. No way to tell if they are true or not. Before I wouldn't have questioned it. Now, I'm not so sure. He was spending so much time away from me. He told me it was necessary. He said he had to protect me. I guess I understood, but I still didn't like it. Besides, how could I be sure he wasn't lying to me. That he wasn't telling me this, then running off with someone else.

Days, then weeks, then months. Almost a year goes by since he last told me those words. Almost a year since I've last seen him. My heart is breaking slowly. I don't know how much more of this I can take. I need him to live. I don't even care if he no longer loves me. As long as he's with me, I'll be all right. Or so I tell myself.

A year. It's officially been a year. I still haven't seen you, and I can't stop myself anymore. I quietly sneak out of my house. I drive to my old house. I walk to the edge of the forest, and I hesitate. I'm afraid of what I might find. But I need to know. So I push myself through.

"Tam. Tam!" I whisper loudly. Without a sound you drop to the ground gracefully. It's dark in the forest, but the moon shines on you, making your green eyes pop. You stand there, looking blankly at me. All I can do is stare at you. You're so beautiful, it's not fair. "Where have you been." I manage to choke out. Your expression softens, and you smile.

"Missing you." You step forward, and grab my small hands in your larger ones. I shiver at the sparks your touch sends. "There were so many dangers for you, Laurel. I wanted so badly to come see you. But all of that is done now. I promise. I won't have to leave for a really long time." He places his forehead against mine, and stares down at our entwined hands. Then he folds his arms around my waist, pulling me closer. He puts his mouth to my ear, and I shiver as his warm breath brushes it. "I love you Laurel."

It was all I could take. I push him away, tears building behind my eyes. I don't bother trying to stop them. I want him to see how much pain he'd caused me. I want him to feel the same pain I do. "You left me. You left me all alone! For an entire year! How can I trust you? How do I know you weren't with some other girl?" He just stares at me, pain in his eyes. "How do I know. Tell me Tam. How."

"I don't know how. And I don't know why, but you do, don't you." I look away. He gently cups my chin and turns my head toward his, making sure I'm looking him straight in the eyes. "Look me in the eyes, and tell me you don't trust me."

"I." I stop. I can't say it. Because despite everything, despite my thoughts, my worries, he's right. I do trust him. We stand there, just looking at each other. He knows I can't say it, so there's no need to tell him.

"I've said it before, Laurel. I love you. And I always will." I smile up at him.

"I know you do, Tam. And I love you too."