A/N: I live! Whoopsie...four months since my last update...I am sorry for taking so long! I have been very busy, and I've just not been home very much. And, my inspiration for this here fic is fizzling out. But, I am going to finish it, so, no worries! In fact, there are only two chapters left, and that's including this one. So, thank you two guys for reviewing! If you didn't, well, I wouldn't be here.

Disclaimer: Tales of Symphonia tisn't mine! No, it tisn't!

Chapter 15: One Last Day of Fun

xxxx

"Ah, wow, this is great!"

The happy cry mingled with the many other shouts of joy that filled the air of the amusement park. The day was warm, yet unusually cool for Altamira. A light breeze blew off of the near-by ocean, which only helped cool the beautiful cloudless day. The young mage paid little attention to all of this, however; he was interested in all of rides the park habored.

"Genis, do slow down!" Rain shouted after her sibling, sprinting after him. The silver-haired woman swiftly caught his hand, and held it tightly. She had already lost him in this massive crowd once. "You have got to stay with us!"

The young boy replied with a look of repentant. "Sorry, Sis..."

Heading none of the older mages words, Lloyd surveyed the area with excitement in his brown eyes. "Check out that ride!" he shouted, spotting a large, circular structure with a train-like device inside of it.

The ride had just started another run, and the swordmen watched wide-eyed as it made a few attempts to complete the circle, always falling short. On it's fifth run up, the device achieved its goal, and whizzed around the circle, picking up speed and completing many more loops, causing its passengers to scream with fear and joy.

"Holy cow, it goes upside down!" The brown-haired young man was practically jumping up and down with enthusiasm. "C'mon, guys!"

"Lloyd! Stop right now!" Raine's stern voice stopped the boy's gleeful feet. "There are simply too many people for you to run off all by yourslef."

"Ahh! Professor..." Lloyd trudged back over to the half-elf. "The lines filling up fast..."

Presea stood back away from the large group, a small smile on her lips. The three youngest members were by far the most excited, each one's expression mirroring the others. They wanted to ride every thing in the amusement park, small or large. Zelos was just as pumped as Lloyd, though he tried to hide it, and Sheena also looked ready for a day of fun.

Raine, on the other hand, already looked exhausted. They had been at the park for a mere hour and the school teacher appeared ready to throw in the towel. She had been keeping close tabs on the excited children, and took it upon herself to make sure they stayed close. While Presea agreed with the fact that they should all stay together, she was about ready to suggest that Lloyd and Colette take charge of Genis for awhile.

"Sis, why don't you let me and Lloyd go save us a stop in the line? That way, we won't have to wait as long..."

"Genis...I don't know. There are a lot of people here and-"

"Actually, Raine, I belive Genis has a fine idea. But if I may add to it, why don't we allow Lloyd, Genis, and Colette to wander about by the themselves?"

Raine turned her attention to the man at her side. "Regal, do really think that's wise?"

"I do not see why not. There are many aides stationed throughout the park in case of emergencies."

"Yeah. You can't miss them, Professor! They're dressed up like cute little doggies!" Colette squeeled, earning a mock groan from Lloyd, who was socked on the shoulder in return.

"And darling lil' bunny hunnies," Zelos added, a sly smirk on his lips.

Sheena scoffed and turned away from the red-head at her side. "I'll go with them, Raine. That way, you can go relax for a bit, okay?"

The mage remained silent for a moment, debating her options. Sheena was a responsible woman, she would take good care of the children. Sitting on the bench and taking a quick breather would be enjoyable.

"All right, Sheena. That sounds lovely. Thank you."

"No problem," the Summoner replied with a smile. Rounding up her charges, she headed out. "C'mon, guys. Let's go get in line. Zelos can go spend some time with his bunnies."

"She-ena! That's not fair!" the red-head shouted after the group, running to catch up with them. "I was only joking!"

Raine turned her back on the group- with Zelos now included- and faced the two left remaining. "You wouldn't mind if I went and relaxed for a bit, would you?"

"Not at all."

"Of course not."

The mage offered the pair an appreciable smile. "Thank you. Would you like to regroup back in front of the ferris wheel? Say, in an hour?"

"That sounds fine."

Once again the half-elf smiled. "Great, see you both then." With that, she gave a parting wave and saunteered over to a lone, shady bench.

Regal and Presea stood in middle of the many people shuffling through the amusement park for a short moment, both watching as thier friends boarded the ride that Lloyd had so deperately wanted to go on.

"Would you like to ride that one?" Regal quiered, nodding in the direction of the circular track.

Presea shrugged her slim shoulders, a hesitant frown on her lips. "Let's wait to see what it does," she replied, having missed it's previous run. It didn't take her long to decide that she indeed did not want to board that ride. It went upside down!

"Um, perhaps we could try that one?" she suggested, pointing to a device full of large, mechanical teacups spinning leisurely on a rotating plate. The ride was full of happy families, many with small children. It looked much safer than the one her friends were currently riding.

"Are you sure? They do seem to be enjoying themselves."

Presea shot him a incredulous stare. "Regal, they're screaming their head's off. I'm quite sure I do not."

He chuckled, a mischievious twinkle entering his cobalt eyes. "Oh, I'm quite sure that you do." With that, he quickly snatched up her hand and a hauled her over the 'Loop da Loop'.

xxxx

Presea sat in the hard metal seat, a small, steel security bar snapped fimly over her lap. She sat motionless, her knuckles white from clutching the safety bar so tightly. She had no idea the color of her complexion, but she guessed that it matched her knuckles.

"Presea, darling, the ride has stopped. You may exit now."

Feeling a gentle hand on her upper shoulder, the ashen woman turned to face the man standing at her side. "I- I'm not sure that I can move."

Regal chuckled deeply, unable to contain the sound. The poor woman looked terrified! Why, he couldn't quite comprehend. The ride had not been that bad. True, it did steal your stomach, yet young children were happily bounding off, and returning to the line for another chance to ride.

"It is not funny!" Presea regained some control of her motor skills, and fumbled with the bar covering her lap. Her stomach felt as though it was lodged in her throat. "Why you forced me on this dreadful thing is beyond my realm of knowledge." Throwing the steel bar off of her, she slid out of the seat and onto shaky feet.

" 'Forced' is such a harsh word."

Shooting Regal an incredulous glare, she stalked off of the horrible ride. He found the situation humourous! Presea, on the other hand, found it to be completely opposite. That loopy thing had nearly caused her to lose her breakfast. She was surprised that she managed to walk away from the heap of metal; her legs felt like jelly.

"Hey, Presea! Did ya like it?"

Catching the form of Genis out of the corner of her eye, Presea forced a smile to her lips, and made her way through the throng of shuffling people over to the young child. "Like what, Genis?"

"The 'Loop da Loop!" The boy nearly jumped up and down with glee. "It was great, wasn't it? That's why me and Lloyd are going again!"

Quickly surveying the immediate area, Presea found Sheena, Zelos, and Colette leaning along the protective fence set up around the circular track to keep wayward people out of harm's path. Spotting the pink haired, Sheena gave a friendly wave, and Presea smiled in return. As long as the boys had an overseer, she could leave them to their ride.

"Do wanna join us, Presea?"

Shaking her head, she had to bite back a scoff. "Thank you for the offer, Lloyd, but-"

"She would love to."

Whirrling around, Presea inwardly groaned at the satisfied smirk on Regal's face. He seemed to be taking great pleasure in grating on her nerves. What had gotten into the man? With her nerves still rattled from her near-death ride on the dreaded 'Loop da Loop', she was in no mood for teasing.

Turning her back to grinning man for the moment, Presea focused on the pair before her. "Boys, I do appreaciate the invitation, but I must decline."

"Aw, but, Presea," Genis began, his face dropping at her reply, "I thought you wanted to."

Looking over her shoulder, she gave Regal her sternest see-what-you've-done glare. "I'm sorry, Genis, but-"

"I belief I should be the one apologizing," Regal interrupted, moving to stand at Presea's side. "If Presea boards that ride again, well, she probably won't be able to walk off of it. Forgive me for volunteering her. I was only-"

"I get it, Regal. I'm always teasing Colette. It's so much fun," the brown-haired swordsmen cut in, a wide grin on his youthful face. "She gets so mad!"

Presea threw a short glance at Regal, most of her annoyance dissapating. It seemed as though when he was with the younger members of the group, he too became like a younger man. It was rather endearing to see the all-work-and-no-play man throw away his tie. And at the moment, he looked thoroughly chagrined. So much so, that she decided to come to his rescue.

"Boys, it appears that your line is advancing..."

"Oh, you're right, Presea! C'mon, Genis! We gotta move!" Lloyd swiftly grabbed the younger half-elf's collar and drug him forward. "See ya, guys!"

"B-bye, Presea!"

Waving to the pair, Presea had to fight back her laughter. Lloyd was very pumped, and Geins was being hauled up the ramp and into the ride, having to put forth no effort at all. However, the grinned died on her lips when she heard Regal clear his voice- a sign she had come to recongize as discomfort.

"Presea, I- I never intended to-"

Slipping her arm through his own, Presea waved him off. "Think nothing of it, Regal." She flashed him a small smile, and added, "Simply never take me near that ride again."

"You have me word."

Giving a brisk nod of her head, as is sealing the deal, Presea turned her attention to navigating through the crowd. There were always many people at the amusement park, but this was the busiest season of the year. The amount of people truly didn't phase her; as long as she was with Regal, Presea honestly didn't care where they were. She'd never had such strong feelings for a man, and it delighted and frightened her simultaneously. Who knew love was so complicated...

Oblivious to her musings, Regal gave Presea's arm a gentle shake. "We could go on that ride. What do you think?"

Glancing to ride Regal indicated, Presea arched a pink brow. Did she love him, or hate him? "You must be joking. That coaster makes the previous ride look like a child's."

"Presea, many children are boarding that previous ride, as well as the one I just suggested..."

"Children are quite reckless these days."

Laughing, Regal steered her towards another ride. "Perhaps the Teacups would suite you, yes?"

Leaning into his shoulder, she nodded. Oh yes, she loved him...

xxxx

"Zelos, stop! Now!" Clutching the metal side of the swing-like device she was sitting in, Sheena held her breath, waiting for the seat to cease it's rocking.

"Oh, Sheena, the look on your face..."

Scowling, Sheena released the breath she had been holding. "It's much too high to be rocking!"

"Ah, we're just up a couple hundred feet. What the worst that could happen?" Leaning back in the seat of the Ferris Wheel, Zelos stretched out his long legs, enjoying the constant breeze the rotating circle brought.

"What's the worst that could happen? I'll tell you what's the worst that could happen: We could fall off!"

The red-head merely laughed. "C'mon, Sheena, you must be joking. Fall off? We're barred in!"

"Not fall out, fall off." The Summoner chanced a small glance over the edge, quickly getting her fill and leaning back once more. She hated being up so high.

"Oh, you're right, Sheena. That bolt is looking a little loose..."

"Oh Martel, are you serious? Get me off."

Watching her face turn ashen, Zelos took her hand, prying it off the bar covering their laps. "Sheena, we're fine. Nothing's coming loose."

Sqeezing his hand, Sheena took a deep breath. "I can't believe you got me on this..."

"Everyone's on this. Lloyd and Colette are behind us, Raine and Genis below them, and Regal and Presea are in front of us. Look, Presea's not freaking out, and she hates heights."

"Regal won't allow it. He's been holding her, and talking her head off the entire time."

Sliding closer, Zelos slipped her arm around the ninja's shoulders. "I can think of a couple of better things to do up her besides talk."

Shrugging his arm off, Sheena returned her hand to the metal bar on her lap. "That's the difference between you and Regal: He cares about Presea more than he cares about himself."

Trying to ignore the sting of her words, Zelos put on a happy smile. "Please. He just wants to make sure he's in. But, if you wanna sit over there by yourself, it's fine with me."

Sucking her bottom lip between her teeth, Sheena chewed on it nervously. She hadn't meant to blurt that out. Old habits die hard. Chancing a glance at the red-head, her guilt rose. He looked hurt, his blue eyes darker than usual. She hadn't intended to hurt him. She simply didn't want him to try to make out with her in public!

Sighing, she scooted over in the cold, hard, metal seat, and placed her hand over his own. "Look, Zelos, I didn't mean that...It's just, we're out in public, you know?"

"Yeah, I get it. It's fine." Loosely intertwining their fingers, Zelos continued to stare ahead. "It's fine," he repeated lightly.

Knowing that he was still upset, Sheena moved even closer. "Don't me mad," she said softly, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"I'm not."

"Zelos-"

"You're not- you're not ashamed to be seen with me, are you?"

Jerking her head up, Sheena stared, wide-eyed. She had never seen Zelos so open- so vulnerable. He hid it so well...

As if sensing her pity, Zelos tried to wave his comment off. "Heh. What am I saying? Why would you be ashamed to be seen with the beautiful me?"

"Good question," she agreed. "Why would I? Or better yet, why would you think that I'm ashamed of you?"

Shrugging, Zelos felt discomfort gnaw at him. He didn't have an answer. He didn't even know why he said it. It had just kind of poped out. No one had ever truly wanted him around, so why should Sheena?

"Well," Sheena began, the silence dragging on, "I'm not. So, don't ever think that I am."

"Gotcha."

"I'm serious. There's no need to think that. If I was ashamed of you, would I be-" Stopping mid-sentence, she felt her cheeks light up.

"Yes, Sheena?"

"...Would I be dating you," she finished softly, hating the fact that any mention of a relationship caused her cheeks to flame.

Grinning, Zelos slipped his arm around her shoulder once more. "I suppose not." Sheena wasn't like the others. Not one bit, and she proved it everyday. It was silly of him to think otherwise.

"But, we're still in public," Sheena reminded him, allowing his arm to remain, and leaning her own head against his shoulder.

"I know, Sheena, I know..." Boy, did he know she was nothing like the others...

Smiling at his exasperated tone, she cuddled closer to the man at her side. At first, she'd wanted nothing to do with the Ferris Wheel, and now, she never wanted to get off.

xxxx

"C'mon, guys, move!"

"Yeah, the lines growing by the second!"

As the youngest members of the group bounded ahead, intent on saving them all a spot in line, the three oldest members had to retain their groans. The woman, at least. Regal looked quite pleased to be boarding the 'Screamer', the amusement parks' longest, sharpest, and most breath-taking rollar coaster.

"Perhaps we could sit this one out."

"Oh, yes, we'll simply be in the way."

"Nonsense, ladies. The children will be so disappointed." Maneuvering between the two woman, Regal hooked one of thier arms through each of his. "It's truly not as bad as it looks."

Presea and Raine shared a disbeliefing look. The ride looked terrifying, with extremely steep vertical drops, neck-breaking turns, and pitch black tunnels. The train currently making it's run seemed to be going so fast that it could take flight at any moment.

"Well, at least this is the last ride of the evening," Raine sighed, reaching the rest of the group. She gently broke free of Regal's hold and reach for her brother's hand. "If I must ride this, you're going to be my riding partner."

Genis smiled up at his sister. "Actually, Raine, I hoping that maybe I could ride with Presea."

"Me?" Drawing her brows together in question, Presea placed a hand to her chest. "I don't think I'll be a very good partner, Genis. Whoever rides with me should be prepared to find me in their lap at the end of the ride."

"That's why he wants you to ride with him," Zelos snickered, earning a reproachful glare and whap on the shoulder from Sheena.

"No, it's not!" the young boy defended, "I've not had a chance to ride anthing with Presea, is all! But if you don't want to..." Lowering his head in rejection, the half-elf turned his gaze to the concrete below his feet, "...it's okay."

Glancing to Regal, who gave her a reasurring smile, Presea stepped up to the young boy. "If Raine doesn't mind switching partners with me, I'll be happy to ride with you."

Jerking his head up with a happy smile, Genis turned to his sister. "You don't mind, do you, Sis?"

Feigning rejection, the mage shook her head. "I suppose not. If you'd rather Presea ride with you, then it's fine with me."

"Great!" Snatching up Presea's hand, Genis propelled her forward. "Come on, Presea. The line's moving!"

"I'm glad to see I can be so easily replaced," Raine sighed, a smile in her blue eyes. Next to her, Regal chuckled, looping a friendly arm through her own.

"Let's see just what this 'Screamer is made off..."

The group boarded the ride, practically taking the entire train to themselves. Lloyd and Colette took the very first cart, leaving the one behind them open for Zelos and Sheena. A few unknown people filled the next couple of carts, leaving the last pair open to the remaining members off the group. Genis and Presea opted for the very last car, and Regal and Raine took the remaining one in front of the boy and woman.

Clicking her belt, and lowering the safety bar down, Presea let out a heavy breath. "You ready, Genis?"

"Yep."

"Strapped in nice and tight?"

"Yep."

"Good."

"Make sure you're buckled up, Genis."

"I am, Raine."

Turning to the pair behind him, Regal gave the Genis the thumb-up. "Let us see if these ride is worthy of the title 'Screamer."

"Yeah!"

Presea shook her head, a smile on her lips. The half-elf and the president had seemed to grow closer on this vacation, and appeared that both had found a riding buddy in the other. When neither Raine nor Presea wanted to board a looping, sloping, or falling ride, the two would pair up. She breifly wondered why she and Raine had been forced on this coaster, but the thought was pushed aside when the ride came to life with a groan and began clicking forward.

"Here we go!" Lloyd and Zelos bellowed happily, and obvious planned cry.

"Here we go," Presea muttered, griping the metal safty bar tightly.

"There's no need to fret, Presea. No harm will befall you. We're all right here." Regal turned in his seat, flashing the pink-haired woman a reassuring grin as he did so.

Taking a deep, calming breath, Presea focused on the trek up first hill, trying to quell her rapidly pounding heart. Regal was right. She'd be fine. She was surrounded by her friends. She had also heard the unspoken words in his previous statement: I'm right here. She would be fine.

Glancing over to the woman beside him, Genis reach over and patted her shoulder quickly. "This is it," he said, watching as the nose of the coaster began to fall over the creat of the hill.

The happily terrified screams of people filled her ears. Flashing Genis a nervous smile, Presea tightened her grip on the bar covering her lap. "This is it..."

xxxx

"That was so much fun!" Colette squealed, walking away from the 'Screamer', and out of the amusement park. "I can't believe I rode it!"

"That first drop was awful! I thought I was going to fly out of my seat!" Sheena threw her arms in the air, emphasizing her point. The young angel agreed, nodding her blond head vigorously.

"I thought you were going to scream you're head off!" Zelos piped in, catching up with the women and snatching up the Summoner's hand. Sheena waved his comment off, a blush creeping into her cheeks.

"I wasn't that loud..."

Zelos laughed. "Oh, you were."

"Speaking of screaming, did you hear the two women closet to myself? I was surrounded. One beside me, and one behind me."

"Oh, nonsense, Regal. We weren't that biosterous," Raine defended, sharing a guilty look with Presea, who burst into laughter in return.

"Raine, we were loud," the once ax-wielding woman laughed. At first, she had been terrified, but, as the ride progressed, she had found the concept of having her stomach taken and yelling at the top of her lungs quite fun.

"I still can't believe Genis threw up..."

"Oh, shut up, Lloyd! It's your fault! You made me eat that hamburger!"

Catching the thourougly embarrassed look on the boy's face, Presea placed a sisterly arm around his small shoulder's. "It's fine, Genis. In fact, I'm glad you lost your dinner."

Meeting Presea's gaze, the half-elf widened his blue eyes in surprise. "Why?"

"Because Duke had to clean it up!" Lloyd answered for her, bursting into another round of laughter. The young man had laughed the whole day through, and his laughter was infectious, causing the whole group to pass the day in good humor.

"Exactly," Presea agreed. It seemed community service meant volunteering at the amusemen park, cleaning up the accidents children left behind. And it seemed many children left many accidents.

The group fell into a comfortable silence as they boarded the Elemental Expressway. The ride back to Regal's house was made with little conversation, the fact that their day of fun was over settling over each of them. When they reached the floating piece of land, they entered the silent house, and the mood seemed to dampen even more.

"Well," Regal began, closing the door behind them, "Shall we have some dinner?"

The group nodded, and Colette muttered, "This will be our last meal together." Gone were happy thoughts of the enjoyable day.

"Colette..."

Turning to the swordsmen, the angel lowered her head. "Well, it will be."

"I'm sure Regal will fix us a breakfast," the brown-haired boy said, hoping to raise the girl's spirits. He was rewarded with a smile, which satisfied the young man.

"Do you recall what we discussed last night? No talk of departures, remember?"

"Yeah, Regal's right," Colette declared, following the older man into the kitchen. "We had fun today, and there's no reason to ruin it."

As the group shuffled after Regal, conversation slowly starting, Presea lagged behind. Colette was right. This would be their last dinner together. Her friends were leaving, and she hated the thought of being alone once again.

xxxx

Once again, Presea found herself unable to sleep. Her friends were all in bed, resting up for the trip they would be setting out on in a few short hours, yet she was wide awake, standing out on the porch she had became very accustomed to in the last couple of weeks. She hated that her friends would be leaving, that she wouldn't get to have her late night talks with Sheena, or giggle with Colette, or feed her growing relationship with Raine. She'd miss Zelos' jokes, and Lloyd's optimism, and Genis' mature conversations. She'd miss it all.

But most of all, she'd miss the company.

After the gang left, she'd be alone once more. Oh, she'd still have her friends at the firm, and Regal's company, but she would still be alone. She'd have to go home to her lonely little appartment, and fix her dinner for one, and wake up to an empty room. She had grown accustomed to waking to jolly noise, or the aroma of coffee. But after tomorrow, she would once again wake to silence and have to make her own coffee.

Sighing, Presea leaned over the porch railing, glancing up at the ebony night sky. Not a star one stared back. Only a bright full moon. The sky seemed to reflect her mood. Dark, with just a tad bit of light. While the sky's light was the white ball, her's was a certain president. Though her relationship with Regal was also bearing on her nerves.

Soon, they would head back to the company. Oh, what a heyday Mindy and the rest of the firm would have, talking of matters they knew nothing about. Gossiping about her relationship with the blue-haired man. Not that she really cared what they said, she had learned at a young age to ignore the word's of others. Well, that wasn't true, but what truly beared on her nerves was her feelings for him.

It was all so new to her. And it all had happened so fast. She had always secretly harbored feellings for the man, but the very moment he had kissed her, she had practically turned to putty. She knew that he cared for her too, she simply didn't know how deep his feelings ran. She certainly didn't want to bring the subject up, and ruin the only real relationship she had ever had to find out, either. She would simply bide her time, and hope that he came to her.

Oh, she hoped he came to her...

"We must stop meeting like this."

Jumping at the sound of the familiar voice, Presea whirled around, her heart thumping wildly. She had been so wrapped up in her thoughts, she had missed the sound of the door swinging open.

"You should really be in bed at this hour."

Shrugging, Presea turned back to the railing, yet she couldn't calm her heart. Regal did seem to have that affect on her. "Can't sleep."

Nodding, Regal stepped forward, closing the door lightly behind him. "Would you like some company?"

Tossing her sleep-tousled hair out of face, she scooted over, motioning for Regal to join her. He did so, pulling his hunter green bath robe tighter as the wind nipped at his bare chest. Silence cast its self over the pair, and for a short while, they stood in it. Soon, however, Presea broke the spell.

"They'll be gone tomorrow."

She had spoken so softly, Regal had to strain to hear her. "I know."

"It will be quiet once more."

Regal merely nodded, thinking that his house would be very empty once more. Too empty.

"It'll be lonesome."

"We will adapt. It's not as if we shall never see them again."

But they'll be far away...Sighing, Presea tried to push the depressing thought aside. "We have to go back to work," she declared, changing the subject and trying to put on a smile.

Groaning, Regal placed a hand on his forehead. "No need to remind me."

"You're not looking forward to it?"

"Paperwork awaits me."

"I can help, if you'd like."

Snaking an arm around her waist, he drew he closer. "Oh, you should plan on a few late nights."

Oh, yes, Mindy will have a heyday, Presea mused grimly, gently removing herself from his hold. She avoided the questioning look in his eyes, and turned to stare at the wood flooring beneath her instead. She hated the fact that the word around the firm would grate on her nerves. She knew there would be talk; she knew it would irritate her.

Catching a finger beneath her chin, Regal lifted her head, forcing her to meet his gaze. He could feel her discomfort, yet he had no idea what caused it. "Presea, is there a problem?"

"...No..."

"If you do not want to burden yourself with paperwork, then there is no need. I only wanted to share your company. There's really no reason for you to stay late, other than the fact that I want to spend the time with you." Pulling her to him for an embrace, he added lightly, "You do not even have to lift a pen."

Snuggling into the warmth of his chest, she sighed. "Regal..."

"I shall even pay you time in a half."

Stifling a giggle, Presea closed her eyes. "It's not that I don't want to help you, I do. It is my job, after all. But...now that- that we-"

"We what, darling?"

Pulling back slightly, allowing herself a view of his face, she muttered. "That. The 'darling' thing. Now that we have a romantic relationship, staying after hours might not be...wise."

Heaving a heavy sigh, Regal raked a hand threw his disheveled hair. "Presea, you have been my assistant for a year. People have talked all the while. You are not going to allow them to affect you now, are you?"

"Well..." Feeling heat creep into her cheeks, Presea tried to lower her head, but found it impossible with Regal's hand cupping her chin.

"Are you?"

"Are you?" she retorted, turning the question around. She was curious as to how he felt on the matter, and it was a perfect opportunity to explore the subject.

"Of course not."

"How could you not?"

"How could I?"

"Don't turn my question around!"

"You did."

"Oh, Regal, honestly. How can you ignore it?" Still in his arms, she leaned her head aginst his broad shoulder. Perhaps if he could, then so could she.

"The same technique I have been using all this time: I tune them out. I ignore them. It's petty gossip. Eventually, they will tire of us."

"We've been the hot topic for about year."

"My company is quite boring."

Unable to contain her laughter, Presea buried her head in his shoulder to muffle the sound. His company was quite lively. There was always a hustle and bustle routine going on, yet it was organized. She loved her job, and there was no way she would give it up. That fact also pertained to the man in her arms.

"Darling, it is not my intentions to make you feel uncomfortable in our relationship. Nor do I intend on letting you go anytime soon. But people will talk."

"I know. But, it is hard to ignore gossip."

"It is, but we have done it before, we shall continue to do so."

Nodding, Presea felt her heart swell. Nor do I intend on letting you go anytime soon. Hopefully, soon would never come.

The pair stood in a comfortable silence, each wrapped in the other's arms. While both were very content, Presea's thoughts began to wander once more. Tomorrow her friends would be gone, but not only would her friends be gone, so would Regal. She would still be able to see him daily, of course, but she would have no more late night encounters like the one she was currently caught in.

"I suppose we should be heading to bed. I must prepare our friends a fine breakfast before they are on their way." Breaking his hold, Regal moved towards the door, yet he quickly halted his steps when he felt a tentative hand on his shoulder.

"Regal, after our friends leave...what happens to us?"

Turning back to face Presea, he saw the vulnerable look in her pale eyes, and felt compelled to draw her to him. "What do you mean, darling?"

"Our relationship...after they're gone, we'll still have one, correct? I'll still have you...right?"

"Of course, Presea, why would you think otherwise?"

Drawing a shaky breath, Presea responed with a shake of her head. She didn't know what possessed her to ask the question. She simply wanted to make sure she had someone there for her. She wanted to make sure she wouldn't be alone anymore.

"Presea..." Unable to think of anything to say, he merely lowered his head, claiming her lips in a tender kiss. "Darling, there's no need to have doubts about our relationship. I have no intentions of ending it."

"Regal, I-"

Silencing her with another kiss, he continued, "I love you, Presea. You need not fret. I do not want to intimidate you in anyway, but I fell that I should be completely honest with you, an-"

"Oh, Regal, I love you, too," she interrupted, throwing her arms around his neck. She was about to launch into a speech and bear all of her feelings when she felt the pressure of his lips against her own. As quickly as the thought came, it passed, and she lost herself in his arms.

She no longer had any fears about being left alone, or felt dread about the company, or even sadness over the coming departure of her friends. She felt nothing but the man she loved, and in that moment, she decided that life was good.

xxxx

A/n: Well, that chapter was awful. It took me an extremely long time to get it up, and I'm very unhappy witht the end result. The good news is, I'm almost done! One chapter left! Oh, grand! And then this will be complete! Thank you guys, for the encouraging reviews, and know that this chapter was for all of you that read this. I'll try not to take so long witht the final chapter...

I must thank Stellaria11 (my only reviewer for ch. 14 the longest time), M.Hunter Traubel Trainee, and last but not least, Dragonwings144! Thank you for the great reviews, and please do it again.