A/N: Sorry for the delay in updating, I've been revising for exams.

This chapter isn't in canon, so let me know what you think! It doesn't feel very in character to me though, so apologies in advance.

I Thought You Hated Men

Chapter 7– Into Tomorrow

As soon as the dungeon door banged shut, Guy turned to Meg.

"I'm so sorry," he said, stroking her cheek.

"What for?" she asked, confused.

"I got you into this mess."

"No, you didn't. I chose to do this."

"Even so, it's still my fault."

"Isn't."

"Is."

"Fine, you and your damned charm got us into this mess!" she exclaimed, smirking at him. He returned her smile.

"I am truly sorry though," he admitted. He liked this girl... Whatever the case, she didn't deserve to die.

"I know," she said softly. "No matter how many times you deny it, you are a good man."

He looked at her gently and pulled her into his arms: she was shivering.

"I won't deny it," he murmured. "Although I distinctly remember you saying that you hate men."

"I do," she said, and then faltered. "Well, most men."

He smirked and raised an eyebrow.

"Oh yeah? And which men do you like?"

She smiled loftily.

"That, you shall have to find out."

"Then I'd better find out quick," he murmured, almost to himself.

At that, Meg's lower lip began to tremble: they only had until tomorrow. Guy rocked her gently in his arms, desperately trying to stop the tears that were running down her cheeks.

"Come on, shh," he chided.

"I-I'm sorry," she sobbed. "I j-just never expected it to e-end like this."

"I understand," he murmured. "No-one deserves to go this way, especially not you."

"W-what do you mean?" she stammered.

"You don't deserve to die," he told her. "You are brave and defiant and affectionate. You don't deserve this."

"N-neither do you," she admitted. "You are s-strong and determined and brilliant. You don't deserve to d-die either."

Guy was shocked. She actually meant it. She knew about his wrong-doings; she had heard about his cruelty; she had experienced his harsh tongue. And yet, she still remained adamant that he was a good man and that he didn't deserve to die. A wave of affection kicked him in the stomach and he resisted the urge to kiss her.

There's no point leading her on, he told himself. Tomorrow, there will be no need for that.

Meg smiled weakly. She had seen a look of shock flit across his face when she had spoken those words and she bit back a laugh. She hoped that he understood now. She hoped that he realised who she liked. She hoped he felt the same.

No Meg, don't be stupid, she told herself desperately. Tomorrow it will be over. After tomorrow, it doesn't matter. Her feelings could be buried along with her body.

At that thought, Meg promptly burst into tears again. Guy continued to rock her, murmuring gentle words in her ear. She knew that he was trying to help and so she began to control her breathing until the dry, racking sobs cut out.

"It's ok," he said softly, holding her tightly and trying not to let his desire get the better of him. He hadn't been this close to a woman who wasn't Isabella for a while.

"I imagine it's getting late," he said. "You should probably try and get some sleep."

"I'll be getting more than enough sleep after tomorrow," she observed.

"I don't want to sleep now. I want to spend my last hours awake."

Guy nodded. He couldn't deny her that. To tell the truth, he didn't want her to sleep either: he knew that he wouldn't be able to and he didn't want to spend any more time in silence.

"I understand," he murmured softly. "I actually feel the same."

"What do you want to talk about then?" she asked.

"What?" he replied, slightly lost for a minute.

"Don't answer a question with a question Guy," Meg scalded, a small smile creeping across her face.

"Sorry," he smiled back. "I, um, don't really mind." Meg raised an eyebrow.

"Ok, um, is there a man in your life?"

Meg nearly choked. She ducked her head slightly, not quite believing the irony. The only man I've ever truly liked is holding me in his arms, she thought. Blasted world.

"No," she replied steadily. "I hate men."

It was Guy's turn to raise an eyebrow. "I'd noticed that," he smiled.

"So come on, I mean, you must have had suitors."

"Ok fine," she said, resigning herself. "If you must know, yes, my father seemed very keen on finding me a husband."

"So what happened?" he asked.

"The first was a drunken sock, the second looked like a donkey, the third was a halfwit with the brains of a tree and the fourth was a mummy's boy," Meg ranted.

"Hmm, a great lot of men."

Meg hummed her agreement.

"I'm guessing you turned them all down then?" Guy asked, although he already knew the answer.

"Yes."

"And you hate men."

"Yes."

"Thought so."

"Good."

Meg turned slightly so she was in a more comfortable position.

Although, she had to admit that she was quite comfortable where she was; sat next to Guy with his arm around her. Her stomach rumbled.

"Hmm, there's a question," she said thoughtfully. "What's your favourite food?"

Guy smiled at the simplicity of the question. "Well, I've always enjoyed roast chicken actually. How about you?"

Meg picked up a loaf of bread from the plate on the floor. It was the one she had brought down from the kitchens for Guy; it was slightly dirty after the events of the evening. She tore it in half.

"Same actually," she admitted. "Especially when the skin is crispy.

Although I must admit: I am quite partial to half a loaf of dirty bread."

Guy smiled and chuckled softly: Meg had a rather good sense of humour once you got to know her.

"I agree," he said, grinning now. "It's especially tasty with maggots in; it adds a bit of moisture."

"Urgh!" Meg pulled a face. "That's disgusting Guy."

He grinned. She yawned.

"Come on Meg," he chided. "You do need to get some sleep."

"Ok fine," she murmured, stifling another yawn. "As long as you sleep too."

"I'll try."

"Promise?"

"Ok, I promise."

"Good," she smiled. "Night then."

"Night," he said, returning her smile.

Before either of them could speak another word, Meg had drifted off to sleep. Guy sighed, he hoped that she would sleep peacefully. Keeping her in his arms, cuddled against his chest, Guy was left with his own thoughts again.

Please review! It means a lot to me.