a.n. Well, I managed to get this one out quicker than usual. I had hoped to put it up on Friday, but I didn't quite finish it until Saturday morning and I didn't get a chance to edit it until now with work and all. The first part of this was a bit difficult for me to write, so I hope it sounds okay. I wanted to finish up the Naboo arc, but I left out the last part for the next chapter. I think it flows better that way and I had a good spot to end this one. I've already started work on the next chapter. I don't know how long it will be until I get it up, but hopefully something will show up by the end of the month. I don't know what exactly the next chapter will contain, but I have an idea of where it will. Anyways, I hope you continue to read, review, and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything you recognize here. Characters, locations, dialogue, etc. are all owned by George Lucas and Lucas Film Ltd. I do own Luca and the basic plot of this story as well as anything you don't recognize. No money is being made off of this.
Chapter 25: Confessions and Confrontations
Anakin cautiously walked over to the waterfalls, not quite sure what to expect when he approached Luca. On the one hand, the man had never shown anything but genuine sincerity. He even kept his promise by leaving him alone with Padmé despite it being part of his duty to keep an eye on the Senator. He trusted Anakin like no else has ever seemed to do. On the other hand, however, there was still something mysterious about him. Anakin knew Luca was hiding things from him; he had said so himself. The man had also told him that not even the Council itself knew what he was hiding, but Anakin was determined to protect Padmé at all costs and if what Luca was hiding somehow affected her, he was going to find out, once and for all.
The young Jedi approached the water as quietly as he could. He didn't want to startle the older man but he didn't want to warn him to his presence either; better to catch him in the moment. As the youth approached and the target of his search grew closer, he could clearly see what was going on. It wasn't how abnormal Luca was acting; rather it was just the opposite. He was sitting cross-legged on the grass facing towards the powerful waterfalls. His eyes were closed and he had a calm, serene expression on his face. To Anakin, it was a familiar sight but not one he would have associated with the man. From a young age, every Jedi youngling was taught the importance of meditation and centering oneself in the Force. It was a necessary part of being a Jedi as it helped one to focus and control one's own powers and manipulate and use the Force around him or herself. Anakin himself had done it so many times that he immediately recognized Luca's position for what it was. The mysterious man who had somehow found his way onto his solo mission was in the midst of meditation and contemplation and had assumed a Jedi position and technique to boot. Was the Council lying to him and Luca was really their spy sent to report back on him? Did they not trust him? It certainly wouldn't be the first time they showed their lack of faith in me. I am certainly going to find out what this is all about and show the Council that I can do this on my own! I don't need some mysterious spy following me around watching my every move and I certainly don't need some faux bodyguard putting Padmé's life in danger just so the Council can keep their eye on me! He is going to give me some answers!
Luca sensed the young Jedi approaching; in fact, he had known he was coming the moment Anakin reached out to him through the Force. He could have stopped and pretended he was doing nothing; it might make things easier. But it would make the volatile young Padawan distrust him even more. He had worked hard to gain his trust; his mission depended on that. Anything he did that might compromise that tenuous bond would indeed compromise the mission and he couldn't have that. He would let the boy come to him, seek him out, question him. The only challenge would be how to respond.
Anakin watched Luca. His Force presence had changed so Anakin knew that the man was aware of his presence. He knew the man was willing to acknowledge him; if he hadn't, he would have been gone already. The question was whether or not he would allow himself to be interrogated by the young Jedi. Luca released one last, long breath before standing. He turned around to face the young man, a knowing smile on his face.
"Well?" Anakin looked on quietly. "I know you have some serious questions to ask me, Anakin. I will do my best to answer them. But know this: there are some things that I cannot answer, at least not now, out of concern for my mission's safety. Perhaps I may be able to another day when the time is right."
The young man was momentarily taken aback, not sure if he was more surprised by Luca's insight into knowing why he was there or the man's seeming willingness to answer whatever questions he asked. Anakin stared hard at the other man, sensing him, feeling him out. He could sense no ill intent or deceit in the man's voice or posture. He only projected an aura of trustworthiness and friendship. While this certainly put the young Jedi at ease, he wasn't entirely sure if he really could trust the stranger. If he was admitting that he had secrets, some of which he wouldn't be able to share even if pressed, then what else could he possibly be hiding? But if Luca was hiding something, how would he know if what he said was the truth? The man could say anything that could throw off the Jedi's line of questioning. He never had been that good with interrogations; that was Obi-Wan's forte.
Luca watched the confusion and indecision float across the young man's face. He knew Anakin was distrustful of him and would be wondering how much he would say could actually be trusted. While he certainly wanted the young man to trust him, especially with certain events soon to be taking place, he didn't want that tentative bond to dissolve when he had to refuse to answer some of the questions he was sure to ask. He knew Anakin would ask some tough questions and would have the resolve and fortitude to keep questioning without taking no for an answer. He could only hope that he could do the same when it came to not backing down under his scrutinizing gaze.
"You are hiding something important, aren't you?" Going for the blunt approach, aren't we Anakin?
"Yes I am. As I told you before, there are some things that I must keep from you because of the magnitude of my mission. But you must believe me when I say that I would tell you if I could."
"So the Council trusts me enough to send me on a "solo" mission but they still felt the need to keep something from me? Not only that but they send you along when I'm supposed to be doing this on my own?" Anakin practically shouted this statement and Luca could sense the anger rising in the young man and the vicious aura surrounding him. Luca knew that he had to try to mollify the Jedi before things got too heated. He got up and reached out to the young man, his voice as soothing as possible.
"No Anakin, trust me. We've been over this: this is your mission. I'm only here as backup and extra protection. You of all people know that an extra set of eyes and ears is always invaluable on missions. And believe me when I say that the Council is not keeping anything from you. They gave you all of the information they have. They told you all they know since they knew it would be necessary for this assignment." Luca sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I've been the one keeping things from others. From you and the Council. If you find the need to blame someone, to get angry at someone, blame me, get mad at me. I told you that there are some things that I can't reveal to you yet. But I will when the time is right."
Anakin continued staring at Luca warily. He hadn't yet had any reason to doubt the man and Luca had been nothing but honest with him, as far as he knew anyway. And he was admitting that there was something more to him, to his reasons for being here that he hadn't told anyone, not even the Council. But if he was being so secretive, could he really be trusted? He had to probe further.
"If you're hiding something from the Council, why would they trust you? I know they don't trust easily. Believe me," he muttered. "So why are you here?"
"I sought out the Council and told them that I was here for a very specific purpose and that they needed to let me proceed with my mission. They too were suspicious of me, just as you are. But they know that I am not lying to them, even though I am keeping certain truths and information from them. I told them, just as I told you, that when the time is right, I will reveal everything." Anakin let this information sink in.
"You say you haven't told anyone the real reason you are here, correct?" Luca nodded. "And you say that you will tell the Council everything when the time comes?" Another nod. "And you will answer my questions, if you can?" A third nod. Anakin let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding. "Then I guess I have no choice but to obey the Council's wishes and trust you. I still have some questions I'd like answered."
"Anything you'd like Anakin."
"You are not a Jedi, yet you were using a technique I myself have learned from the Masters at the Temple." It wasn't exactly a question, more of an accusation, but Luca would answer it nonetheless.
"Yes. As I know you have sensed, I have some Force training." It certainly was true from a certain point of view. Great, now I'm starting to sound like Obi-Wan! "As part of that training it was prudent for me to learn meditation techniques to help me center myself and focus my senses, just like any Jedi. I haven't had the need to do so in years though." Luca noticed Anakin looking at him thoughtfully, processing this information.
"You haven't specifically said that you are not a Jedi, yet you have a very definitive Force presence and seem to be adept at certain Jedi techniques. Neither I nor any other Jedi in the Temple seems to know who you are, yet the Council seems to trust you with whatever mission you are here to complete." Anakin paused, thinking. "You have been trained in the Jedi ways and there is something familiar about you. You are a Jedi, aren't you?"
Luca paused a moment before answering. "Yes, I was once a Jedi. But I am no longer privileged to hold that title." Luca watched as Anakin studied him.
To Anakin, the man's response did make some sense. Perhaps he had once been a Jedi but was one of the few unfortunate younglings who had been unlucky enough to not be taken on as a Padawan and had been sent to the Agri-Corps on Bandomeer instead. It happened occasionally; he had once heard the story about how his own Master had almost received the same fate before being chosen by Master Qui-Gon at the last minute. He didn't actually know what happened to the younglings of the Agri-Corps once they reached legal age. It was certainly plausible that Luca had been one of those younglings who had later left Bandomeer and had gone into public service as a security and body guard. If that was the reason for him not talking about his past, it was perfectly understandable. Anakin knew he would be reluctant to talk about the same thing if he had been Luca.
Luca grew worried when the younger man had been quiet for too long. "Well? I know you have other questions waiting to be answered." Anakin thought for a moment.
"Back on Courscant, you, and the Council, said that you were from the future." Luca had a feeling he knew where this line of questioning was going but he let the Padawan continue. "Do you know how this mission plays out? Do I get Knighted when it's over? What do we do next?"
"Now Anakin," Luca had to hold back his laughter as the child-like nature of his questions. "I thought I told you that I couldn't reveal that information to you for fear of messing up the time stream." Anakin just shrugged, slightly more at ease with the older man. "What I will tell you is this: I do know how this mission turns out and I do know what we do next." As much as I know it'll pain you, Anakin, I can't change it. "I can't tell you though. As for being Knighted…well, you'll just have to wait and see." Luca made sure he said the last part cryptically with a hopeful emphasis. He may not be able to reveal what he knew about the future, but he could at least give the poor boy something to look forward to.
Anakin noted the tone of voice and did indeed speculate on his own future. Although he hadn't said it outright, Luca had insinuated certain aspects about Anakin's future that gave him hope. He absorbed what Luca said, slightly appeased by the answers. He still had many more questions but he would want to ask them another time when Luca might be more willing to answer.
"Anything else?" Anakin thought for a moment before finally shaking his head.
"No, but I will have questions later that I expect to be answered."
"And I will answer them if I can. All in good time, Anakin. When the time is right, I'll know and you will have your answers." He paused. "Now, shouldn't you be getting back to the lovely Senator? I'm sure she's wondering what's taking you so long or if something's wrong." The Padawan regarded him critically for a moment before turning back the way he came.
"You're right. Padmé shouldn't be left alone for too long." Luca watched him leave before resuming his meditation. Oh Anakin! I wish I could answer all of your questions and get you to trust me. I'm going to need your faith in me in the near future, just as you'll need my faith in you to get through the troubles ahead. I wish you could know just how much I want to tell you everything and how much I want to interfere. But it pains me to hold something back from you and it will hurt us both immensely for what I am going to have to do. I will have to do it and I hope you will be able to forgive me for that. With that final somber thought, Luca drowned out the laughter and happy voices in the distance, centering himself in the Force and preparing his mind, body, and soul for what was to come.
Anakin returned to Padmé in order to resume their pleasant afternoon. She had asked him about Luca and Anakin informed her that he was taking some time for himself. He hadn't wanted to lie to her but he didn't want to disclose their conversation either. He was still trying to figure out his feelings regarding the older man and he didn't want to worry her unnecessarily. He knew that she had no idea that the man was from the future and that he was sent back for some mysterious reason. He didn't know if she'd believe him if he told her. Besides, it wasn't his place to let that information out. If Luca was going to tell her, he should do it himself. Anakin may not trust the man implicitly, but he would respect the fact that Luca was entitled to his privacy and would let everything be known on his own terms. Padmé had only looked at him curiously before smiling and continuing their conversation where they left off. The pair finished up their picnic in comforting companionship and sat enjoying the pleasing afternoon sun.
"Anakin?" The Jedi turned to look at the Senator and noticed the playful look in her eyes. "Let's go for a walk."
Anakin was confused. "Wha…huh?" Padmé laughed at his baffled expression and attempted to clarify.
"I mean, it is such a nice day out and we really shouldn't waste it just sitting around, as great as that sounds. This meadow is so lovely and I think it would be fun to just wander around and explore. What do you say?"
What could he say but yes? He and Padmé. Alone. In this beautiful meadow away from everyone else. It was almost like a dream. A wonderful, wondrous dream that he never wanted to wake up from. The blank expression on his face must have been a clue to Padmé that he wasn't really wasn't processing what she was saying. She giggled and held her hands out to him.
"Just come with me, Master Jedi. There won't be too much thinking involved so you won't hurt yourself." Her jab at him seemed to knock Anakin from his stupor and he scowled at his pretty companion.
"Hey!" Padmé just laughed it off and ran off to stay out of his reach. Anakin grabbed for her and missed, loving the way her laughter sounded in his ears. He watched the way her yellow sundress whirled around her as she ran with a beauty that would never fail to astound him. He shook himself out of his musings and gave chase, eager to catch up to his lovely companion.
The couple continued to playfully chase one another across the field, the chase somehow turning into an impromptu game of tag. They soon found themselves amid the shaak herd that had been their lunch companions when they had first arrived at the beautiful meadow. Padmé pointed them out to Anakin and then watched as he ran off towards a lone member of the herd. The confused look on her face was soon replaced by one of amusement as she watched him mount and ride one of the normally gentle beasts. She ran towards them to get a closer look and wasn't quite that surprised when the animal ran her direction, a maverick young Jedi standing atop it, laughing gleefully. As the duo turned away from her, she could clearly hear the joy and happiness in Anakin's voice and her smile brightened.
The animal started bucking in its panic and though Anakin tried his best to stay on, the animal eventually won out and the young Jedi soon found himself lying flat on the ground as the bucking animal ran over him. Padmé watched the exchange and her heart seized up. The smile disappeared from her face as she watched him attempt to get up before giving up and falling back to the ground. She ran over to help him, hoping that he was okay.
"Ani! Ani, are you all right?" She knelt down on the ground near him and turned him over onto his back, fearful of what she'd find. Her fears were for naught as the sly Jedi started laughing the moment he was on his back. His laughter triggered her own and she couldn't help but join in, though she did smack him on the chest to chastise him for the trick he just pulled. He used that opportunity to grab her hand and pull her down on top of him and they soon found themselves in a playful wrestling match, rolling each other over and over in the soft grass below them. They tumbled about for a short while laughing gaily before the need for air forced them to stop. Padmé found herself atop Anakin and stared down into his handsome face. The view from Anakin's position was just as grand as Padmé's beautiful face looked down at him, her curly brown hair framing her angelic features. The sun above formed a halo behind her and she truly looked every bit the angel Anakin always believed her to be. It took them a moment to notice their awkward position and it was Padmé who made the first move and crawled off of Anakin. Neither one spoke, both trying to catch their breath and calm their beating hearts.
"We should probably start heading back," Padmé stated a bit timidly, not quite liking the direction her thoughts were taking or what her heart was telling her. "It's starting to get late and we don't want to stay out here too long after dark." Anakin nodded numbly and pushed himself off of the ground, holding his hands out to help her up. She took them and shot him a look of gratitude. They walked back to the picnic area in strained silence, neither one knowing quite what to say. Luca was there waiting for them and one look at their faces told him everything that he needed to know. He and Anakin packed up their belongings and the trio headed back to the lake house in silence, each one left alone with their own thoughts.
After returning from their picnic, the trio went their separate ways to deal with the events of the day in their own way. Padmé locked herself in her room with her datapad and turned on the HoloNet, hoping to catch up on some work and the goings-on of the Senate in her absence. Anakin returned to the balcony that he had visited earlier that day and practiced his saber technique trying to lose himself and clear his muddled thoughts through the intense, strenuous exercises he was putting himself through. Luca resumed his bodyguard and security duties, at least on the surface. Internally, he was trying to figure out his next move, where he should go from here. He knew that things would only get more difficult from here for Anakin and he wanted to make sure he would make the right choices this time around.
Anakin, I know you mean well but the Council is right when they say you are too emotional. You harbor strong emotions and are quick to act on them. That is the reason I am here. You look to do what you can to act correctly on those emotions and most of the time, you have failed. You have to foresee the consequences of your actions before you take them. What can I do to make you see that? How can I fix everything if I don't know what I am supposed to do?
Luca knew that Anakin would soon be faced with tough emotional trials that would test him, emotionally, spiritually, physically, and mentally. If he was to succeed in his mission, he had to make sure that the young Jedi passed these trials. Luca wandered back to his room, plans forming and preparations taking place in his mind. If he was to succeed he had to make sure he was prepared to do what was necessary to keep the wayward Jedi on track.
By the time they were called to dinner a few hours later, the small group had managed to refocus themselves and all were in a much more centered state of mind. Anakin had managed to regain control of his faculties, although one look at Padmé, who had changed into an off-the-shoulder, mildly revealing black dress for the meal, threatened to overwhelm his focus once more and damage the fragile hold he now held on his emotions. The Senator, for all intents and purposes, was unaware of the agony and pain she was causing the emotional young man and took no notice of the frustrated look he wore as he struggled to keep his emotions, and hormones, in check. Luca, knowing what was going on in the Padawan's mind, chose not to comment on either the Senator's attire or the uncomfortable look on Anakin's face. As the meal was being served, Luca excused himself, once again deciding to leave the couple to themselves, taking his meal alone in a small room off of the main dining area. He wanted time to himself, to think through the plans he had made. He knew what was going to happen and he now knew the actions he would take to change the course of the future. It was better for him to concentrate on the task at hand and remain by himself for the time being. Besides, this was an important time for the development of Anakin and Padmé's relationship and he needed things to remain as unchanged as possible if he had any hope of salvaging the future. He smiled as he heard the quiet murmurs of conversation floating in from the room next door.
Padmé was having a nice meal with Anakin as he was regaling her with tales of his many adventures under Obi-Wan's tutelage. She couldn't remember the last time she had enjoyed such a meal. Her dinner companion was certainly vibrant and energetic, as much as he had been earlier during their spontaneous game of tag. That line of thinking sobered her instantly. While she certainly had enjoyed their afternoon excursion, it hurt her to think on it too much and on the feelings she had been trying to suppress, feelings she couldn't, or didn't want, to acknowledge. Ever since their brief kiss earlier she hadn't been able to get him out of her mind. If she allowed herself to think about it, she hadn't been able to get him out of her mind for much longer than that, perhaps for the last ten years. She couldn't allow herself to think like that. She shook herself out of her silent musings and focused her attention back on the handsome man in front of her.
Anakin had noticed the faraway look in Padmé's eyes and the contemplative look on her face. He knew she wasn't exactly listening to him and that she had something on her mind. He had a feeling it was about him and her and her feelings for him. He could only hope that whatever resolutions or conclusions she came to were positive. Her worrisome demeanor bothered him and he didn't like seeing her so downtrodden. Looking around, he smiled as he saw the perfect distraction to break the Senator out of the melancholic mood she had affected.
As Padmé reached out to slice the delicious-looking fruit on her plate, she didn't notice the subtle waving of Anakin's hand until her meal danced out of her way. The startled look on her face was quickly replaced by an amused smile as she watched the item float across the table, stopping in front of the playful Jedi.
Anakin looked at her. "If Master Obi-Wan caught me doing this, he'd be very grumpy." He picked up his own utensils and cut a slice off of the fruit while Padmé watched him in amusement. When he was finished he floated the slice back across the table and grinned joyously as Padmé reached out her fork to snag the wayward fruit out of midair. She had a happy smile on her face as she bit into it, a smile which Anakin freely returned.
Twilight fell and the trio found the serene atmosphere of Varykino and the surrounding lakeside very relaxing. They were sitting in the large living area in front of the fireplace, the fire adding an extra layer of warmth to the already welcoming environment. All three had fallen into pleasurable conversation, though Luca spent much of the time listening rather than contributing. He was only half-listening to the conversation as he devoted part of his concentration to feeling out the young man's emotions through the Force. He wanted to understand as much about Anakin's state of mind as possible, for although he himself was once in this very position, time and space had erased the least vivid of his memories from this time period. To ensure he would be effective as both Anakin's friend and conscience in the troubling times ahead, he had to make sure he had a thorough understanding of the boy's emotions. Misjudging the boy's feelings and emotional control now would only be disastrous in the end.
Luca noted the slight tension that seemed to have befallen the room, though the other occupants didn't seem to acknowledge it. He reached out and sensed tension from both parties, neither one wanting to admit certain things but both wanting to know the other's thoughts. The two were engaged in small-talk, not taking any notice of him sitting on the sofa across the way. As the minutes ticked by and the tense atmosphere silently grew thicker, Luca decided it was time for him to take his leave.
"Thank you for the day, Senator. I haven't had an enjoyable day like that in quite some time." Luca stood up from the sofa he had been occupying and the movement drew the attention of the couple across the way. They seemed almost surprised at his presence there, their minds occupied with other things. Neither one responded right away, their shock not yet worn off. Luca smirked. "Now if you'll excuse me Senator, Jedi Skywalker, I will retire for the evening." The duo nodded, their surprise finally faded. "Anakin," the Jedi focused his attention on the man, "I'm going to do the security sweep and make sure the perimeter is clear and secure before I head in for the night. There's no need for you to worry about it. You can just stay here and keep the lovely Senator company." Luca noticed the embarrassed tinge on Padmé's face at his remark, as well as Anakin's exuberance projecting loudly in the Force. "Good night to the both of you. I'll see you in the morning." Luca bowed to the two of them before heading out of the room to perform his security rounds and the couple was, once again, left alone.
Not long after Luca left, the tense atmosphere that had somehow evaporated with his words had returned in full force. Anakin, feeling that the mood and timing was right, decided that it was time to make his feelings about the young Senator known to the object of his desires herself.
Looking at Padmé, illuminated by the flames of the fire, stole away Anakin's breath. She is so beautiful. She truly is an angel. She has to know how I feel about her. Anakin had to turn away for a brief moment to gather his thoughts. He wanted to say just the right thing to the beautiful young woman besides him. She deserved it. He looked back at her.
Padmé had turned away from her Jedi companion as well; the look in his eyes was too much for her to take. She enjoyed that look, enjoyed what she saw when she looked into his eyes, looked into his soul. But she didn't want to enjoy it, she couldn't enjoy it. She was afraid of what would happen if she let herself get taken in by the passion, the desire, she saw whenever she looked into those gorgeous eyes of his. Please, Anakin. Please don't say anything that I want to hear. I don't want to have to break your heart. I couldn't stand hurting you.
"From the moment I met you, all those years ago, not a day has gone by when I haven't thought of you." Anakin sighed, ordering his thoughts. "Now that I'm with you again, I'm in agony." He looked at Padmé, almost willing her to say something. But she stayed silent, waiting breathlessly for him to finish. "The closer I get to you, the worse it gets." Padmé shifted uncomfortably, not liking where this conversation was heading. "The thought of not being with you…I can't breathe." Anakin looked at her, eyes pleading. "I'm haunted by the kiss that you should never have given me. My heart is beating, hoping that kiss will not become a scar." Anakin leaned closer to the young woman hoping to focus her attention on him as she had started shifting again. "You are in my very soul, tormenting me." He stared at her sternly, wanting her to know exactly how serious he was about what he was saying. "What can I do?" He turned away. "I will do anything that you ask." There was a long pause and neither one said anything. Anakin turned back towards Padmé and watched as she turned away. He shook his head as he turned away, scoffing.
"If you are suffering as much as I am, tell me." His voice was hard, his frustration evident in every word.
Padmé paused. "I can't," she whispered. She shook her head, defeated. "We can't. It's..just not possible."
Anakin leaned closer to her, encouraged by her words. "Anything is possible Padmé, listen to me..."
Padmé stood, interrupting him. "No, you listen. We live a real world. Come back to it. You're studying to become a Jedi. I'm…I'm a Senator." Anakin stared ahead of him, face impassive. He looked back to her, an uncaring look in his eyes. "If you follow your thoughts through to conclusion, it'll take us to a place we cannot go... regardless of the way we feel about each other."
That got him. Hope lit up his eyes once more and he watched her. "Then you do feel something!"
"I will not let you give up your future for me." Anakin stood up and walked towards the fire, confronting her.
"You are asking me to be rational. That is something I know I cannot do. Believe me. I wish that I could just wish away my feelings...but I can't." His voice was stern and he stared at her uncompromisingly.
Padmé shook her head. "I will not give into this." Anakin turned his back on her and walked away, trying to reign in his anger and gather his thoughts. A sudden thought occurred to him.
"Well you know," he turned back towards her, the shadows of the night nearly cloaking him in darkness. "It wouldn't have to be that way. We could keep it a secret."
Padmé was stunned by his suggestion but refused to show it. She attempted to reason with him. "We'd be living a lie…one we couldn't keep even if we wanted to." She shook her head. "I couldn't do that. Could you, Anakin? Could you live like that?" She looked at him, begging him to come to his senses.
Anakin stared right back at her, not quite placated by her words but not wanting to argue the point any further. "No," he nodded at her, conceding her point. "You're right. It would destroy us." He turned his eyes back to her and stared hard. Padmé saw the serious look in his and it scared her. She had known how deeply and seriously he felt about her ever since the kiss they shared; but she had not known how willing he was to do whatever it took to act on those feelings, to make sure that what he felt, what they both felt, could become something real and tangible. As much as she wanted the same thing, she had to be the practical one who said no, the one who quashed all of their hopes and expectations.
And that look in his eyes. There was something there that frightened her, something dark. She didn't know what it was but she knew that she didn't like it one bit. She hoped it was just a fleeting look brought on by the volatile emotions and feelings he had just spilled to her that night. She never wanted to see it again.
With the tension firmly settled upon them again, the pair could no longer find any semblance of comfort with one another and so bid each other a quick, quiet good night before heading to their separate chambers to retire, the evening's conversation firmly rooted in their minds.