Crossed Paths
Disclaimer-everything in this fic is owned by *sighs* Tamora Pierce
"Coram," Rispah pulled aside the curtain to his tent. He was sitting on the ground in deep thought. She smiled, she'd never seen him look so........thoughtful. His eyebrows were knit together.
He never looked up.
"Coram?"
His head shot up, "What?"
"I came to talk," she entered.
"Oh," he said like that was the thing he least wanted to do.
"Coram," she scolded and sat down besides him, " We need to talk.....about Us."
"I know," he glumly answered and looked up at her.
"Are we just going to stay this way?" she asked, " Because I'm not sure I can."
"Do you mean you want to end this?" his eyes started to water. No, he thought, this can't be happening. I love her, she can't do this. "No."
"No what?"
"You can't break up with me. I love you too much."
Rispah smiled. This wasn't the first time they'd said that, but everytime it made her smile," I wouldn't break up with you. I love you too much to do that."
"So then why do you need to talk to me?"
"Are we just going to be......this? I mean for the rest of our lives?"
"This? Do you mean just hopelessly in love? " Coram had a twinkle in his eye trying to avoid what she meant.
"No, I mean we are in love," she hurriedly added, "But I mean are we just going to be just (for lack of a better term) boyfriend/girlfriend the rest of our lives?"
Coram moved towards her, "Lass, I don't mean to sound like one of those old saps that you hear about in those stories and songs, but this past year has been wonderful. I wouldn't trade it."
She looked at him, tears in her eyes, "You mean that?"
"Yes, but I don't see why we have to go and get married. I've never liked marriage. It's okay for some people, but not for me. That's why I've never married."
"You also never really were with someone, Coram."
He smiled, "Aye, but even if I had been I never would have married them. And I'm certainly glad I never had, because I never would have met you."
Rispah glared at him, "Now stop being corny. I wanna hear the real Coram, not some line you've heard."
"Ah, but it's true. Rispah, if I had wanted to marry you, I would have asked."
She pondered this. Coram probably would have, he never really liked to beat around the bush. Mind made up, she smiled. He really did love her, but he just didn't want to marry her or anyone else. She could live with that. In fact it might be better that way, being married never helped you in the theiving world.
"Coram, you're right."
He looked dazed, "Ah, how I love those words. Say them again."
"No," she stated.
"Now is that how you say that to your love?"
"No, please."
He chuckled, "You're like your cousin."
"Something I'm not proud of," she said.
"Hey, I heard that," the mentioned said from the door.
"George! How long have you been standing there?" Rispah shrieked.
"Long enough to hear your discussion," the thief turned to Coram, "You're right. You'll do my cousin right."
"You've known that George," Coram said.
"Yes I have. Now if you don't mind, I have a kitten out here wanting attention. Once you propose to a girl, she wants more," George looked upset.
"George don't look upset. You know you want to give her what she wants." Rispah scolded.
"That I do, so now I will leave," he left with a smile on his face.
"Rispah, do you feel better now that we've had our talk?" Coram asked.
Yes, yes I am.
Good because I'm busy trying to put this fire out with my mind
Oh you brat! she shoved him playfully on the shoulder and sat up. Be that way
With that she walked out content just knowing that things were okay.