Tala woke as he heard the door to the hotel room close. He listened for the silent footsteps of Milla as she crept toward her room.

He got up and opened the door to his room, closing it behind him. "Where have you been?"

"Out," she replied.

"This doesn't have anything to do with........."

"Ray? No," she cut him off.

"Then why?"

"Why do you want to know?" she shot back.

"You're a member of my team, and not even your own brother knows what's up with you," he replied, his voice taking on an icy tone.

Milla's eyes flashed into their cat form.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" snapped Tala.

Milla grinned, revealing her fangs. "Nothing really, I just needed some alone time. I deal with my problems alone."

"What problems would you have?" he asked, his eyes reflecting a shine as she pointed her finger in the direction of the door, signaling to leave.

He nodded and followed her out the door.

They walked in silence as each thought.

"So, you were answering my previous question?" pushed Tala.

"I don't have any problems. I just needed to be alone."

"Are you happy with joining the team?" asked Tala.

Milla didn't answer for a while. "Yes and no."

"Go on," said Tala.

"Yes because I'm with everyone I care for, and no because I've lost my freedom......... again," she replied, looking up into the dark sky as if looking for an answer.

"Tell me this though, would you give up here and now, for freedom," asked Tala, as they stopped and looked at the harbour bridge.

"No," replied Milla.

"Then what's the problem?"

"The person I want is out of reach," replied Milla, her softening as she looked at her best friend's brother.

"Well, well, what do you know? I have exactly the same problem."

Milla moved her eyes from his face and looked over the lights on the bridge. Her eyes hardening as she heard the comment.

Tala took this moment to sneak a glance at her. She looked like a being from another world, more beautiful and less corrupted. She closed her eyes as a piece of her black hair blew across her face; she pulled it behind her ear.

"You know, the person I want is so close?" asked Tala, as he continued to stare.

Milla dared to make eye contact with him as he spoke. She was so close to him, yet he seemed so far away.

Tala brushed her cheek lightly with his hand. She instantly leant into his hand, as if wanting the touch to never leave. Leaning in closer, Tala pulled Milla in and brushed his lips over hers.

~~~~*~~~~

*grins* review as normal................................ thank you for all your support........... and no the story hasn't finished just yet............... *grins* hope you enjoyed the chapter

The-Dark-Fire-Elf (authoress and editoress)