Hi all, another chapter for you. This was a tough one to write, stuck between how fast the relationship seemingly wanted to move and wanting to write the process in a more realistic way. After the fiery start I wanted to add some depth, this will hopefully lead into an exciting progressive story. I've got some great ideas buzzing around!

I do not own the sound of music or any of the characters.

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Chapter 4

She had stood for a few minutes in front of the study door, simply trying to calm her racing heart. Thinking back over her short time here at the Von Trapps house, Maria realised how ridiculous this should seem. Yet to her it felt like one of the most natural things in the world.

Her confidence built as her heart settled and she gently knocked on the door.

"Come in Maria"

She didn't even hesitate, of course she had no idea what she was walking into but her heart didn't care, it was going to lead her there anyway.

Maria walked in and closed the door. She turned to face Georg only to find that he had walked up behind her and was standing within arms reach.

Maria couldn't help but giggle a little nervously "Now what?" She said, a little more abruptly than she had intended.

Georg simply held out his hand to her "Sit with me?", Maria gave him a warm smile and took his hand, allowing Georg to lead her to the sofa. They sat next to each other,with what could only be described as the appropriate distance between them.

"Maria, I'm so sorry" Georg started, "I did not mean to be so forward"

Maria looked confused and somewhat concerned at his comment. She did not know what she had expected but that was certainly not it.

"What are you saying? It was a mistake?"

"Yes.. NO! No not at all" He placed his hand on top of hers rested on the sofa between them. "What I meant was, I didn't mean to 'force' myself on you."

"But you didn't!" Maria protested and Georg smiled tenderly.

"Well I'm glad you don't think so, Maria I didn't know, what I mean is… I never expected to… When you…" He sighed, why were words so difficult when they were so important to say.

Maria watched him, she notice how he nervously moved the fingers on his left hand. He had ducked his head as if afraid to look into her eyes. Without even thinking, Maria reached towards him and gently lifted his chin so he was looking at her. Suddenly realising the intimate action, Maria took her hand away. A blush began to spread over her cheeks, but she refused to look away from him despite the embarrassment she felt.

"I know this is sudden, and I can't tell you where it came from. But ever since you walked into my house I haven't been able to get you off my mind." Georg spoke with absolute sincerity "I talked to Elsa…" Maria looked confused and he realised that she didn't know Elsa on a first name basis or any basis for that matter. "The Baroness"

"You did?" Georg nodded.

"I have been lying to myself and to her. It took whatever is happening between us to give me the confidence to do what I should have done a long time ago. We would never have worked and I never really wanted us to. Elsa is exactly what everyone expects, in my social circle she was the perfect prospect for a second marriage." Maria listened intently. "Both widowers, both young enough to consider it. It just sort of happened because it was what others wanted, not because we wanted it ourselves. I told her that I thought we were making a mistake, that being in a relationship just because it was the done thing did not give us any foundation at all. She agreed."

"She did?"

"Maria, there is no doubt in my mind that you have changed something in me, and I don't want to go back."

Silence then surrounded them, as neither knew what was to come next. Maria inwardly scolded herself, she never had a problem with speaking her mind. Come to think of it she never had a problem speaking at all. But now…

"Maria? Tell me what you are thinking?" Georg gave her hand and light squeeze encouraging her to speak her mind. He knew this couldn't be easy for her, saying what happened upstairs was unexpected would have been an understatement. He himself was desperate for answers, but for Maria this had to be even more confusing.

"I have no idea what to do now… How to be? How to resist the fact that I want to…" She stopped, her cheeks growing an even darker shade of red.

"Want to what?" He probed gently

"Feel that again" Maria admitted, her voice only just above a whisper.

"You don't have to resist it"

Maria looked at him, tears in her eyes,

"But I was going to be a nun, I thought my life was planned, I thought I knew what God wanted. But now… I'm not sure I could ever be happy at the Abbey, how can I be sure of God's will?"

Georg knew this would be hard, but he had no idea that hearing Maria worry so would break is heart.

"I have no place to try and answer your questions, as much as I may want to. I would be answering from a biased point of view as the man who wants to explore this, to understand what is between." Maria went to speak but Georg stopped her "You don't have to say anything right now, why don't you go and see the Reverend Mother first thing tomorrow, allow her wisdom to calm your fears?"

Maria nodded slowly but the look of concern still lay heavy on her features.

"That's a good idea but what about you?"

"Maria, my mind is not going to change overnight. I want nothing more than for you to stay here and for us to take the next step together, whatever that is or however baby the steps are."

Squeezing his hand Maria leant her head on his shoulder. She tucked her legs up on the sofa and sighed in deep relief. "I'll go first thing, I don't want to wait".

Georg smiled and kissed the top of her head. "Well that's settled then"

Although the conversation was over for now, neither of them attempted to move. Maria closed her eyes listening to Georg's gentle breathing and his beating heart, she felt so safe and so cared for. Her lips formed a peaceful smile as her captains breathing slowed and she realised he had fallen asleep with his arm around her. Ever so carefully she shifted herself so she could rest her head gently on his chest and it wasn't long before she drifted into a deep sleep.