A/N: I know these drabbles are really short but it just didn't seem right to extend them any more. Anyway, I'm still progressing with "Ariadne's Tears" and I should have the next update up soon. Reviews make my day!
She didn't understand how someone like him could love someone like her. At times the notion felt absolutely preposterous, the idea completely unfathomable.
He was the Master Artist's greatest work, more gorgeous than any man had a right to be. With his mischievous grin, playful jokes and dimples, he was without a doubt the most charming man she'd ever known; but he went so much deeper than that. He was always there for her, a tower of strength when she had misgivings and doubts. He supported her in whatever she did, but never hesitated to point out what he saw as better options, something she was immensely grateful for. He listened and held her close on the rare occasions when she broke down. It was easy to see why she'd fallen for him, but the fact that this funny, handsome, compassionate, courageous man cared for HER of all people was confusing. He could have the pick of any women he wanted, but he had chosen her.
Sometimes when their eyes met she would get a glimpse of just how deep his feelings for her went. She knew he would die for her without a moment's hesitation and she lived in a constant state of awe that someone so special could feel that deeply for her. Once, as they stood together under a sky thick with a blanket of stars he'd told her that she was his rock, his haven. She hadn't known how that could be possible when he was all those things to her and more, but he had been insistent. Unfortunately, a call on her headset had interrupted their conversation before she got a chance to figure out why he felt that way about her, and the time had never seemed right to bring it up again.
When those three beautiful words fell from his lips it felt like fireworks exploding, warblers singing high in the trees, walking barefoot along the ocean shore, like heaven; but there was a part of her that wondered at each utterance whether it would be the last time he directed that phrase at her. She knew it was only a matter of time before he found someone better, someone who was actually worthy of his precious time. He would find someone perfect, someone who complimented him in every way, someone smart, talented, funny and beautiful, someone who wasn't as driven by their emotions, a warrior, just like him. When that time came she knew it would kill her slowly but surely, a cancer eating away at her heart. She also knew that she wasn't going to be the one to hold him back.
The swinging pendulum had become the enemy, and her days with him were numbered. Every moment she spent with him was a precious jewel and she treasured each and every time his hand brushed her cheek, every time she caught him watching her, and every time she heard his voice call her name.