"Are you going back home soon?" the girl asked him, leaning forward on the railing. It was a little windy, but warm and damp. Her favorite time of year in that city. "Not without you."
The green eyes held confusion as she turned to face him. "Was that a joke?"
The man sighed, trying to get his lighter to ignite. "No."
"Rab-"
He took the cigarette from his lips abruptly. "No! Okay? Hear me out for once. Don't run, don't leave, just listen to me."
She frowned. "I'm listening to you..."
He traced the marble railing with his fingertips in thought. It was a moment before he spoke up. "I want to bring you home, Valadaa... you're my girl. You... I know you can't be happy here. With these loons. Whatever made you leave and enlist in the navy of all places... I could protect you. You don't need to worry about me being hurt. I don't even care anymore. I've spent days, weeks, months... years without you. I've been walking around without a piece of me. I need you. I need to bring you home with me."
She was quiet for a moment, just staring out at the lights of paris.
"I'm always gonna be your girl, Rab..."
He looked at her sadly, running his fingers through the tips of her hair in the wind. "I love you... I cannot go home though. Home is not where my heart lies, but where I am needed. Going back to D.C. with you now would be signing a death warrant for myself. I'm safe right now. I cannot allow myself to be eliminated when I still have promises to be granted."
Rab's eyes widened. "Is someone trying to kill you?"
"I don't know if they would kill me, but they would kill someone I love without hesitation."
Rab frowned, holding out his arms. Valadaa didn't waste a second before burying herself in the embrace. "Jetaime" he whispered to her, holding the girl tightly.