A.N. First off, I want to thank many people who read/reviewed my first chapter. You guys are awesome!

Also, I am sorry if it took a while for me to get this chapter out. Fanfiction isn't my life (unlike some writers), so don't expect me to upload a chapter more than once a week.

Disclaimer: I don't own Rune Factory 2 or any of its respective characters.

…

De Sainte Coquille Mansion, Winter 19th, Cecilia's P.O.V.

It's been a week since the wedding which tore Max's heart, and his life has been nothing short of a downward spiral. He now refuses to even leave his room; and the effects have been all too apparent.

"Go away," Max's hoarse voice rang as I rapped on his ornate door.

I blinked; it was depressing to watch Max's disposition worsen, I could hardly stand it. As a maid, it is my duty to obey my master without question. But maid isn't my only title; I am also Max's friend.

I knocked a second time on the closed door, completely disregarding Max's order. Then, as the sound waves echoed off the heavy door with a hollow crack, a sudden realization echoed through my mind. Never, during my entire life at the mansion, had I disobeyed a direct order.

"I said to go away," the groggy voice commanded once more, causing a wave of guilt to engulf me.

"Your tea, Max," I snapped, trying to shake off the guilt which had clung to me, but ultimately failing.

The sound of ungainly footsteps echoed softly through the air as a person, who I assumed to be Max, stumbled awkwardly towards the door. If one could die of a guilty conscience, I'd be dead.

The door flew open with a loud crash, revealing a disheveled Max. I felt inclined to help the poor man stand, as if by aiding him I could relieve some of my guilt, but I shoved the thought into the recesses of my brain. Aiding a distressed man, though it may be meant as a kind gesture, would only wound his pride.

"I told you to go away, Cecilia," the man hissed, trying to regain his composure, "and that was an order."

Anger swelled up inside me, finally engulfing the overwhelming guilt; "Here is your Orange tea, sir."

Max's expression changed from one of anger to one of confusion as the harsh words flowed from my mouth, "What did you say to me!"

"I said; here is your tea," I growled once more, "Max."

Max tilted his head downwards as the cruel words faded into silence to look at the china cup which sat, still hot, in my hand. His eyes, which before seemed to burn with rage, now glowed with a deep, aching sadness, "What is it Cecilia?"

My anger softened as a feeling of understanding washed over me. He only used anger to cover his true, fearful self, just as I had done to cover my guilt. How could I've spoken so cruelly to him?

"Max, I just don't want to see you-"

"Ms. Cecilia," a husky voice belonging to Herman called, interrupting me mid-sentence, "the dishes have yet to be cleared."

Frustration sprouted up in my stomach at my master's bad timed interruption, "Just a moment, sir."

"He's right, Cecilia," Max hissed, hatred once again plastered on his face. "Best return to your work."

Max's hate-filled words still rung in my ears as the heavy door slammed shut.

…

"Cecilia," Rosalind said quietly, a sparkle in her eye, "you seem quiet tonight."

I glanced over at my close friend as she dangled her feet over the edge of the city's small wooden dock. She herself had been married but half a year ago to Ray, yet it felt like a life-time. The mansion just wasn't the same without her.

"Sorry," I replied, trying my best to grin, "just tired."

"What did Herman do this time?" Rosalind chuckled inquisitively.

The soft, quiet sounds of the chirping crickets were her only answer.

"What's wrong Ceci?" Rosalind finally sighed, frustration brimming on every word.

I turned my head slowly to look at the cool water as feeling of embarrassment rose in the pit of my stomach, "I can't seem to stop worrying about Max."

Rosalind raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Max? You mean my brother Max?"

I nodded slowly as I turned to look back at Rosalind. I didn't want her to take what I had said the wrong way; I felt nothing more for him then a sense of friendship.

"Yes, that Max," I murmured softly, avoiding eye contact. "He's really let himself go lately."

Rosalind rolled her emerald eyes and laughed, "He always was a spoiled brat."

A flicker of jealousy stirred inside me as I silently studied my close friend. It was no wonder she was married first. Her foreign blue hair, her gorgeous eyes, her slender figure, it was all picture perfect. Why couldn't I be beautiful?

"I better get back," I said quickly, an edge entering my tone. "It was a hard day."

Rosalind blinked in confusion as a simple, yet sad, look crossed her face, "But Ceci, we just got here."

I froze in my half-standing position as her justified response echoed through my brain. Why did I suddenly feel jealous over her beauty? I had never wanted, nor needed, love, so why did I suddenly long for it now?

"You don't have a crush on my brother, do you?" Rosalind cooed suddenly in an innocent tone, making her words all the more threatening.

A blush crept onto my face as her words registered in my mind, and quickly I averted my eyes away from her. "No!"

"Well sorry, it just-"

"I really need to get back, goodnight Rosalind," I stuttered quickly, cutting the woman off mid-sentence.

…

A.N. Feelings are starting to arise within the characters, heh heh heh. Sorry if anyone is OOC (Err, out of character. That's what it means, right?), but sometimes I tweak my characters slightly (for an example, in my mind Cecilia is really in touch with her inner feelings).

Anyway, hope you liked the story. Review, review, review, that's the name of the game. Name any grammar, spelling, or name mistakes and I'll list your name along with the mistake you corrected.

- Gigous