Chapter 2

Exhausted, David left his room, going about his usual duties along with needing to go over proposals and treaties. He stifled a yawn, blinking a bit. He didn't have time to ask where Rush was, wondering if he was still sleeping. Half of him wanted to check on him and the other felt it would only set his turmoil writhing again. He was so confused about many things, many emotions he thought he had a better hold of. It wasn't that he wasn't happy about having Rush back but now he could not stop himself from feeling like he was seconds from losing his composure. Last night, even if it was merely words, a small embrace, it had set his heart twisting inside him. This feeling he'd stifled was threatening to break out, but as the Lord of a free kingdom now he was more restricted in ways, wasn't he? This feeling he had could not truly take shape because if it did then he…
"Lord David." Emmy walked over, seeing him just standing in the middle of the hallway. "Are you feeling ill?" she asked, though she could see the hint of worry on his face.

"Uh…no, no I am fine." He said, not realizing he had stopped moving. This truly was complicated. "I didn't sleep well last night." He said, moving again.
"You didn't?" Emmy said, though her expression was a questioning one. Had Rush made his move, had they been together last night? Then again this was Lord David. She knew him since he was a child, knew he tended to carry burdens on him all alone, forgetting he could rely on them. He had that similar look now. "Lord David, if I may speak casually a moment?" She asked, walking with him.

"Of course." He said.
"Master Rush has finally returned to us after so long, and do not think most of us failed to notice the shock his loss put you in." she said. "I just…I know you worry about appearances, but don't think we will think less of you if you let your guard down around him a little. I…I know he means much to you."
Was he so very obvious? He blushed just a little. "I...of course, he is a dear friend." He said.

"That is not to what I am referring, David." She said casually. "You know that it isn't. I've known you since we were young and…"
"Lady Emmy." Torgal saw them, walking over calmly. "Lord David, the messenger from Royotia has arrived to discuss the trade route." He said.

"Yes, I shall see to it. Emmy, perhaps we can finish this conversation later." He smiled at her and left.
Emmy sighed. "David." She grumbled.

"Lady Emmy, please do not be so casual in public." He said flatly.

"Torgal…." She sighed. "Can't you see it at all, or is it merely the Sovani you are that chooses to ignore it?" She had trouble at times with him. Then again she still had much to learn, a long way to go before she was as suitable a general as her mother.

Torgal looked at her in his calm manner but then a very short and faint sigh left him. "It is not our concern."
"But it is." She argued. "Lord David has always had to watch his every step, to appease everyone and now that he has someone he cares so much for he struggles with being selfish for once…"
"Lady Emmy, he is an adult and a capable ruler. He will figure it out for himself in time." It was pointless to intervene in these matters. Though Mitra lived short lives they usually figured these sorts of things out.

"We're his friends, Torgal." Emmy said. "First and foremost we are the ones who support him as friends AND as generals. Our opinions matter to him…"

"Then what would you have us do?" He interrupted her.

"Let him know you will support him in any decisions even if it is not what the rest of society would want." She said.

"You are referring to Master Rush." He stated, not questioning it. "I have been among the Mitra long enough to know that should Lord David act on his personal feelings it may cause some backlash." Still she did make a point. They had to support him and after all he had given for this kingdom… "I shall…try and speak with him later on." He said.

She smiled. "Thank you, Torgal." She nodded and turned to go on to her duties. Lord David deserved happiness and if that meant being with Master Rush then she would support him in any way. On her way to see to the troops' training she saw someone in the garden. Peaking closer she recognized the messy brown hair. "Rush?"

He turned, "Oo, hey, Emmy." He smiled widely.

She walked closer. Was he… "What are you doing, playing in the dirt?"

"Huh…oh…" he rubbed the back of his neck. "It just looked a little…um overgrown and I know how much it means to Dave so I was just pulling some weeds and stuff." He laughed sheepishly. Actually he was trying to keep himself busy. Last night he'd taken a huge step, but he knew very well Dave was a lord of his own kingdom, had duties and he was…well, he knew very well he would mess that up if he acted on his feelings.

"Oh….yes, he has been a bit busy." She said. He'd also been unable to think about things pertaining to Rush without looking miserable. "These are the same flowers that grow on the island you grew up on, right?' she asked, walking over and kneeling down.

"Yeah." He said. "These flowers are special." He said with a faint sigh.

"Rush…don't think too hard, you'll hurt yourself." She said, ruffling his hair playfully.

"Hey…." He flinched but smirked. "Heh, I guess so." He muttered.

"You should just barrel on through like you always do, don't let silly things stop you." She insisted. "I'm on your side."

"Thanks." He bit his lip though "Uh….Emmy?"

"Hm?"

"Dave…did he seem happy I was back? I wonder if maybe it would have been easier if I didn't come back here." Then maybe they could have let these feelings die away.

"Don't ever say that." She said. "He may not look it now but before he seemed so empty inside. You…you brought life back to him, to this place. Even me. " She smiled. "If it matters so much to you then don't be afraid to grasp it. That's what you taught me."

"I think this is a little more…deep though." He laughed.

"Yes but…oh, I'll just say it. If you love him then don't give up." There. She said it. "Rush, don't let him run away either. You know he's stubborn and hides away what he truly feels to everyone except you most of the time."

He went red. No one had really said it out loud before. "I…it's complicated though, right?" He fumbled over his words a bit, looking away. "If I…if we…then the kingdom who expects him to marry and have heirs like any normal lord will be disappointed. He may lose everything because of me."

She sighed. "I know but I…I think he's proven himself enough. After everything, after all we've done, I believe his people will stand by him." She had to believe in the people. Perhaps the other lords would be wary for some time, perhaps shun him till they grew to understand but surely someday…

"Maybe….Dave doesn't feel the same way at all." He said. "It's bothered me since I got back. The whole way here I thought, "Maybe it's better to be gone. Maybe he doesn't want this. Maybe I read everything wrong." Things like that."

"Do you really believe that?" She asked. She knew David felt something, she knew Rush saw it too. "You talked after dinner, right?"

"Yes, but…gah I'm no good at this. I want to do like always and act how I feel but I…it's harder this time." He'd changed a little since first coming here, meeting Dave. He thought he'd have time to figure it out then, suddenly, he had to leave. He'd left Dave behind and now he just showed back up like it was nothing. What if Dave was bitter he'd left? No, no he wasn't like that. "AH!" He felt a sharp blow to the back of his head and Emmy pulled her hand away that had struck him. "What was that for?"

"For thinking too hard." She said, standing up. "I swear I can't seem to keep my composure with you. It's not very proper of me to act this way but, you relax people, Rush." She smiled. "You're a dear friend to me and I know that you can open Lord David's heart, make him happy. So just be yourself."

He rubbed his head. "Yeah, guess so, huh?" He got up and had to smile at her. She knew what it was like to try and live up to people's expectations. She had the burden of the Honeywell name yet she spoke her mind. They'd talked a lot about trying to be someone they weren't. Back then he'd told her she just needed to be Emmy Honeywell and not her mother. "Thanks, Emmy." He should just take it a step at a time. They'd overcome so much already that they could overcome this too.

She patted his back. "I have to go, have fun weeding." She winked, feeling good about their talk. She just knew they could do this.

David sat on the balcony looking over Athlum. For years his father fought for their independence, and now here he stood, completing his father's dream, the dream he himself wanted. So long he'd battled for it that fulfilling it made him wonder if he had neglected his own wishes. As a Lord he knew his duties, knew what was expected of him and he was fine with that, at least until now. Had he been a normal person, one of lower status then it wouldn't be so hard to feel like this.

"You look as though you find the sight painful today." Torgal said, walking beside him. His talk with Emmy had made his own observations of the situation become nagging things in the back of his mind.

"Is that how it appears?" He asked back, knowing it was the truth. It wasn't that he hated the kingdom now but it made this burden a lot heavier to bear.

He watched him. "Lord David, you have given your all to the kingdom, fulfilling the wish of your family, fulfilling the people's wishes." He put two hands on the railing, keeping the others crossed at his waist. "There is not a person here who would question your pride and loyalty to this kingdom."

He swallowed hard.

"Still, I will tell you this, living a selfless life, though admirable, is impossible." He looked at him. "I have lived a long time, watched lords rise and fall. Even the most noble had moments of selfishness but that does not mean they were grave sins. It taught me that though your kind lives short lives, living your life for yourself as well as others is what an admirable life is."

"Torgal?" It had been some time since Torgal had given him a life lecture.

"Though you have given everything to your people you have neglected yourself." He said. "It may be out of line to say but the others as well as myself do not find that acceptable."

"What?"

"If you desire something then for once I suggest you be selfish, my Lord." He nodded.

"About what?" He said, not wanting to admit it to him, to let everyone know when he hadn't decided yet what path to take.

His eyes narrowed. "About Master Rush." Seeing David's cheeks redden he knew he was right. "You are worried about propriety and image, but to constantly worry about it, to stay in line all the time is impossible. You will never live long enough to master it, even I have not," Which was very true given the fact that he was here discussing this with him now. A Sovani knew that you did not busy yourself in affairs unrelated to you.

"Torgal, but I…"
"No, you have but two options. As a lord you must make a decision."

"Only two options?" He muttered, furrowing his brow.

"Yes, there is no middle ground in this. To sit and wait for things to fester, to not act will lead you to one or the other eventually with or without your consent." He spoke sternly to him. "You must choose."

"Between?" He looked at him.

"You either act on your feelings, take the risk of the backlash for the relationship you seek with Rush or you send him away and break all contact. Those are your only options."

Send Rush away? Never speak to him again? "Why break all contact….surely I can…"

Torgal shook his head. "To have him near to speak to him will only throw your heart into further chaos. You must break the tie and let your feelings fall away or give into them. Those are your only options for a future that you can decide." It was a simple matter. Human emotions would complicate things. Lord David had to forget them entirely or give into them; it was that or he'd be eaten alive by their strength.

He was stunned. Forget Rush? No, no he could never do such a thing. There was no light, no nothing without him. Still if he just knew he existed somewhere then could he live with that? Being truly selfish? He didn't know if he could. He didn't know if he could put the future of his kingdom on the line for…

"What point is there to getting your wish if it makes you so miserable?" Torgal said as if understanding the confusion he felt. "It will do you no good to be completely selfless. No one will know truly all you sacrificed. It will not make you better in their eyes because they will not know what it is you gave up. If they did you would still receive the same possibility of being looked down on as if you chose the other option."

He gripped the railing a little harder. He had been following his father's dream so long he forgot that he had no dream of his own, no personal desire he wanted more than anything, that mattered only to him. "I…understand." he said. "I understand what you mean, Torgal. To find the path to the middle ground I must make a decision."

Torgal did something he rarely did and gave the faintest hint of a smile. He had practically raised him, watched him grow and mature, and for the first time in months there was a determination in his young Lord's eyes. "Then I have nothing more to say on the matter. If you'll excuse me." He bowed, turning to leave.

David stood there a moment longer. How free was his kingdom if he was not free to have the one thing he truly desired? Pushing off the railing he turned, heading down from the main hall to the gardens. He heard Rush had been in the gardens all day thus it was the first place he checked. He was not disappointed, seeing Rush standing and wiping his brow, a pile of weeds at his feet. Had he been gardening? "Rush?"

The brunette turned, seeing him and smiled in that familiar carefree way. "Hey, had a free moment?"

"Yes." He managed a smile though his nerves were on edge. "You've been busy it seems." He gestured to the weeds.

"Huh, oh well, I mean, this is an important garden, right? Your mom and Emma so I…I thought it needed a bit of love." He fidgeted a bit.

"Of course…" He probably looked just as awkward. They hadn't spoken since last night. Yes, last night when Rush had, for the first time, embraced him. Such a simple gesture and it was all he could do not to feel a little lightheaded. He walked over, sitting on the bench. "I suppose being here was the only place I wanted to be and the most painful." He said.

Silently Rush walked over and sat beside him. "I think I can understand." He murmured.

"I spent so long, working for the dreams of my father, of my family and people. I don't…" He paused, tilting his head a bit as he looked around, "Remember how I told you that I wondered if I would even be able to rule, that I felt the burdens I would have to carry, being bound to a remnant, living such a short life under the hold of another kingdom?"

"Yeah." Rush nodded, tilting his head. "But now you don't have to. You got everything you wished for, Dave, a free kingdom, Remnants no longer needing to be used, a full life. You have it all now." He laughed.

"No, I…I don't." He said, staring at the ground. "I realize now that though they were my dreams it was because I was fulfilling the dreams I inherited from others. My dreams, my own private yearnings, I never thought about them."

He paused. "So….like you never had a dream that was yours alone?" He had dreamed a lot of things, it never occurred to him there was others who never had them.

David nodded. "I spent my life thus far living for everyone else, sacrificing what I wanted for the sake of others. I have never let myself have what I truly wanted." He sighed, shaking a bit. This was so very difficult.

Rush couldn't quite understand where this was coming from, or perhaps he didn't want to assume. Still he listened, seeing the blonde shaking a little. Taking a deep breath he reached over, covering David's hand with his own. "Dave." He murmured. The man gave up so much for everyone, for him, for his family, for Athlum. Perhaps even he was a burden. "Dave, if…if I'm in the way I…I can go. I'll leave if you want me to." He said somberly. He had to be causing Dave to worry like this or at least part of it, right?

He looked at him. "Rush?" Leave? No, no he didn't want that.

"Yeah, I mean I'm not gonna be happy about it, but if I'm a complication I'll just go back home. I can help dad and mom and all that…"

"Rush, no…." He turned his hand under Rush's so he could hold it, squeezing it. "I don't want that. I…I don't want you to ever go away again." He said, his chest tightening."You have always seemed to put me at ease. The world seems brighter with you in it."

Rush raised his brows in surprise, swallowing hard as he listened to him.

"This whole time, though my dreams were realized they weren't truly what I wanted. I…well, they were, yet I felt such regret as if I managed to do what everyone needed yet lost what I wanted."

"Dave?"

"I lost you, I watched you go away, sacrifice yourself for me, for my dreams when they just felt empty without you. What good was it to fight so hard and yet have no one to share the joy of victory with? I hated myself for feeling like this, for feeling bitter at everyone else's happiness…."

"Dave…" Rush leaned closer, reaching up and making the blonde face him. He'd never seen him go off like that, to just rant and lose his composure entirely. Even when he was at his wits end he always managed to hang onto some sense of himself and never go too far.

David stared at Rush, his eyes revealing a lot more than he ever meant to say right now.

He saw it, and it put a knot in his gut. His heart gave a loud thud and he leaned forward, just acting on his own reckless behavior and finally crossing the line.

It wasn't like anything he'd ever experienced. He felt warmth against his mouth, the faint tingle of breathing against him and his eyes widened in surprise. Rush? The kiss wasn't meant to happen then; he had wanted to just talk it over with him but now that he felt it, now that he knew for sure that Rush felt the same, he couldn't stop himself from closing his eyes and leaning into it. It was a simple kiss, just their lips touching but he refused to break contact. When Rush tilted his head he did the same, pressing closer, heart racing as the faintest murmur of a sigh escaped him. He felt their lips lock more firmly, a tinge of wetness from his mouth that made him flush and heat swell within every limb.

Rush finally pulled back but his hand on David's cheek remained, his thumb stroking the warm sunkissed skin. Hazy eyes stared at the blonde, and the look David had on his face made Rush bite his lip. "Sorry…" He whispered.

"Uh…." He went red, his senses coming back a little and he pulled away just slightly. "No, I…I mean…." He hadn't a clue what to say or do. Rush had kissed him, he had kissed back and now he felt like his heart would explode. "No, don't be sorry." He looked away but the sensation of the kiss was still on his lips and he only flushed more.

"Geez, you can't look like that, Dave." Rush sighed and yanked him close, hugging him. "You can't say crap like that and look like that and expect me to not do anything." He muttered. He hadn't any self control as it was. Patience was never his strong suit.

"I…my apologies." David said but the embrace was so calming and he leaned against him, closing his eyes. "I…I don't know what to do." He whispered.

"About what?" He asked, looking at him. "About this, about the kingdom?"

"Both." He admitted. "I…know what I want to do but if it's the right decision I…I don't know." Why couldn't his life have been a simple one? What if he'd grown up on that secluded island with Rush, away from all this?

"What do you want to do?" Rush asked. "Cause I know what I would do but then again I'm me and don't think too far ahead." He laughed.

He managed a small chuckle. "That's true, but I truly…adore that about you." He said and sat upright out of that warm embrace. "What I want is…you." He bit his lip, appearing so fragile right then. "I...I can't explain it, nor can I think how it will work but I want it to."

"Then let's try." Rush said and took his hand. "Let's give it a shot, Dave. If you are okay with a simple guy like me then I don't see the problem."

"The kingdom…" he started.

"Will have to learn to deal with it." He said. "I was fine with going away if you didn't want me around, if you couldn't return my feelings but hearing this, I can't back down or walk away."

"But Rush, this is hardly orthodox…"

"Ortho…whatever that is or not I can't let you sit around and regret the choices you made. I care too much about you." He sighed. "I came back because I couldn't get you out of my head. You screaming my name echoed in my head over and over. I just wanted so badly to get back here and see you, see you smile and laugh."

How could he say it so easily? Rush always said exactly what he needed to hear, what he wanted to say himself.

"Now that I am back and have seen you like this there's no way I'm ever leaving you behind again. It hurt too much the first time."

"Rush…" He closed his eyes and fell against him. "I wish I were as bold as you. It frightens me to feel like this at times."

"Same here." Rush said. "It scares me to death because I…I want to matter so much to you, and it's selfish and all but...dammit, Dave, can't you be selfish yourself for once so I'm not the only one who feels like a jerk here?" He had a little bit of a laugh to his voice though he did sound scared.

David closed his eyes again. "I…I want to be with you, Rush. I never understood it till you were gone. At that second my heart broke into a million pieces and I didn't realize how many pieces were missing till you brought them all back."

He smiled at that, holding him tighter. "Now who's being bold?" He teased but his cheeks went a little red. It was enough of a reason to stay. Sure he had no clue how much trouble this would cause but Dave deserved happiness and if he could give that to him he'd do it.

David was called away by a servant, the pair blushing a bit, since they had been cuddling closely before she arrived. "I'll see you later then." He murmured, not looking at him out of embarrassment.

Rush nodded, letting him go but he was much more aware of his absence now. Before his desires, when it was just a thought, it was easier to deal with. Now that he'd held him, kissed him that need was growing. "Geez." He sighed, resting his head in his hands. What should he do? He had sounded confident but he now wondered if they should take it slow, get people used to the idea, and what about the others? Emmy would support them but what about Torgal, Pagus and Blocter? Would they think it was wrong, reckless? Would they care? It was a lot to think about, and his head hurt. The kingdom's eyes were just too much right now. Maybe they should go off somewhere together….no but Dave had so many duties and stuff….gah. He scratched his head. Maybe if he talked to Emmy or Torgal he could figure something out. Making up his mind he got up, trying to find anyone who could help him work out Dave's schedule. Just a day, maybe two to be alone with him, and he could try and get him to open up more, give in to what he really wanted. Emmy seemed to be busy so when he found Torgal he tried to be as subtle as possible.

Of course as soon as he started the Sovani looked at Rush as if he were transparent. "Lord David has been very busy." He said. "To take a vacation would be most unwise."

Rush sighed. He should have known.

"In most cases, that is." Torgal then added. "Still Lord David has been very busy, working day and night so perhaps a vacation can help with his health. It certainly is a viable excuse that no one would raise question to."

Rush stared at Torgal in surprise and then caught on. "Oh, right….yeah after all this is about his health. We can't have him getting sick or fatigued or something."

Torgal nodded. "Then I leave his health in your hands, Master Rush. I'll make the arrangements."

He smiled. "Thanks Torgal." He then decided to head into town and get a few things.

The Sovani sighed. So far he had done a lot of things lately he never did. He shouldn't get involved but he was worried about Lord David and he knew very well this was truly about his health in the end. His Lord had done much in the last few months but unless he gained that happiness he had lost before he would wither away like his father, but in a different way than having a remnant steal your life.

Seeing to a few emissaries from the other kingdoms he tried to stay focused, though if he had a free moment he started thinking about Rush. It was so complicated. The fact was he had gained romantic feelings for another boy, but was it truly so awful. Though it seemed pointless from a diplomatic standpoint he felt as if he had worked for it. He wanted that happiness that he'd worked to get, had fought and sacrificed for. If he didn't have Rush then all this had no meaning. That was why he'd been so lost, so saddened before.

"Lord David, I have seen to it that your schedule has been freed up for your trip." Emmy said, having spent a long while getting the word out and holding off on any travelers coming in to meet with him or at least giving them lodging while they waited. "You should be able to rest at ease on your trip."

He paused. "What? Trip?" When had this come up?

She seemed confused. "Yes, Torgal said you would be taking a few days leave due to your health with Master Rush…I…did you not know?" Torgal made it sound as if Lord David himself had gave the order but was this….she wanted to smile. She would have to re-evaluate her opinion of Torgal. He was not like any Sovani she'd ever met.

"No, no one told me about this." He said, but somehow putting it together made him pause. Rush had…they were going away somewhere? Together? Alone? "I don't know if now is the best time." He muttered. Though, a part of him was bursting with happiness at the idea.

"Of course, your health is important and that's the official reason for the trip." Emmy smiled. "All arrangements have been made so please enjoy yourself and relax a little, Lord David."

He couldn't remember the last time they'd taken a break, he'd taken a break. "I will try." He nodded. He had to get packed, prepare to leave though he hadn't a clue where they were going. Leaving for his room he wondered how long they'd be gone for.

A couple of servants were leaving his room, bowing. "Lord David, we took care of the preparations. You are ready to leave whenever you chose. Please have a safe journey."

He paused. "Um…thank you." Had they taken care of everything?

"Hey," A familiar voice called to him. Rush walked over, passing the servants. "Surprise." He smiled.

"Did you set this up?" he asked, still a little dazed. It was as if he was being swept away.

Giving a sheepish grin, Rush scratched his head. "Well, I mean, I thought maybe some time alone would be good. We can figure stuff out and all without worrying about others."

He blinked, wide eyed at the idea of this really being some romantic escape and nodded. "Yes, of course. That's…a very good idea." He said frazzled. It was still a lot to take in. Just earlier he managed to say what he really felt and now…

Rush stepped toward him, looking down the hall before leaning close. "Can we talk in your room?" he whispered.

His cheeks darkened. "Of course." He said a little quickly, turning to go into his room, seeing the packed bags.

The dark haired boy shut the door, walking up to David and wrapping his arms around the back of him. "I hope this is okay?" he muttered.

He went red, heart racing. "Of course…." He said but felt nervous. They were really alone for once and it would be so easy to let himself lose control. "It's a little surprising but I suppose it's a good idea, given that we can't really talk as freely with everyone around."

"That's what I thought and…I," he swallowed hard, holding him tighter. "Sorry, is this okay?" He asked, referring to the embrace.

"Yes." He murmured. "I hardly think you need to ask now."

"True." He muttered and turned him, staring at him. "I just kinda feel like I'm pushing things and you might not want to…" he trailed off. Dave was so reserved he felt worried this was stepping out of line.

Blinking, David went red, for once totally losing all his composure. "I don't think I complained before…" he started before feeling the mouth on his and the groan that left him made his stomach flutter. Had he made that sound?

Rush wrapped his arms around him, not really able to embrace him during the first kiss. Firmly he held a hand to Dave's back, finger tips whitening he was gripping so hard. His other hand slid up into the blonde's hair, feeling the silky strands between his fingers, massaging the nape of his neck gently as he leaned into the kiss.

This was much more intense than before and he couldn't seem to keep up. "R...rush…mmmm." When he tried to speak the other slipped his tongue into his mouth and it was so jarring his knees buckled.

He felt Dave sag and held him up, breaking away from the kiss. "Are you alright?" He asked, seeing the startled look on his face. Uh-oh. Had he gone too far? He had just been so caught up he wasn't thinking.

His head spun and he stared at him. "I….I don't know." Somehow that kiss did a whole lot of other things to him and he wasn't sure he could handle it all just yet. "I…." His eyes gazed at Rush, focused on his mouth.

Rush just blinked and helped him stand. "You…..you can't look at me like that." He said, taking a step away, going red.

"What? Why….?" He was a bit confused but the look on the others face made him blush. "Oh...sorry."

"No, don't be I just…um…Let me just finish with a few things and we'll head out, okay?" He swallowed hard. "I…um…get a little rest." He turned and left, walking very quickly down the hall. He had about lost in then and there. Seeing Dave look like that, he had urges he never realized could get so bad. No, he was going to take this slow and they'd just deal with things as they came up. Gah, but it was so hard to hold back. He thought just kissing could be enough for now but Dave's reactions were just so…so…so cute!

He sat on his bed, still dazed. That kiss, no that wasn't a kiss, it was an assault on his senses. He felt it right down to his toes it was so extreme. Swallowing hard he had to try and think but it was almost impossible. He was going away, alone with Rush and if he had been so undone by a kiss he didn't know if he could survive things if it became any more intense. He sighed and fell back on his bed, staring at the ceiling. He hadn't felt anything like this for some time, this lively feeling inside. Sitting back up he checked to see if he had everything just in case and waited for Rush. Since it was just the two of them they were going on foot, though he still wasn't sure where they were going.

Rush arrived back a couple hours later with his things, smiling in that carefree manner of his. "Ready?" he asked.

"Yes." He took his things, following him out though he felt silly. It was as if he were a child again, just following the other around.

"So, when I asked for a good place to go Emmy told me they have a little inn resort at Fornstrand now since the monsters don't come around much anymore." Rush said with a smile. "I hope that's alright."

"Yes, that sounds fine." He said, realizing it was a very secluded area and they wouldn't be bothered, which only reminded him that this was a getaway for them to be completely alone together. It wouldn't take long to walk, half the day perhaps but then they'd be alone together.

Rush went quiet for a moment as they walked, staring at the ground. "Was this a bad idea?" he asked.

"What? Why would you…?" David jumped.

"You're doing it again." Rush said. "Acting all….well, closed up."

He stared at the ground as they walked. "I...forgive me. I'm still not sure how to act. I'm out of practice it seems." He smiled wryly.

Rush sighed and looped and arm over his shoulders. "Why, is smiling so hard?" he asked. "You know you still haven't really shown me how happy you are to have me back. I was pretty bummed about that proper reception you gave me."

David looked at him surprised. "But we talked later and I….I was happy to see you again, you know I was…"

The other boy laughed. "I know, I'm just teasing." He said, leaning closer. "Just relax, alright. It's just you and me for a couple days and we can talk and act however we want, kay?"

Staring at him he couldn't help but smile. Rush was like a bright sun and no matter what he did, as long as he had the boy around, he'd never be in that cold, dark world again. "Yes." He said, leaning against him, forgetting himself as they laughed and talked all the way to the coast. It was the most carefree moment he'd had in a long time.