Chapter 13
The group set up camp before nightfall, and it was decided that Sain would keep first night watch. Everyone but the cavalier headed to their respective tent for bed. Sain led his horse on foot to a boulder on the side of the clearing, and sat down beside it. He sighed and looked up at the moon unsuccessfully trying to outshine the many stars that dotted the sky. It was beautiful…just like Andraya… Sain sighed again. I really need to tell her soon…just so I can have a reason to always be by her side…to hold…
"Hey, need some company?"
Sain started. "Andraya! What are you doing up?"
"Nice to see you, too," she said, smiling and sitting beside him.
"Sorry, I didn't see you coming."
"That's alright!"
Sain looked at her and smiled. Her navy hair glinted silver in the moonlight, blowing lightly in the breeze. Her eyes shined with reflections of the stars as she gazed at them through her thick lashes. Even her skin was tinted silver, giving her an almost angelic glow, not that she needed it to look beautiful…
Andraya returned Sain's gaze. For a moment neither looked away, enjoying the connection they both knew they shared. Neither had the courage to say the words the other wanted, needed to hear, neither would set the other's eyes free until something was said.
Andraya's lips parted slightly, as if she was going to speak, but said nothing. Sain's heart beat faster as he tried to rip his gaze away from hers, tried to speak.
They both diverted their gazes at the same moment, looking at the stars instead.
This is it. This is my chance, Sain thought nervously. I…I have to know if she feels the same way…I…I can't keep pretending like this…
"Andraya…" he said slowly, not daring to look at her, fearing the very sight of her would make him lose his courage.
"Sain…" she whispered in response, turning to look at him.
The cavalier felt her gaze on him, and he blushed slightly. He slowly turned to look at her, again marveling at her beauty. I have…to tell her…
"Andraya, I—I have something to tell you," he stammered, avoiding her gaze.
"Sain," she said simply, taking his hand in hers. She smiled slightly, but looked at the ground as she did so.
That was all Sain's courage needed to go on. "Andraya…" he said again, almost whispering.
"I love you."
Andraya gasped and quickly looked up at her friend. "Sain…"
"It's alright if you don't feel the same, 'Draya…I was…I just…"
"Shhh," Andraya said, gently touching Sain's lips with her fingers. "Sain…I…I love you, too."
Sain's face brightened, and he couldn't keep himself from grinning broadly, causing Andraya to giggle. "'Draya…"
Andraya stopped giggling, realizing Sain was leaning closer to her. He gently tilted her chin to face his, and slowly closed the distance between them, his lips gently brushing against hers. She kissed him back, her lips lingering on his for what seemed like an eternity. She followed Sain's lips as he tried to pull away, reaching up and pulling him closer to her. They kissed again, holding each other in their arms. When they finally pulled away, all either of them could do was smile, gazing at each other lovingly with a passion that had gone unsaid for too long.
Sain put his arm around Andraya's shoulders, pulling her close to him. She rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes and sighing in content.
Sain looked down at the beautiful girl asleep on his shoulder. I…can't believe it… he thought with a smile and a sigh. She…loves me…
Andraya dreamed that night, but never recalled her dream of Lord Eliwood's kiss again; Sain's kiss had far surpassed anything she could have imagined in her dreams.
Far, far surpassed…
A/N: *sniff* IT'S SO SWEET! And this means the fic is almost over!! :( Unless I continue with Kent's POV or something, or just keep writing about Sain and Andraya as a couple. What say ye, oh faithful reviewers? I'll take suggestions, but if I get none I'll think of something ;)
R&R pleasies! :)