*Hi, i took me long time and its a bit short this time, but i hope u enjoy it. more to come soon :)
Richard was enraged. How could she do it? Forcing Nicci on him like he was some sort of property you could give away once you got tired of it. It hurt his feelings to know she used his suggestion to spend time together as a way to push him away.
All he wanted was to spend a nice evening with her so that he would have memories to treasure in the long and lonely years ahead. Nicci was nice enough, but no substitute for Kahlan. However, he danced with her, knowing that Kahlan was watching and hoping she regretted her actions. He felt bad for torturing her for so long, but when it came to Kahlan logic seemed to disappear. Her actions tonight made him think she believed his feelings for her were superficial and the thought was unburnable for him. He was tired and bored and was planning on grabbing Kahlan and going home, but when he turned to check where she was, she was gone. Startled and slightly angry, he began looking for her, hoping that she hadn't gone too far. After searching the ball room and its surroundings, Richard decided to check the dorms hoping that she was simply tired. He was walking through the grove on his way back to campus when he heard someone crying. Without a second's hesitation, Richard knew that the person crying was Kahlan. Quickly following the sound Richard made his way through the trees and stepped into a clearing much like the one in which he and Kahlan had their faithful conversation. There, sitting on a log and sobbing, was Kahlan. In that moment, he felt his anger evaporate and nothing but worry remained. Rushing to her and wrapping his arms around her shoulders was the only thing he could think of doing and so he did. At first, she resisted the strange arm around her , but after realizing who it was, she relaxed into his embrace.
Richard idly stroked her hair and murmured in her ear "Please don't cry, Kahlan. I'm sorry I pushed it so far, I was just trying to teach you a lesson." Kahlan breathed threw her mouth and was incoherent, but between sobs he was able to make out some words. "I'm so sorry… made you angry….and you liked her…. my entire fault." She sobbed.
Richard tightened his grip "Kahlan, I'm not angry any more and I accept your apology. As for liking her, she is a nice girl" Kahlan's crying increased "but there wasn't a single girl there tonight that could compare to you."
Kahlan's crying seemed to lessen with that, so he continued "you're the most beautiful girl I ever saw, and I care about you more than you can imagine. I don't know why you did it, but it was silly thinking I could look at another when you're in the room." Kahlan lifted her head from his embrace and looked at him with watery eyes. "I can't look at another when you're around either. I was just trying to help you find someone who could be with you the way I can't. I want you to be happy, Richard."
Richard eyes filled with grief as her words hit him. She was being selfless and thinking about his happiness while he tried to get back at her. Spirits, this woman was so noble and good, and so beautiful even with red eyes and a puffy nose. Unable to restrain himself, Richard leaned down and captured her lips. His kiss was deep and passionate, not like the chaste one he gave her before. When he begged entrance, Kahlan opened he mouth and the feeling of her hot wet tongue sliding over his was almost too much. As the kiss progressed he could feel a change in her. She was no longer crying and he felt her move when suddenly she was straddling his lap, her fingers locked behind his neck. Richard moved his hands to her hips to steady her while he relished the feel of her body pressed flush against his. There was no describing to how this woman made him feel. As they continued kissing, his hands drifted to her waist and her hair surrounded his face like a veil. When they parted for the sheer need of oxygen, Richard started trailing kisses down her neck and gasped as he felt her hand drifted lower on his back, sneaking beneath his shirt and feeling his hard back. One of his hands moved from her waist to cup her breast and the feel of her soft flesh almost made him lose control. Kahlan moaned and arched into his touch. She was panting and her mind was a blur. All she could focus on was Richards's hands on her, his wet mouth trailing kisses on her collar bone. Suddenly, he stopped. Looking up at her and moving her hair from her face, he asked softly "is that what you really want?" and with that the world came crushing back. Tears forming in her eyes once more, she got up, trying to straighten her dress when she felt his strong arms circle her waist. He spoke quietly but she heard every word " not today, my love, but someday, we will find a way and do this properly. I will never give up on us, ever, so please bear with me. Don't push me away. Let me be your friend for now with the knowledge that one they I will be more."
Kahlan bit her lip, trying to stay strong for him. In a trembling voice she decided to ask him for one last thing.
"Richard, would you hold me for a while?"
Richard nodded, and pulled her to the hard ground, wrapping his arms around her tightly and whispering never ending love in her ear.