Chapter 9: Sun and Moon

For the next three days, Bryce wouldn't say or do anything. Violet was more frightened by his appearance. He just did what was needed. She finally confronted him Friday night.

"You know you can talk to me." Violet said.

He looked away.

"I know you're upset, but I want you to be happy more than anything."

"…Wait here…" he spoke softly.

He returned about five minutes later.

"I'll see you tomorrow." Bryce said in his normal voice. He walked away, leaving her standing there.

The next day…

Violet was awoken from her bed early.

"Why did you wake me up at 4:30 in the morning?" she asked.

"Because we need to get there before dark." Bryce replied. He was packing final items.

"So we're going somewhere?" she looked at him curiously. "I thought you said humans shouldn't see me."

"Don't worry, they won't. The place we're going is private."

"So…" she started.

He laughed. "I'm not telling. It will be a surprise."

The two finished packing and got in the car.

"You told me you couldn't drive legally." Violet said.

"I can't, but my dad can. He wanted to go to the place we're headed, so I asked if we could go. You won't see much of him, though. He has his own things to do." Bryce replied.

She nodded. "If we have to leave this early, it must be a long trip."

"It's not too long," he started, "but things have to be set up." He was choosing words carefully without revealing anything important.

5 hours later…

"So…this is it?" Violet asked.

They were at a ranch. There was nothing but trees and hills as far as the eye could see.

"You never struck me as a country person."

"I'm not." He replied, "But there are a few things that make this place special."

"Like?" She asked.

"You'll see…" Bryce said.

Violet playfully punched him. "Stop leaving me wondering." She said.

He just acted like he didn't hear her.

"Will you at least tell me when?" she questioned.

"Tonight."

That night…

"…Wow…" was all Violet could say.

They were on top of the house at the ranch, looking at the sky. Without all of the city lights, the stars were sparkling brighter than she had ever seen them. Now she knew why Bryce thought this place was special.

Bryce couldn't be more content. He was able to show the person that meant the most to him the place that meant the most to him. Watching her smile and the stars reflect in her eyes was one of the most magical moments of his life. Bryce told Violet about the stories of the constellations; of how the Milky Way separated two lovers in the night sky, how a magical arrow pierced Scorpio's heart, and how Neptune kept his son safe by turning him into a swan. That night was magical. Neither Bryce nor Violet could say exactly, but something about being with each other was wonderful. The pair spent the night happily gazing at the stars.

The next morning…

"What is it with you and getting up early?" Violet mumbled.

"I haven't disappointed you yet." Bryce pointed out.

He took her to the edge of the ranch, where there was a massive gorge. Just as they reached it, the sun began to peak over the edge of the sky. Violet went to the edge of the rock they were on and smiled, looking at the beauty around her.

Bryce watched her happily observing the landscape and watched her fur blow slightly in the wind, the sun reflecting in her eyes. He noticed he was staring at her and looked away. What he didn't know is when he looked away, she was looking at him. Violet then realized that she was staring at him the same way he was moments ago. She looked away.

Bryce let his mind wander, and then his gaze fell back on Violet. At the same time, she looked back over at him. They looked at each other for a few moments, blushing, knowing that each was thinking about the other. Bryce finally smiled, and Violet saw something change.

"It's back…" she said, almost whispering.

"What's back?" he asked.

She smiled, "Whatever it was you lost when your cat… passed away." Violet said, afraid of Bryce remembering that horrible day.

"I guess it just took me a while to you realize you were right." He paused. "Just because I lost Shadow doesn't mean it's the end for me. I know self-worth was never an easy thing for me, and I don't want to drag anyone down, especially you. I…" he stopped himself. "…don't know where I'd be without you."

Violet hugged him tightly. "Don't sell yourself short, you're a great person. If it weren't for you, I could be in a testing lab somewhere. You care about the people that mean a lot to you, even if you don't show it."

"Thanks." He said, kissing her on the cheek. She blushed.

"Ha-ha, I knew that would happen." Bryce laughed.

She gave him an angry look, but then laughed as well.

"We better get back, we have to leave in a few hours."

As they were heading back, Violet was lost in her own thoughts. *What was he going to say? I know he stopped himself from saying something…but what?*

Bryce was getting the feeling of being watched. He looked around before seeing a pair of yellow eyes.

All of a sudden, a wild wolf came tearing from the bushes.

"Go right." He said, thinking quickly. "I'll go left and we'll confuse it."

This didn't work. The wolf had its sight set on Violet. It began to move towards her. She dodged its charge, kicking it sideways, and confusing it. Bryce, remembering the pistol he always carried when he was away from the trailer, ran in between the pig and her, pulled out a pistol, and shot the lupine. It hit directly in the forehead and it fell over immediately, dead. Bryce turned to face Violet. She had a face of pure shock "I'm sorry, I saw you in trouble… and I… I panicked." He said, afraid he scared him.

She ran up to him and hugged him, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you." She said. Her face was buried in his chest. "You saved me… again."

Bryce was relieved she wasn't upset with him. "No problem" was all he could say.

They continued walking back to the house. *I couldn't find a better person to live with. It seems like he would do anything to keep me happy.*

"Bryce?" she asked, breaking the silence.

"Yes?" was his response.

"I…" she stopped, then started again, "I'm glad you brought that pistol."

He smiled. "So am I."

They continued to walk.

*She stopped. That wasn't what she was going to say. I did the same thing. I wonder…* Bryce thought.

Author's Notes: …so…looks like something is stopping both of them. I based this off of my family's ranch. Looking at the stars and watching the sunrise is the only reason I bother to go. The next chapter will be a festive one. Bryce and Violet enjoy Christmas.

PS For any older readers, I fixed the "fight scene".