Addicted

OOOxxxxOOO

She'd always been happy when he came for her. Her heart, after so many years, would still swell at the sight of him, the feel of his touch, and the sound of his laughter. It was rare to see him smile, to hear his laughter rumble through her ears. He almost never did either, and when he did, it was when their friends weren't around. But it was wonderful that he could feel happy when he was with her, and she smiled at the thought. But was she the only woman who could make him happy? Was she the only one who could bring a smile to his handsome face. No, she wasn't, and the thought brought sadness to her heart.

It had been hours since their meeting in the clearing. Night had fallen already, and she could hear the crickets sing in the distance. The fire crackled softly, though its heat did little to warm her. It was peaceful tonight, everywhere but in her heart.

She glanced up from her place by the fire, her eyes searching for the man who had somehow claimed her heart. He sat quiet, his back resting against a tree, his attention focused on their surroundings. Or was he listening for her, silently hoping she would find them? Would he run off the moment he realized she was near, leaving his best friend alone in the shadows while he chased the woman who still owned his heart? The mere thought brought a familiar sting to her eyes.

Closing them, she waited for the feeling to fade. She'd told him once that they were friends, best friends even, but deep in her heart she wanted something more. She couldn't tell him though. It wouldn't be fair to him. She couldn't complicate an already complicated situation, and couldn't put him in such an awkward position. It was best to accept their relationship as it was, even if her heart slowly shattered in the process.

Forcing the thoughts from her mind, she focused on him. Somewhere during her thoughts he'd moved, his shirt laying where he'd been sitting. He'd moved to the outskirts of the fire-light, sword in hand. Its rusted length reflected the deep orange of the fire as he practiced.

His feet moved silently under him, his arm extended, his hand wrapped securely around the hilt. Each swing was perfect, every arch defining the muscle in his arms and torso. His skin glowed beneath the flicker of the campfire, his pale hair reflecting the light of the moon. It reminded her of shimmering satin, and she knew it would be just as soft to the touch.

She wondered if he knew how beautiful he was, and smiled slightly at how uncomfortable her thoughts would make him. She was always awed when he practiced with his sword, and was thankful he felt comfortable enough with her to do so. She sat beside the fire watching him through lowered eyes. He twisted and turned, so graceful in his movements that she was certain he could have been a wonderful dancer, or even a model.

She lowered her face to hide the smile the thought had caused, though just as quickly the smile faded as her thoughts once again traveled into forbidden territory. He would make a wonderful husband, and a great father. Her heart clenched at the thought knowing all to well the woman he would commit to wasn't her. Turning away, she pulled her sleeping bag over her. She never saw his tender expression as he stopped his movements and gazed lovingly in her direction, his sword dropping unnoticed at his side.

She was hopelessly addicted to him, afflicted by him, and shamelessly in love with him. But she could never tell him. They were, as they would always be, just friends.

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I know- to short. But hey- I posted again, and within a week. I know it's not much, and that a longer chapter would have been better, but I don't have an excuse- other than this is supposed to be just snipits of thoughts and emotions that will eventually get to where my mind wishes it to go. I hope it isn't disappointing. It isn't as fluffy as the last chapter, but who says a woman's emotions are predictable. Inu's not the only dense one...lol.

I am working on a new story, this fic is just something I plan to work on when my mind needs something else to focus on- even if it's just for the few minutes it takes to write something so short.

I thank you all- again- for your lovely reviews. I am spoiled by the wonderful comments, and the fact that you all continue to take a moment to let me know what you think. I can never repay your kindness and your willingness to read the fics I post. I am just thrilled to have you all still with me, and I look forward to your reviews each time I post as I really love hearing from you all. It never gets old, and it always leaves a smile on my face.

Thank you all again, and I'll post again soon.

Neisha