Disclaimer: I do not own anything to do with Beauty and the Beast or it's characters.

However Cassiana and Jordan are mine.

The Cassiana Chronicles

Chapter 5 – A Reason To Return

The pounding in her ears was so loud she could no longer tell if its origins were the

rushing waterfall before her, or the beating of her own heart echoing around her

body. It wasn't important whichever it was, heart or waterfall. The pounding had

just been a distraction to take her mind off the real issue. An issue that was getting

closer and closer with each passing second. She thought of fleeing, hiding, but

realised that he would be travelling along the only route to and from the falls, so

their paths would cross anyway. Better she wait to hear what he had to say,

although her heart already knew what his words would be. She settled herself,

praying that just this once she was wrong, knowing without a doubt she wasn't.

As he entered the Chamber of the Falls his eyes were drawn to the woman on the

rocky ledge just before him. She was sitting and her bowed head was resting on

bent knees, which she was hugging. He could tell from her countenance that she

knew. Every fibre of her being as she sat there screamed to him that she knew,

but still he knew he would have to voice the words. She would need to hear him

actually say them, and it was after all the least he could do. Taking a deep

breath he lowered himself onto the ledge beside her. His whispered, "Cass."

was just audible above the noise of the falls.

As she raised her head and smiled a welcome into his eyes, it was as if the sun

had burst through the clouds on an overcast day. How could he even consider

leaving her he wondered as she leaned across to kiss him. Maybe he wouldn't

go, he didn't have to, not really. He was just being selfish.

"No!" She whispered, as her eyes sought his and held them. "You must go. I

can feel the unrest in you."

"Oh Cass. I didn't mean for you to find out like this. I wanted to tell you myself."

"But you did." She replied. "Just not with words."

"Then how?" He asked, wishing he understood the remarkable gift she had for

knowing things better.

"Your heart told me Devin. I have been able to sense your unrest for some time

now. I think I knew you would leave before you did."

"I meant to stay. When we found each other again, I really believed that I

would stay.

He turned his head away unable to look into her eyes. But she cupped his face in

her hands, so that he couldn't look anywhere else but at her.

"I know." She said. "And I understand." She lowered her eyes, and he saw a

single tear slide unchecked down her cheek. He drew in his breath, but before

he could say anything she continued to speak. "I understand Devin, but it still

hurts. I'll miss you."

"Oh Cass, I'm gonna miss you too. But I'll be back, and one of these days maybe

I'll..."

"Come back to stay." Cassi finished for him.

He nodded smiling, as not for the first time she finished one of his sentences.

"Cass I lost you once before and I don't want that to happen again when I'm

away this time..."

I have every intention of waiting for you Devin. Now that I've found you again

I'm planning to hang on to you."

Devin smiled. "I'm glad to hear it." He said. "Look I know I'm not the most

reliable person, and I know I have a nasty habit of taking off without warning.

But I do love you and I love Jordan and I want to be a part of your lives always

…..." His voice trailed off as he saw the sparkle in her eyes. He couldn't

believe it, she knew what he was going to say again. She always knew, but this

time he could tell she was going to wait until he's finished before she said

anything. Taking another one of his deep breaths he continued. "I guess what

I'm trying to say is...Cass will you marry me?"

Cassiana's smile once again outshone the sun as she looked deep into the eyes

of the man she loved and said simply, "Yes Devin, I will" before flinging her

arms around his neck and very thoroughly kissing him.

Some time later as they made their way back to the main tunnels they discussed

wedding plans.

"What do you think about getting married before I go away?" Devin asked.

"Definitely." Cassi replied. "The sooner the better."

"Are you sure Cass? I may not be around very regularly."

"Of course I'm sure." Cassi said indignantly. "As long as I know you'll be

coming home when you can, I'll be here waiting for you."

"I don't deserve you Cassiana." Devin said as he pulled her towards him and

kissed her.

"I know you don't, but you're stuck with me." She replied kissing him back.

"Let's go tell everyone. Jordan is going to be thrilled."

"Father isn't." Devin said.

"Then Father can go jump." Cassi replied.

"Cassiana!"

"Well he can. As much as I love him, he's an old stick in the mud. Besides, it's

not Father who's marrying you, is it?" She said looking up at him.

"No." Devin replied laughing. "And I'm very glad it isn't." He continued,

which set Cassi off. And they laughed all the way back to the main tunnels.

Yes Devin was leaving once again, but this time he would definitely be back

again. This time he not only had a reason to return, but a home to return to.