A/N: Thanks again for reading. Comments on reviews at the end! SJ :)


"I'm just not into this whole ceremony. Come in. Stand up with the English department. Sit down. Listen to someone speak. It's so immense, no one will know whether I am there or not. So, I didn't register. It's no big deal."

I don't know how to answer that statement. I was looking forward to the sea of Columbia blue, and feeling a part of something bigger than myself. I think I could actually disappear as Calix, Crown Prince of Illea, and just be Cal. Even with my family there. Even in the middle of all those people. "Oh." My graduation cap and gown are already hanging in my closet, ready to go. "Okay. We'll meet up afterwards? So you can meet my family and I can meet your mom and dad?"

She just shook her head, "My parents aren't coming, Cal. My mom's in no shape to, and my dad can't leave her. I'm flying back to Italy during the ceremony." She takes my hand across the table, and I notice Ethan rapidly retreating down the hallway. Even he isn't going to make any jokes about this situation right now. Her expression and tone are apologetic, and I squeeze her small hand once before returning both to my mug of coffee.

"I don't understand." I can't keep the disappointment out of my voice and I feel like a petulant child, but refrain from whining about the fairness of it all. I had never actually asked her to meet my parents this weekend; I had just assumed she would want to do so. But it is an overwhelming thing to do when your family isn't royal. The contingent of guards alone… I try and smile. "But, I'll respect your choice."

My heart squeezes in my chest. Is this the last time we'll share coffee over a breakfast table? If this is the end, I didn't see it coming. My eyes try to memorize this moment that I've been taking for granted. She's become a fixture in our little apartment, and Ethan makes it clear that of the string of women who paraded in and out of this kitchen over the past four years that Fae is by far his favorite. If she wasn't, he wouldn't have bothered to wake us this morning. I take a moment to really look at her. She'd thrown one of my sweatshirts, the sleeves rolled up but still covering her hands, on over her stark white t-shirt and jeans. The fabric looks like it's swallowing her whole. Her dark hair is pulled back from her face and twisted in a knot, two pencils holding it in place. And she's barefoot. Her bright red toenail polish one of the few girly touches she embraces.

"I'm not saying I never want to meet them, Cal. I just don't think this weekend is the right time."

I nod, and take another drink, and finally flash her a real smile, "What, spending time with Ethan doesn't make you excited to meet my immediate family?" Ethan is our cover whenever we go out in public, which is rare. Most have no idea he is anything more than my roommate and friend. Thankfully, over the last year or so the paparazzi mostly leave me alone. It's not too interesting to record a royal behaving himself, after all.

I was much more exciting to document when I first came to the city and was out of the direct control of my parents for the first time. Until then, they had an agreement with the fledgling media industry. Apparently, that understanding did not stretch to the other seaboard, especially since I was technically an adult. And I gave them plenty of fodder. So much so, Dad and Mom almost pulled me home. It took Aunt May, Uncle Evan, Uncle Gerad, Ethan, both his parents, and me one entire weekend to convince them that I'd behave myself and allow me to return after fall break. Really, Ethan and I just became much better at avoiding making the news. Getting this apartment and moving out of the dorms had played a big role in that success. Once I convinced them I primarily concentrated on my school work, they even let the occasional leggy, blonde indiscretion slide.

Fae just laughs, takes her mug to the sink, and rinses it out. She looks out the window, across the skyscraper-laden landscape, but seems to see beyond. It's amazing so many buildings survived the wars, but China purposefully prevented the destruction of the city that used to be the financial center of the world. Easier to repurpose buildings that still existed, rather than totally rebuild. The former capitol of the United States was a different story. It had been decimated.

She looks back at me, still lost in thought, "Maybe you can come to Italy next month?" She turns, her indigo eyes sad.

I just shake my head, sighing, "I have a feeling I'll be neck-deep in whatever Dad needs me to do." He tries to protect me from too much during the semester, but summer is when I re-acclimate. "I'll be transitioning to my full responsibility. They've already delayed four years. But you can come see me." I reach out my arms and push my chair back from the table. She relents, and folds herself onto my lap, leaning her head against my shoulder. I wrap my arms around her delicate frame and bend my head to brush my lips across her forehead. "I love you."

"I know. I love you, too," a smile takes over her face, and she presses kisses into the base of my throat. "I'll miss you," she breathes in a voice that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I close my eyes, and I know I'm smiling. My fingers and toes and lips are buzzing with electricity. We are on dangerous ground, with Mom and Aunt Georgia on their way. She chuckles, low and in the back of her throat, and makes her way to my lips. Intensely, I return her kiss, pouring everything I feel for her into it. Maybe she'll change her mind. Maybe she'll stay if she can feel just how much I need her. Her hands sneak up to my face, and her breath is uneven when we finally part.

"I'll miss you, too" I try to calm my own breathing. She just nods, staring so deep into my eyes that I shiver. I can't think when she looks at me like that. I turn my head, breaking the gaze first. "Stop," my voice is still hoarse as I hold her to me again. "You know that's not fair."

She relaxes into me, and we just sit for a while. I marvel at how easy it is to hold her; how quickly I forget this isn't how it has always been.

Ethan clears his throat and I open my eyes and look at him. He's fresh from a shower, and he's thrown on jeans and a white button down. He taps his wrist, as if he had a watch. I sigh, and he says, "Our moms will be here in less than two hours."

Reluctantly, Fae and I stand and embrace. Then, I kiss her softly, one last time. As she heads out the door, shoes in hand, she looks over her shoulder. "I love you, Calix. Be happy." The door shuts with finality, before I have a chance to respond.


Ooh-so excited that you like the first chapter. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing (and favoriting and following!) You all are awesome! :)

Theoneforever: Thanks! I'm so glad you like it.

agb1700: Thanks! Lurve your reviews! ;)

going for the win: Thanks-so much fun to write that I am glad other people are enjoying it!

luv2read4reading: I *heart* Ethan, too. He's quite the personality... just wait. :)

The Selection Fangirl: Hopefully this chapter was worth the wait? :)

The Devil Wears Westwood: Awe, thanks so much. Your writing it so good. I love your work, too. Thanks for always reading and reviewing!

AcademicGirl: How sweet! Glad you enjoyed it. Hope the wait wasn't too long, but trying to get ahead of the story a little. :)

Strike OOO: I really like Fae, too. (I guess that's kind of obvious.) And Ethan is fun to write. Hope you continue to enjoy! :)

meeraratani: Thanks so much! You're welcome. I hope it lives up to expectations. :)

prnamber3909: Poor guy. Seems like he does. ;)

Molly: Love your exuberance! Glad to see you're back and you liked it! :)