Obstacle

Celes was not a woman used to being denied. It wasn't that she was a spoiled woman, she was perfectly fine with the minimalist lifestyle she had led up to now. No, that wasn't it at all. She just always got her way. Celes had a strategic mind, and whether it was the ability to persuade herself out of a battle, or the ability to persuade herself out of bad stu, she could do it with an analytical mind. That was partially the reason why she had ascended the ranks of the Empire so quickly. That's why, today was tricky for her. She wasn't sure how to face this particular problem with any sort of strategy, and it was something she wanted. It was something she wanted more than anything in her life, she knew, but that invisible wall – her pride, perhaps – stopped her in her tracks. For days, she stued, trying to calculate the perfect battle plan to approach. Unfortunately, she had thought of nothing even remotely helpful. It was that reason why she stood outside his room ringing her hands. Nerves had grappled her – though she was loathed to admit it – and she just couldn't force herself to knock on his door. When did I get so weak? She thought. I've done far more severe things than this, this should be Childs play! Just breath Celes, knock on the door and-

"Celes?"

She raised her gaze to meet his. She bit her lip as to not smile when he gazed back at her, a puzzled look on his face. Her breath hitched in her throat – it was now, or never.

"Locke. I was-that is to say-I wanted to-"

He chuckled – that gruff, yet smooth timbre that she grew to…love. She knew that now and was hell bent on telling him as such. She opened her mouth to speak once more, but his gloved hand raised as to silence her. He pointed to the door.

"Want to go for a walk with me?"

"Um, sure."

With his legendary confidence, Locke took Celes hand and led her outside. She blushed and scolded herself mentally for it.

"I love you."

Celes stopped in her tracks. She broke from his hold and stared up at him aghast. Her mouth opened, and shut, opened, and shut until finally she smiled one of her genuine smiles.

"I love you, too."

"Phew," he wiped his brow. "Was trying to tell you for a while but just couldn't figure out how."

"Me too."

"Really!?"

"Really."

He laughed.

"But you're, well, you're Celes! Nothing scares you!"

"This did," she chuckled, then took his hand again. "More than Kefka, even."

Locke looked at their joined hands in a new light. He looked up at her reverently. With his free hand, He brushed strands of her pale blond hair away from her face.

"Well. Why don't we fix that, then."

He cupped her cheek, then kissed her. Celes eyes widened before she relaxed, returning his affections.

The two walked in the moonlight for the rest of the night.