A/N: Yeah I'm putting up another chapter in the same night. I figured I should make up for not updating sooner. This one goes back to being in Paine's point of view and if Paine or Baralai seem OOC keep in mind that this was written at three in the morning. Again, rate, review, and enjoy.

**********

What the hell was I thinking?! I should have never let it get that far! I let out a frustrated sigh as I raked my hand over my wet hair. Now he probably thinks I'm mad at him. It would be easier if I was mad at him but I just can't be. Reaching my favorite spot by the cliff I sat down and stared out into the darkness.

"Stressed, aren't we?" Said the same voice that had greeted me last time I had come here. "I knew you would come, you always do when you have to think about... well, everything really."

What is up with this guy? Is he stalking me or something? "It's peaceful. Helps me relax." I said.

"Yes, you've always liked this sort of weather," He said walking closer to me, "You and me, we aren't all that different. It is this sort of mood that inspires me to produce my best work."

"Work?" I asked raising an eyebrow. "Writer?" I guessed. This guy is starting to bother me.

"Yes, you could say that." Once more, he walked towards the edge, looking out to the ocean. "But you... you come here whenever you have problems, care to talk about them?"

"Not you too. What is so wrong with dealing with problems on your own?!" I yelled out in frustration. I knew that I shouldn't take it out on this guy but I really did not want to talk about my personal wars.

"Oh, there is nothing wrong with that, but do you really think you can handle this on your own? People adore you, and you hate them. He tries to help you, and you push him away... poor Baralai, he probably hates you for it. You say that you want to work things out on your own, you preach in your mind about how much you do not want to have your love ones involved... and yet, you toss them aside, you hurt them like you cannot even imagine."

How does he know about Baralai? And what the hell does he know about me? The further away from me the better they all are.

"You know nothing about me so stop accusing me of things. I can handle this on my own." I said my temper flaring up. Keep cool Paine. Just keep cool.

"You're right, I know nothing about you... so why don't you tell me?"

I glared at him and let out a sigh. "There's not much to tell." I said.

"Now, there's a lie. The look in your eyes, your posture, your voice, they all betray you. But even if what you say is true, what little there is, I would like to hear."

Is this guy serious? I swear I'm going to deck him by the time I leave. "Fine let me rephrase. I don't want to talk about myself."

"It's people like you that make for the best of stories." He grinned and walked pass me, away from the cliff.

"Have it your way, don't open up. But keep in mind that Baralai just wanted to help, and you turned him down... how do you think he will act next time you do need his help? He will grow tire of waiting. He will leave you... everyone leaves eventually. Ah, but you wonder, what if you did tell him? Would he stay then? Would he kiss you again? Or will he be taken from you like those that came before him?"

I stared at the back of his head dumbfounded. Would he stay if I told him the truth? Would he be afraid of me? No, I can't get him in deeper.

"Just leave me alone. Haven't you fucked with my head enough already?!"

Leave before I hurt you.

"Tell him or don't, it makes little difference. You've messed with everyone's lives enough, don't you think? Perhaps it would be for the best if you just left."

That made me stop dead in my tracks. You don't think I've thought of that already? I know I'm hurting them. I can't just screw them over by leaving.

"Did you just wake up one day and say I'm going to mess with somebody's mind today?"

"Quite the contrary, I am trying to help you... but you simply won't listen to reason."

"So what, I'm crazy now for not wanting help?" I said shaking my head.

Maybe you are. You do have conversations with yourself in your head a lot after all. Shut up me.

"You just might be... but enough for today, we'll meet some other time. Perhaps then you might want to talk to me about what tortures your soul."

And with that he walked away leaving me in the rain. I started to shake and I wasn't sure if it was the anger or if it was the cold. I should go back. This guy might change his mind and try to pick my brain again.

The sound of the door woke Baralai up who had been dozing off. "You're back." He said. "Feeling better?"

"Define better." I said with more spite in my voice than I should have. I saw the look on Baralai's face and quickly apologized. "Sorry it's just...not really my night."

"A warm shower and a good night rest is just what you need."

I probably need a drink too but he doesn't need to know that.

"You're right." I said. I sighed. "I'm sorry about earlier."

"It was my fault, not yours... I shouldn't have done that."

"I'd be lying to myself if I said that I didn't want it or like it. You didn't do anything wrong."

He smiled. "I... I enjoyed it too."

I couldn't help but laugh in spite of myself. "That's good I guess." It felt like it had been so long since I had last laughed, truly laughed.

You should laugh more often; you look great when you smile."

"I...uh...I'm going to...um...take a shower now. I'll be back." I stuttered out. Oh good grief, I am going crazy.

When I got out of the shower I found Baralai waiting for me in the kitchen with some food. "Have you eaten something today?" He asked.

"I don't really remember the last time I ate." I said truthfully taking the plate of food that Baralai had for me.

"Don't be sorry." I said noticing his discomfort. I probably should leave this alone but I can just leave him like that either.

"I'm not... I'm fine, don't worry."

Again we were in that silence mode that we were both used to. Silence was something that we could both deal with since it has always been that way. "Thank you." I said. Thank you? Is that all that I can say?

"Thank you?" He asked a confused look on his face. "What for?"

"I don't know yet."

"Then why thank me? You have no reason to."

"Maybe I do maybe I don't. Maybe I'm just thanking you in advanced." Yeah, I'm officially crazy. Why was I thanking him? "You know what, forget I said anything."

"Alright, alright..." He said taking a bite to eat.

"Do you think I'm crazy?" I said suddenly causing him to choke on his food.

"What?" He asked still coughing.

"Do you think I'm crazy?"

"No!" He blurted out. "What would make you think that?"

"I was just asking. No need to get so excited." I said putting my empty plate in the sink. "Thank you for the food."

"Now you have a reason to say thank you." He said putting his own plate in the sink. "You should get some rest now."

"I think you're right." I said with a sigh. I knew I wasn't going to get much sleep tonight but it was worth a try at least.