A few hours later, in a usual hangout pad for the gang, Bullseye was already there, an hour or so before the expected arrival. He was just bored, so he went there to chill, and fix some stuff up, until the others came. Didn't really have anything else to do, anyways. Bullseye was just lounging, playing a card game of solitaire, when the door opened. He lazily cast a glance up. In walked Masevar, who wordlessly wandered over to the couch across Bullseye, and flopped down, in such a way, that he looked like he was sinking into the cushions, and he was falling out of his vest. His warthog friend looked at him. "-Hey Masevar." The hedgehog blankly stared off, zoned out for a second, then finally came to. "-Eh?" Oh... hey Bullseye," he mumbled. Bullseye looked at the clock. "Hmmm... you're early." Masevar boredly shrugged. "-Yeah, it's not like I have anything else 'better' to do... so... just thought I'd stop by now." They both nodded, and sat in silence for a few moments. Finally, raising his eyebrow slightly, Bullseye commented, "Man... you look 'lousy', Masevar." Masevar gave a wide sarcastic smile. "-God, Bullseye, how I 'love' it, when you kick me when I'm already down." His friend asked, "-What's got you 'down', in the first place?" The young hedgehog moaned. "What do you 'think'??" Or should I say... 'who'!" Bullseye stared at him for a minute, then groaned, in exasperation. "Oh my god... don't tell me you're still-" Masevar frowned, "-Bullseye... I know the expression of 'loving' someone is hard for you to comprehend, but-" He was interrupted. "-Oh for God sakes, man, what are you DOING to yourself?" It's been over two weeks... and you're STILL in your miserable little 'mourning' for your 'one true love', mood?" Oooye!" Masevar... seriously... that is one of the SADDEST things I've ever heard!" I mean... haven't you even TRIED to get over her??" And if so, HOW then??" Forcing himself to ignore the first bit of Bullseye's speech, Masevar shrugged to the last question. "-How?" Uhhlg... drinking... pissing and moaning... aggressive rage... counting sheep, I don't know!!" Bullseye rolled his eyes and held his head in his hands. "-Masevar... dude... you're doing it ALL the wrong way, here!" No wonder you're still neck-deep in this depression shit!" His friend snorted skeptically. "-Oh... and I suppose YOU got a better way?" Bullseye crossed his arms. "As a matter a fact, I DID have such an idea in mind!" Masevar snipped, "Weeell then!" Since I'm in over my head, and am THAT desperate, why don't you just tell me about it?" Bullseye shrugged, "-Okay then... why don't we try it!" "-Fine then, bud... we've got plenty of time to kill... give it a go," agreed the hedgehog. His warthog friend leaned over, more to him, as he did the same. "Alright.. we're gonna do something called 'aversion therapy'," Bullseye told him. Masevar nodded. "-Okay." His friend thought outloud, "-So then... first we need... a picture of Aleena." ...You wouldn't have one on ya, would you?" The hedgehog pulled out his wallet, and handed it to Bullseye. "-Dunno... have a look." So the warthog opened it, and dug in the pockets. "-Uhhmm... you don't look in this thing 'often', do you Masevar?" Masevar looked at him. "-What makes you say that?" Bullseye stared back. "-There must be about TEN or so pictures of her in here." His comrade slowly hung his head. "-Well... yeah.. you'd think that when she ripped my heart out, that I'd go crazy and start destroying and throwing out things she gave me, and burn every picture of her in my possession..." In fact... at one point... I almost DID try to... but... when I found myself holding that flaming lighter next to the photo... I suddenly just... just couldn't do it." I felt like I was committing a 'crime' or some horrible sin." So... I just kept them." Bullseye looked at him, then said, "Okaaay..." He continued looking through the pictures. "-Oh, there's a good one right here... ok... here you take this, but don't look at it!" Not yet." Masevar paused. "-Errr... alrighty then..." he agreed, taking the photo from Bullseye. Bullseye stopped for a minute, then told him, "-'Kay... NOW you can look at it." The hedgehog turned the picture over, and stared at it. There she was. Aleena. He couldn't help but smile at it. It was such a pretty photo of her... that pose she was in... her smile... her eyes... her lips... Suddenly Bullseye yanked the photo away, and slapped Masevar in the forehead. "-OWWW!" yelled Masevar, in utter shock. "-The FUCK?!?" The warthog tossed the picture aside, sat back, and simply asked, "-So... how ya feel now, Masey?" Still clutching his forehead, the hedgehog snapped, "-Well... I sure don't like YOU as much, anymore!" Bullseye snorted, "-No, no, NO!" You're not 'focusing' here, Masevar.. you see... THAT was apart of the therapy!" Masevar was totally lost. "-WHAT???" His friend explained, "-THAT'S how you do it!" See, when you look at the picture of Aleena, I slap you!" And that hurts, right?" Sooo, we'll just keep doing that, until you get to the point where even if I DON'T slap you, you'll look at that photo and think of pain!" The Hedgehog just stared on, his jaw hanging, as Bullseye continued, "-And see, Aleena is ON the photo, and the photo causes you pain, so when you see Aleena herself in person, you'll think of the photo, and feel pain!" So basically, seeing Aleena will bring you pain!" And then, you won't want to see her anymore because of that, until she's finally outta your life for good!" You get it, now?" Masevar gawked with, horror. "-Bullseye.... that's HORRIBLE!" That's the worst fucking idea, I've ever HEARD!!" The warthog blinked. "What??" How is it so damn horrible?" Masevar shook his head. "-First, hitting me repeatedly like THAT, could possibly end up giving me a CONCUSSION!!" Bullseye shrugged, as Masevar softened his tone, finishing, "-And two.... I DON'T wanna kick Aleena outta my life forever!" The warthog cocked his head. "-You 'don't'?" "-Of COURSE not!" the hedgehog exclaimed. "-I still wanna be with her!" Bullseye was taken aback. "-Wait a sec... 'be' with her??" Masevar realized how that had sounded. "-NO, not THAT way, you sick bastard!" he growled, angrily. Bullseye held up his hands. "-Whoa, whoa, settle down!" No reason for words like that, man..." Masevar grumbled, "-Well you thought I meant-" "-No I didn't!!" Well... just a little... but I only said it, for the sake of a JOKE, for crying out loud!" I wasn't serious... no need to have a coronary on me!" yelped Bullseye, in exasperation. His friend explained, "-I just meant that I still want her to be apart of my life." The warthog scratched the back of his neck. "-Hold up... what do you mean?" That you still wanna be her FRIEND or something?" The hedgehog said, "-Well YEAH!" I mean, if I can't be her boyfriend, I at least wanna go back to what we USED to have, then." Bullseye gawked at him, blankly, then shook his head. "Masevar, Masevar..." Have you totally LOST it??" Masevar certainly LOOKED lost, at Bullseye's words. "-What??" What did I say??" The warthog put a hand on his friend's shoulder. "-Masevar... listen to me, and listen to me WELL." Taking a step backwards, is ALWAYS a tumble." It's NEVER a good thing." Or in simple terms, taking a step backwards results in falling FLAT ON YOUR ASS!" And YES... it's gonna hurt!" The hedgehog wore a look of bewilderment. "-What are you trying to tell me??" Bullseye pulled Masevar over a bit. "-That you and Aleena going back as 'friends', is a VERY, bad idea." It'll never work, becuz they never do." You can't just go from 'boyfriend', back to being just 'boy' and 'friend'." It doesn't work like that!" Masevar gave a snort. "-Oh yeah?" How do YOU know?" Have YOU ever tried becoming 'friends' with any of your one night standers, 'bitches' or 'hoes'??" Bullseye was taken aback. "-Errr... well no-" "-SEE?!?" You DON'T know!" snapped the Hedgehog Prince. "-Nooo... its called I haven't done it, becuz I KNOW it won't work!" Things'll just get screwy between me and whoever she is!" Why waste my time with THAT??" Masevar spoke firmly, "-Maybe so... but Aleena is DIFFERENT." She's WORTH my time." She's worth EVERYTHING!" And I.... I just dont wanna lose her." Bullseye took in those words, and gave a deep sigh. He slowly shook his muzzle, and said, "-Well... maybe you COULD be right." Aleena IS different... even I know that." Plus you really... 'love' her and all that." I dunno what else to say." ...I 'guess' you can give it a try.... but dont expect me to do something 'heroic', if you jump out a window or fall off a bridge, when you cant take it anymore." His hedgehog gave a wry smirk, and sniffed, full of sarcasm, "-Oh, how your words overwhelm me with such 'comfort', dear Bullseye." You have no idea." Bullseye snorted, "Whatever then, Masevar... just... TELL her how you feel then... or whatever crap yer tryin' to pull." And SOON, so this little 'mopey' phase of yours can go bye-bye!" "-Amen, to that," Masevar agreed.
The next day, taking Bullseye's (somewhat) advice, Masevar set off to tell Aleena the truth. He knew that today she would probably be out with her parents, running errands. And sure enough, there at the local marketplace, Masevar spotted them, her parents, Sir Jules and Lady Bernadette Hedgehog, but their daughter was not with them. So he took a deep breath, plucked up his courage, and walked over to them.
"-Good day, Sir Jules, Lady Bernadette." The Hedgehog couple turned around to see the Hedgehog Prince, before them. "-And a good day to you, Sire," said Jules, rather forced, cold, and formally, showing no interest in talking to him at all, as Bernie gave a slight nod in greeting. Masevar frowned a little, at this, but continued, "-So, you are here with your family today, I presume." "Not entirely, our son Charles would be elsewhere, presently." "So your daughter would be here then?" Jules tightened his jaw, at the question. "If you must know Sire, yes she is." "Where, might I ask?" "Over there..." "-I see, thank you sir..." But as he started to leave, Jules stopped him, stepping in front of him. "-But you're not going anywhere near her." "-Please, Sir Jules, I mean nothing wrong, I just want to talk to her-" "-You'll do no such thing." "Why is that?" "Because I want you to stay away from her." In fact, if you weren't Royalty, I would more than happily run you clear out of this city, personally." But since I am unable to, I can still do this; keep you away from her." As her father, I have the right to tell you, a young male that's after her, to back the hell off." She's not intended for you... ever." Is that clear?" Masevar sighed, "-I was hoping it wouldn't come to this..." Yes sir, you're absolutely correct, you have that right to tell me that, and I respect that-" Jules looked more confident, momentarily. "-But hear me out now... I, as 'Crown Prince' of Mobius, wish to approach your daughter, so that I may simply speak to her, ALONE." And THAT... Sir Jules... is a 'Royal order'." He'd said it. Jules looked like he wanted to strangle him. Finally he spoke icily, "-Alright... you want her?" FINE!" Take her, make her your own little 'mistress', a slave for your own disgusting whims and desires." Break her heart, ruin her life and reputation for all I care!"...I just hope YOU can live with that guilt... SIRE!" he spat scornfully at Masevar. Then he and his wife started walking off, back to their own affairs. Masevar watched them leave, remorsefully. Already he felt awful, at having spoken in such a way to them, but he HAD to do what he'd came here to do.
Aleena was looking at the flowers the store sold, when she heard his voice from behind her. "...Aleena?" She gasped, and whirled around, startled. Then she quickly collected herself, and replied, "-Masevar." Good day." Masevar felt worse. This attitude and stance was not her, and her tone and attention was cold, stiff and as formal as her father's. Also she held her head up higher than usual. She acted like she thought he was no more than dirt at her feet. He felt unwelcomed by her presence, and almost felt like walking away, but no, she had to know... "-You too..." How've you been?" he asked politely and friendly, following her at a respectful distance behind, as she walked around slowly. "As fine as ever, thank you," she told him, but she was lying, and her heart and mind knew that with a stinging smack. She didn't say anything else, so Masevar asked, "-How's your family?" "Just as well as I." "That's good... tell them my mother sends her greetings." "-Very well, Sire." He froze on the spot. THAT was the last straw. Aleena had never called him by formal way, not since they had met for the first time as children. After hearing her call him that, like he had with all his other friends, he asked her not to call him by title, but by his given name, as he didn't like formal way or protocol, and she had never done so since. Masevar couldn't stand them being like this, he felt like he was trying to humor a child or talking to a wall. He finally broke down. "-Aleena, stop it!!" I can't stand this anymore!" LOOK at us!" Just two weeks ago, we were in love... swearing we'd follow each other to the ends of the earth, and that we'd die for one another!" Now we're in it so bad, you're acting like you think I'm the scum of the earth!" Now your father hates me, and your mother and brother are acting all distant!" And you're even worse!" You're the same wonderful person around everyone else!" But whenever I'm around, you try and avoid me all you can, and when I do manage to find you, you won't even TALK to me!" Or you just act like you're acting right now!" Aleena was smarting with guilt, but she forced herself to reply, "-I don't know what you're talking about." Masevar was getting rather frustrated. "-Oh please, don't even bother!" I know something's going on... you've been acting funny ever since our parents told us that we couldn't... see each other anymore." Aleena racked her brain, trying to think her way out of this. "-Well... they were right to say that, if you ask me," she said coolly. Masevar looked choked. "-What?!" How can you say that?" You're lying and I know it!" You only broke up with me, because your parents told you to do it!" "-No!" It was my choice!" she declared, hating herself even more all the while. "It was only a matter of time before we would have anyways... what they told us, just helped us to get along faster." "-Really... and WHY would we have done that?" demanded Masevar. "Because... there was just something wrong with... it's YOU!" she blurted out. "You don't mean that..." spoke Masevar, staring her in the eye. "-It's ME then!" "No, it's not, there's nothing wrong with you..." "-How do you know?" Maybe there is!" I mean... what if I told you I'm going through a 'selfish phase'?" "Then that would suit me fine, because I'm going through a 'doormat phase'," smirked Masevar. "Walk all over me!" Aleena tried another. "A 'destructive phase'." "A 'cleaning up after other people's tantrums like it's nothing phase'." "A 'one night stand phase'." "A 'hump me, and dump me, why don't you, phase'." "A 'mean, cold-hearted bitch phase'." "A 'taking your crap with pleasure phase'." "A 'I hate your guts phase'!" "A 'I know you're lying through your teeth phase'!" "A... a..." Aleena stuttered, not knowing what else to come up with. She finally glared, "-Well, YOU might be able to take MY crap, but I'M not gonna stand here and take YOURS!" She walked right past, shoving him aside. "-Wait!" called Masevar, rushing after her. "Please, Aleena, I HAVE to know just one thing!" She whirled around. "-What?" she glowered. Masevar looked at her with such an expression, that it nearly made her weep. "-I know, this is hard to deal with and all, but... can't we go back to the way things were, then?" "-What do you mean?" "We can still be friends... right?" She looked piercingly at him. "-I... we..." She lowered her eyes, and softly said, "-No." Masevar's face fell. "-What...why?" "We've been through too much," explained Aleena. "It just wouldn't work..." "But-" protested Masevar. "-Aleena I know what you're trying to say, and I understand that." But if I can't have your love, at least let me have your friendship!" The thought that I can't love you anymore is hard enough, but the thought of losing you all together is unbearable!" Don't do this to me, please-" Aleena stood there, with a mournful look on her face. "I don't want to either-" she told him. "-But I don't have any other choice." She started to slowly walk away again, for what she thought was the last time. "-Fine," she heard Masevar say. "But before you go, you HAVE to know something." She stopped, and turned around. His face was serious and noble as he said, "-When I said I loved you, I meant it." Every single time I said it, I meant it." I never had to lie about it." I never had to fake that." I never felt forced to say it, just because you needed to hear it." I said it, because I WANTED to say it!" Because I DO!" I love you, Aleena..." I loved you back then... I love you now... and I'm gonna love you until the day I die... no matter what happens!" Nothing can ever make me NOT love you... because it's what I feel." That's not something I can just put aside, and let the dust settle over, like an old scroll!" And I can't just FORGET it, like some stupid little incident, like walking into a door, or tripping over my own feet!" 'This'... is DEEP... and has MORE meaning, than you'll ever know-" He hung his head. "-But... if you want us to just... walk away from each other, and pretend nothing ever happened... well... then I guess I'll just have to deal with that." If me walking out of your life is what you want... then I'll do it." He gave her a piercing look. "-I just want you to be happy..." And if this makes you happy... then I won't hold you down... I won't beg you to let me stay... I'll leave." He swallowed hard, and raised his eyes to hers, with a solemn, yet soft, gaze. "-So then... this is where I bid you farewell." With a heart-wrenching finish, he spoke, "-Goodbye... Aleena." Then, he finally started to go, leaving Aleena behind, with a most shocked look on her face. Finally, she could bear it no more. She ran after him, grabbed him from behind by the vest, turned him around, pulled his face into hers, threw her arms around his neck and kissed him soundly. "-I'm sorry Masevar, God, I'm so sorry!!" she sobbed wildly, burying herself in his arms. "-Can you ever forgive me?-" "-Sshhhh," he told her, pressing a finger against her lips. "You silly goose... of COURSE I forgive you." Now do you forgive ME?" "What??" said Aleena, rather confused. "-Unless you don't think I-" "-No, no, I just meant, that I didn't think you did anything that you should be sorry for-" "-I did as much wrong as you did, and feel just as shameful," insisted Masevar. Aleena gently smiled. "Oh alright... if you think that you need me to clear a guilty conscience, that shouldn't even be, I will... I forgive you." Masevar grinned, "-So... are we back together?" "-Just try and keep me away," she spoke softly, and they kissed again. Suddenly, a single tear fell down Aleena's cheek, Masevar noticed. "-What's wrong?" he asked, gently. She sighed softly. "-Two weeks... over half a month, since you've held me in your arms, like this." He closed his eyes. "-I know... and it's been hell since." And he held her closer.
Lady Bernadette sighed outloud. "-What is it dear?" asked Sir Jules. "I feel horrible about doing this to them-" "'Them'?" "Our daughter and the Prince!" "-Oh," grumbled Jules. "Well you shouldn't be!" We're doing the right thing here, even Queen Sapora says so." "-I bet SHE has doubts too," said Bernie, sorrowfully. "-Well, we can't let THEM see that!" We have to be firm... truly Bernie, it's for the best." She shrugged, "I suppose that-" She stopped in mid-sentence, her mouth slightly ajar. "What?" inquired her husband. "What is it??" Bernie ignored Jules' question. "-You really think so?" she asked, of what he had just spoken of. "-Well, YES, better to do this to them NOW, than later..." If it was THIS hard for them, to do this now, just THINK of how hard if would be for them to do it later, if we just let them keep seeing each other!" By then, it'd be too late-" "-That's funny, 'they' don't seem to think so," Bernie told him, motioning in a direction. Jules turned to see Masevar and Aleena caught in a passionate embrace, kissing fully on the mouth, from a distance. His jaw dropped. "-Wha... what are they DOING??" "-Getting back together, apparently." "-But.. but if they-" "-I'm sure they're aware of that Jules, and accept it... in a VERY different way than us." "-I'll say," frowned Jules. "Mark my words, she'll be the death of us, Bernie." "-It's not THAT bad dear, but if you're saying that she's going to be a disappointment to us all, we DO still have our son you know." "Uh huh, our Charles... I suppose there's not too much harm HE could do... thank the Lord, there's no Princesses or Royalty HE could go after." "-True, unless he goes after the QUEEN-" said Bernie, jestingly. Jules went a bright red in the face. "-That's... NOT... funny, Bernie," he spoke, in irritation. "Well if 'that' wasn't, that look on your face certainly is," his wife smirked, giving him a nudge. The adult hedgehog shook his head, in exasperation. "-God save us all," he muttered.
The next day, taking Bullseye's (somewhat) advice, Masevar set off to tell Aleena the truth. He knew that today she would probably be out with her parents, running errands. And sure enough, there at the local marketplace, Masevar spotted them, her parents, Sir Jules and Lady Bernadette Hedgehog, but their daughter was not with them. So he took a deep breath, plucked up his courage, and walked over to them.
"-Good day, Sir Jules, Lady Bernadette." The Hedgehog couple turned around to see the Hedgehog Prince, before them. "-And a good day to you, Sire," said Jules, rather forced, cold, and formally, showing no interest in talking to him at all, as Bernie gave a slight nod in greeting. Masevar frowned a little, at this, but continued, "-So, you are here with your family today, I presume." "Not entirely, our son Charles would be elsewhere, presently." "So your daughter would be here then?" Jules tightened his jaw, at the question. "If you must know Sire, yes she is." "Where, might I ask?" "Over there..." "-I see, thank you sir..." But as he started to leave, Jules stopped him, stepping in front of him. "-But you're not going anywhere near her." "-Please, Sir Jules, I mean nothing wrong, I just want to talk to her-" "-You'll do no such thing." "Why is that?" "Because I want you to stay away from her." In fact, if you weren't Royalty, I would more than happily run you clear out of this city, personally." But since I am unable to, I can still do this; keep you away from her." As her father, I have the right to tell you, a young male that's after her, to back the hell off." She's not intended for you... ever." Is that clear?" Masevar sighed, "-I was hoping it wouldn't come to this..." Yes sir, you're absolutely correct, you have that right to tell me that, and I respect that-" Jules looked more confident, momentarily. "-But hear me out now... I, as 'Crown Prince' of Mobius, wish to approach your daughter, so that I may simply speak to her, ALONE." And THAT... Sir Jules... is a 'Royal order'." He'd said it. Jules looked like he wanted to strangle him. Finally he spoke icily, "-Alright... you want her?" FINE!" Take her, make her your own little 'mistress', a slave for your own disgusting whims and desires." Break her heart, ruin her life and reputation for all I care!"...I just hope YOU can live with that guilt... SIRE!" he spat scornfully at Masevar. Then he and his wife started walking off, back to their own affairs. Masevar watched them leave, remorsefully. Already he felt awful, at having spoken in such a way to them, but he HAD to do what he'd came here to do.
Aleena was looking at the flowers the store sold, when she heard his voice from behind her. "...Aleena?" She gasped, and whirled around, startled. Then she quickly collected herself, and replied, "-Masevar." Good day." Masevar felt worse. This attitude and stance was not her, and her tone and attention was cold, stiff and as formal as her father's. Also she held her head up higher than usual. She acted like she thought he was no more than dirt at her feet. He felt unwelcomed by her presence, and almost felt like walking away, but no, she had to know... "-You too..." How've you been?" he asked politely and friendly, following her at a respectful distance behind, as she walked around slowly. "As fine as ever, thank you," she told him, but she was lying, and her heart and mind knew that with a stinging smack. She didn't say anything else, so Masevar asked, "-How's your family?" "Just as well as I." "That's good... tell them my mother sends her greetings." "-Very well, Sire." He froze on the spot. THAT was the last straw. Aleena had never called him by formal way, not since they had met for the first time as children. After hearing her call him that, like he had with all his other friends, he asked her not to call him by title, but by his given name, as he didn't like formal way or protocol, and she had never done so since. Masevar couldn't stand them being like this, he felt like he was trying to humor a child or talking to a wall. He finally broke down. "-Aleena, stop it!!" I can't stand this anymore!" LOOK at us!" Just two weeks ago, we were in love... swearing we'd follow each other to the ends of the earth, and that we'd die for one another!" Now we're in it so bad, you're acting like you think I'm the scum of the earth!" Now your father hates me, and your mother and brother are acting all distant!" And you're even worse!" You're the same wonderful person around everyone else!" But whenever I'm around, you try and avoid me all you can, and when I do manage to find you, you won't even TALK to me!" Or you just act like you're acting right now!" Aleena was smarting with guilt, but she forced herself to reply, "-I don't know what you're talking about." Masevar was getting rather frustrated. "-Oh please, don't even bother!" I know something's going on... you've been acting funny ever since our parents told us that we couldn't... see each other anymore." Aleena racked her brain, trying to think her way out of this. "-Well... they were right to say that, if you ask me," she said coolly. Masevar looked choked. "-What?!" How can you say that?" You're lying and I know it!" You only broke up with me, because your parents told you to do it!" "-No!" It was my choice!" she declared, hating herself even more all the while. "It was only a matter of time before we would have anyways... what they told us, just helped us to get along faster." "-Really... and WHY would we have done that?" demanded Masevar. "Because... there was just something wrong with... it's YOU!" she blurted out. "You don't mean that..." spoke Masevar, staring her in the eye. "-It's ME then!" "No, it's not, there's nothing wrong with you..." "-How do you know?" Maybe there is!" I mean... what if I told you I'm going through a 'selfish phase'?" "Then that would suit me fine, because I'm going through a 'doormat phase'," smirked Masevar. "Walk all over me!" Aleena tried another. "A 'destructive phase'." "A 'cleaning up after other people's tantrums like it's nothing phase'." "A 'one night stand phase'." "A 'hump me, and dump me, why don't you, phase'." "A 'mean, cold-hearted bitch phase'." "A 'taking your crap with pleasure phase'." "A 'I hate your guts phase'!" "A 'I know you're lying through your teeth phase'!" "A... a..." Aleena stuttered, not knowing what else to come up with. She finally glared, "-Well, YOU might be able to take MY crap, but I'M not gonna stand here and take YOURS!" She walked right past, shoving him aside. "-Wait!" called Masevar, rushing after her. "Please, Aleena, I HAVE to know just one thing!" She whirled around. "-What?" she glowered. Masevar looked at her with such an expression, that it nearly made her weep. "-I know, this is hard to deal with and all, but... can't we go back to the way things were, then?" "-What do you mean?" "We can still be friends... right?" She looked piercingly at him. "-I... we..." She lowered her eyes, and softly said, "-No." Masevar's face fell. "-What...why?" "We've been through too much," explained Aleena. "It just wouldn't work..." "But-" protested Masevar. "-Aleena I know what you're trying to say, and I understand that." But if I can't have your love, at least let me have your friendship!" The thought that I can't love you anymore is hard enough, but the thought of losing you all together is unbearable!" Don't do this to me, please-" Aleena stood there, with a mournful look on her face. "I don't want to either-" she told him. "-But I don't have any other choice." She started to slowly walk away again, for what she thought was the last time. "-Fine," she heard Masevar say. "But before you go, you HAVE to know something." She stopped, and turned around. His face was serious and noble as he said, "-When I said I loved you, I meant it." Every single time I said it, I meant it." I never had to lie about it." I never had to fake that." I never felt forced to say it, just because you needed to hear it." I said it, because I WANTED to say it!" Because I DO!" I love you, Aleena..." I loved you back then... I love you now... and I'm gonna love you until the day I die... no matter what happens!" Nothing can ever make me NOT love you... because it's what I feel." That's not something I can just put aside, and let the dust settle over, like an old scroll!" And I can't just FORGET it, like some stupid little incident, like walking into a door, or tripping over my own feet!" 'This'... is DEEP... and has MORE meaning, than you'll ever know-" He hung his head. "-But... if you want us to just... walk away from each other, and pretend nothing ever happened... well... then I guess I'll just have to deal with that." If me walking out of your life is what you want... then I'll do it." He gave her a piercing look. "-I just want you to be happy..." And if this makes you happy... then I won't hold you down... I won't beg you to let me stay... I'll leave." He swallowed hard, and raised his eyes to hers, with a solemn, yet soft, gaze. "-So then... this is where I bid you farewell." With a heart-wrenching finish, he spoke, "-Goodbye... Aleena." Then, he finally started to go, leaving Aleena behind, with a most shocked look on her face. Finally, she could bear it no more. She ran after him, grabbed him from behind by the vest, turned him around, pulled his face into hers, threw her arms around his neck and kissed him soundly. "-I'm sorry Masevar, God, I'm so sorry!!" she sobbed wildly, burying herself in his arms. "-Can you ever forgive me?-" "-Sshhhh," he told her, pressing a finger against her lips. "You silly goose... of COURSE I forgive you." Now do you forgive ME?" "What??" said Aleena, rather confused. "-Unless you don't think I-" "-No, no, I just meant, that I didn't think you did anything that you should be sorry for-" "-I did as much wrong as you did, and feel just as shameful," insisted Masevar. Aleena gently smiled. "Oh alright... if you think that you need me to clear a guilty conscience, that shouldn't even be, I will... I forgive you." Masevar grinned, "-So... are we back together?" "-Just try and keep me away," she spoke softly, and they kissed again. Suddenly, a single tear fell down Aleena's cheek, Masevar noticed. "-What's wrong?" he asked, gently. She sighed softly. "-Two weeks... over half a month, since you've held me in your arms, like this." He closed his eyes. "-I know... and it's been hell since." And he held her closer.
Lady Bernadette sighed outloud. "-What is it dear?" asked Sir Jules. "I feel horrible about doing this to them-" "'Them'?" "Our daughter and the Prince!" "-Oh," grumbled Jules. "Well you shouldn't be!" We're doing the right thing here, even Queen Sapora says so." "-I bet SHE has doubts too," said Bernie, sorrowfully. "-Well, we can't let THEM see that!" We have to be firm... truly Bernie, it's for the best." She shrugged, "I suppose that-" She stopped in mid-sentence, her mouth slightly ajar. "What?" inquired her husband. "What is it??" Bernie ignored Jules' question. "-You really think so?" she asked, of what he had just spoken of. "-Well, YES, better to do this to them NOW, than later..." If it was THIS hard for them, to do this now, just THINK of how hard if would be for them to do it later, if we just let them keep seeing each other!" By then, it'd be too late-" "-That's funny, 'they' don't seem to think so," Bernie told him, motioning in a direction. Jules turned to see Masevar and Aleena caught in a passionate embrace, kissing fully on the mouth, from a distance. His jaw dropped. "-Wha... what are they DOING??" "-Getting back together, apparently." "-But.. but if they-" "-I'm sure they're aware of that Jules, and accept it... in a VERY different way than us." "-I'll say," frowned Jules. "Mark my words, she'll be the death of us, Bernie." "-It's not THAT bad dear, but if you're saying that she's going to be a disappointment to us all, we DO still have our son you know." "Uh huh, our Charles... I suppose there's not too much harm HE could do... thank the Lord, there's no Princesses or Royalty HE could go after." "-True, unless he goes after the QUEEN-" said Bernie, jestingly. Jules went a bright red in the face. "-That's... NOT... funny, Bernie," he spoke, in irritation. "Well if 'that' wasn't, that look on your face certainly is," his wife smirked, giving him a nudge. The adult hedgehog shook his head, in exasperation. "-God save us all," he muttered.
