The Short Stories of Miss.SunFlower

“Well this is a pretty mess.” Keith confessed as that early evening, while the camp was moving bases Caroline had been able to get away. She’d done nothing to get his attention, or anyone else’s for that. Just stood in the back woods, praying she may capture his attention.
It appeared to be captured as she very clearly heard him volunteer to gather wood for the night. Alone. Within seconds he was before her, silently questioning her appearance. She quickly explained not being able to meet him alone, not quite specifying why.
“You could say that.” She replied in a whisper. He’d said nothing about wanting to meet her alone originally, and neither had she. But there was no point in denying the hopes now that they were foiled.
What was she going to do? If Ryan came with her, this would have to be an honest raid. But Keith knew they were coming then… he could pretend to not notice them… he would do that for her, she was sure.
Keith… Ryan….
Keith’s mind was following her thoughts it seemed, “If you are coming for a raid, I will simply have to be asleep for it. No harm done and there will always be other watches.” Other nights to meet with you alone, Caroline thought, with a wry smile.
But that didn’t work, “No, you can’t!” She hissed, more frantic than she had planned, “He will recognize you… and he despises you!”
“He? And who might he be?”
A partner… a friend… none of these mattered in this conversation, though, “The leader of the gypsies in our camp.”
“And he despises me?” He asked, a little confused.
She rolled her eyes, “Do you not remember stealing a certain raid from us?”
He paused, “I paid you back for that didn’t I? … you did tell your leader that, right?”
“That would have accomplished nothing. Hearing that you handed it to us willingly would only get him more infuriated. He’s already guessed you live in this village and I’m not sure the confirmation would end well.”
“Well, then what can we do? I can’t trade watches or else you’ll be caught.” He sighed.
“No, we wouldn’t.” She said truthfully. Ryan had raided this place in the past, and gotten past any watch. He’d pull this off.
He rolled his eyes, “Then I suppose there truly is nothing we can do about it. Just stay safe.”
She let out a little laugh, “Not usually what someone would say when told they’re going to be robbed tonight.”
Now HE laughed, full out, loud laughter. Caroline glanced around, hoping no one had heard him, “I got you to laugh.” He said, delighted, “You really are opening up, Miss. Gypsy.”
“Someone could have heard you.” She hissed.
His laughter did indeed soften, but he was still laughing, “Right, yes, forget to be careful around you.”
That made her hart bang against her. Curse that charming smile and way of talking she had no defense against.
“KEITH!!” A voice called, very low, but young, and far enough off for both to know they hadn’t been spotted, yet.
Keith grinned, “Damian. Lad won’t admit it but he follows me around like a puppy. Should have seen this coming.”
She smiled and shook her head, not trusting herself to speak. He continued, taking a step away, “I’d say I’d see you tonight, Miss. Gypsy, but I suppose I won’t. Not TONIGHT anyways.”
“Unfortunately.”
He choked, trying to hold down a laugh surely, “Well, good luck with the raid.” He got out at last, and gave a charming two-fingered salute before turning to go.
She stayed long enough to hear him distantly say, “Hey Damo, you were talking about wanting to try a watch some time right?”
“Aye.”
“I figure your old enough now, want to take mine tonight…”
Caroline didn’t even need to listen for that reply. She smiled softly, and took off her own way.

“You’re SURE you are okay?” Ryan asked her, completely bemused by her attitude that night as they prepared themselves. She must have spaced out, as he was eyeing her with interest
She gave him the most assuring grin she could, “I’m absolutely more than okay. Now you can stop worrying and we can get on with this.”
He laughed, “Yes, on with it then.”
As they moved, she asked him, “Why exactly are we moving the camp AWAY from the port?” She didn’t mind the moving, it was a gypsy thing to never settle in a single place. Too confining. Still, she had her own reasons to stay close now.
“Were you not listening at all last night?” He sighed, “With every raid on that single village we risk being caught and killed. Not good.”
“It’s the best source we have…” She protested, quietly.
He shook his head, “Where ever we move to we’ll be near the trade road, that’s our best source.” He grinned at her then, “And in the meantime, that’s why there is you and me, to take these longer trips to the port.”
Despite the fact that his presence was only causing problems for her, Caroline couldn’t help but feel a childish happiness thinking about how Ryan trusted her well enough to include her in. She felt special, she felt proud.
They beamed at each other for a minute before continuing on. “Do you think there will be a watch?” Caroline asked, feigning her innocence.
“Wasn’t there before?”
“That could have been because of the carriage raid.”
“Don’t remind me of that.” He said with another sigh. She hid a sigh of her own, he definitely hadn’t gotten over that. She was right.
“Aye, aye. Sorry.”
He changed the subject back, “Yeah, there will probably be a watch. Here’s to hoping he’s as inept as the last one.”
Another sigh; he wouldn’t be. “We’ll be fine if he’s not, right?”
“Your faith in this raid astounds me.” He replied sarcastically, “Really, Care, we’ll be more than fine.”
“Sorry.” She repeated, sending him another grin.
That mollified him, “You can stop apologizing. Now, get down. We’re closer now.”
“I know.”
“Sorry, I forget your experienced now.” He teased, “Just don’t do anything foolish…” He added as an afterthought.
“Your faith in this raid astounds me.” She quoted, and he laughed.
“Suppose I deserved that.” He grinned his usual wicked grin, “Now that we’ve clarified you need no help, Care – lead the way.”
Laughing, she did so.
The raid was more than successful. Caroline couldn’t help but find it pathetically amusing to see that the younger watch had actually fallen asleep. It was perfect… well, maybe not for him.
Ryan grinned at her throughout, his expression saying what she was thinking; “Can you believe our luck!?”
“If this is what happens in any raid with you I think I will definitely have to take you along more often.” He whispered, his eyes bright with the wicked laughter he was holding in with difficulty.
“Hush,” She hissed at him, but was unable to hide the triumphant smile of her own. This was far different from her first raid, which was not even a raid at all. And while she wasn’t upset with the events of the first, an ACTUAL raid was a whole different kind of excitement to her.
“If I must.” His laugh was barely audible. “Now let’s go!”
She suddenly wondered if Keith was awake, if he knew she’d come, if he could see her…
“I’ll be there in a moment, go on first.”
“Don’t wait long, he could wake up…”
“Ryan,” She laughed, “I’ll be fine. I’ll catch up soon.”
He shook his head at her, “All right, all right.”
As he disappeared she turned to survey the area for some sight of him, somewhere… anywhere.
She caught his smile, inside one of the homes, curtains open to her. He was grinning at her, looking like he was proud she and Ryan had just robbed them. He was a strange man, she thought, shaking her head, only causing that smile to grow.
“Tomorrow?” He mouthed to her.
Tomorrow… Tomorrow… she saw no reason why not. She nodded, “Tomorrow.” She whispered back.
He gave another salute and disappeared behind the opaque curtains.
Her head light from the raid, and from the promise she’d just made, Caroline nearly skipped to catch up with her oblivious partner.
 
Maggie, ou posted that RIGHT as I got called away to dinner :p :rolleyes:
Either way, wonderful update. This may actually be my fave of your stories so far. That's a hard call to make though.
MORE?????
 
A lot of my readers have said this is my best yet. *is proud*

Caroline would still need some kind of excuse to get away. It was a shame they had raided the previous night, There was no way that Ryan would let her go out again after they had just had one of THE most successful raids she had ever been a part of. But there were few other tactics she could think of.
“If we celebrated every raid we had there would never be a quiet night.” Ryan laughed, when she tried that distraction.
“You say that like it’s such a bad thing.” She teased. He gave her a tiny shove, and rolled his eyes.
“If you truly want one for our combined work, wait until we’ve settled the camp down here.” He said at last.
Ah, but that wouldn’t work, she thought to herself. She’d promised Keith to meet him that night, and she didn’t want to stand him up. And she wanted to see him again, much more than she wanted to admit.
“You never cease to surprise me, Care.” He added, “You look miserable again. Why is it after every raid you look miserable?”
“I’m not.” She contradicted right away.
Another roll of his eyes, but his reply was different, “Would you really like the celebration tonight?”
She blinked, fighting down a grin, “If that’s okay…”
“And now your going docile.” He shook his head, “You fascinate me sometimes… but if you really want it tonight, we have time to settle in later.”
“Really?”
“You didn’t give me much of a choice…”
“You’re above me, you say no and I really can’t make you do anything… I didn’t know I had such an influence on you.” She laughed, and he gave her another push, laughter in his eyes.
“Really,” She added, as it sunk in that she’d be able to get away finally, “thanks Ryan.”
He looked at her for a long time, face composed she could only see a bit of his confusion, but at last he grinned, “Don’t worry about it. Besides it’s best that we’re not setting up full camp tonight, I probably won’t be here for most of it.”
Caroline’s heart sank, she knew where this would lead, “But this is for you as well. What do you have to do that’s so important?” As if she did not already know.
Another long look, more serious, “I’ve got to-.”
“Patrol, right?” She said trying not to look angry or unhappy by his lies.
He blinked then shook his head, “Right, patrolling. I’ll be there for as much as I can though.”
Oh don’t bother, she thought to herself, you’d much rather be dangerously flirting with Princess Julianne.
But this was good. The sooner he was away the sooner she could get off to her own rendezvous, the sooner she and Keith could be alone. This was good, bothersome and stupid on her friend’s part. But good for her, and that was what counted at that moment. If she got to be with Keith, it was good.
“Well, alright.” She said at last, “Thank you again for this, I’ll tell everyone. See you tonight, I hope.”
“You will.” He replied, smiling, “Not very long, but you will.”
And she was happy with that.
The celebration was just as enjoyable as any, but there were two big holes in Caroline truly enjoying herself.
The first is that Ryan did leave incredibly early on in THEIR night. True, the celebration was only an excuse really, it was still depressing that he was skipping out on it.
The other was that she quite obviously wanted to be somewhere else right then. But she had to find an inconspicuous way to leave… she had to see him.
Finally, she didn’t care much anymore and quietly turned to a friend near her. Another female gypsy who simply went by Jo, who had joined before Caroline, though they were about the same are, after meeting and falling in love with another young gypsy in the camp.
“I’m going to see Ryan.”
“He’s left hasn’t he?” Jo replied, glancing around the camp, “He didn’t say anything… but he isn’t around.”
Caroline nodded, “Exactly, and it’s worrying me.” She lied, “So I’m going to go look for him.”
She smiled, “I’d warn you not disrupt him but I’m sure for you he wouldn’t mind. You’ve always been an exception to rules since you arrived.”
“I am, am I?” She said dryly.
“You don’t know? Oh, I suppose you wouldn’t think of it that way… but he’s always kind of looked after you.”
“Like a brother.” That she knew very well.
Jo paused, thinking about that, but shrugged, “Yes, I suppose a brother.”
“Exactly.” Caroline brought her thoughts back to the plan, “So, I think I’m going to go find my brother now.”
“Right. Be safe, Care.”
“Will do, thanks Jo.”
 
Maggie you make me so happy, three updates since the last time I read! Tis awesome, as always :D
 
and another! good one at that :)

She never fully made it to the port village. On the outskirts of the forest Keith met her, smiling.
“I was beginnin’ to worry you wouldn’t make it.” He confessed.
Caroline shook her head, smiling helplessly, “I had to find a way to come out here without people following or asking questions, it’s harder than you think.”
“Well, I’m happy ya made it, for all the trouble.” With that he tossed a smaller sack of what sounded like gold coins to her. She stepped close enough to him that it was barely a toss at all.
She glanced at the bag in her hands, before dropping it to the ground and looking up at him. He was less than a foot from her, but for all her heart’s wild beating she managed to say coolly, “You shouldn’t do that.”
“And why not?”
She thought about it, “It’s like taking in a wild animal, if you held it and did everything for it, when you let it back in the wild it knows nothing.
He laughed, quietly now, at that analogy, “Ah, but who is to say, after I took you in,” As he spoke he took hold of her hand and pulled her to him, “I had any intention of lettin’ ya free again…”
Her heartbeat was in hysteria at the embrace, completely unexpected, but amazing. It took her a long moment before she could bring herself to speak, “I-I don’t think a gypsy would make a good pet, then. We do not do well confined.”
He laughed harder, his shoulders shaking as he held her against his chest, “I know. Which is why I am surprised but savoring the fact that you’re even letting me hold you now.”
“I am surprised I am letting you, as well.”
He pulled back slightly, taking her hands now, looking at her in mock alarm, “Hopefully, I am not taming you already.”
Despite the helpless attitude she sported around him, the last thing Caroline felt in his arms, was tame.
Instead of replying she noticed the position the two were in was similar to that of a couple mid-dance. Wordlessly, she took the hand linked with his and spun out, to a tune in her head, and then back against him. He looked down at her, looking amused and bemused, his darker eyebrows raised.
“What are you doing?” He chuckled.
She twirled again, this time dropping his hand to move on her own, the music in her mind telling her what to do, “Dancing.” She replied at last.
“Dancing…” He said slowly, chuckling, “And what is it you’re dancing to?”
She laughed, having forgotten he couldn’t hear the tunes in her head. She began to hum it, as loudly as she could so he could catch it. She wanted to teach him, though there were not steps to teach.
But he was a fast learner, as she had hardly hum-danced for a second before he caught her again in his arms. Elaborately spinning her in perfect time with the non-existent music.
Caroline was not sure how long she danced with him in the silent shadows of the moon. He made no move to stop, and so neither did she. It wasn’t until with a final turn he pulled her back against him, and somewhere in the distance a branch cracked, that time and other dangerous factors reached her again.
Had Ryan finished ‘patrolling’? What would he do when Jo told him she was looking for him? He would go out looking for her no doubt, and what if he found them. Right then. Seeing her being held in the embrace of a man he loathed, staring helplessly into his eyes. That man then tightening his hold, closing his eyes, leaning in… and kissing her.
She pulled back, immediately, her face red and her breath and heart in perfect chaos. Keith stared back at her. He was smiling that most charming smile, but his eyes were showed his mind was spinning as much as hers after that. He was both alluring and allured.
“You aren’t thinking of getting off just with that…” He said slowly.
She glanced around her wildly, hoping and praying Ryan was not there, that he was far off. Far off stealing Julianne’s heart. Still, “I- I can’t-.”
“A little late for that.” He whispered and brought his mouth back to hers.
Now, she could not find any resistance in her, and so with all her might she kissed him back. Thoughts of anyone seeing her went away, thoughts of anyone else existing went away. She was just one woman and one man’s arms, and nothing else had to matter.
He pulled away for a breath before kissing her again, as though he couldn’t bare for their lips to be apart for even a second. She couldn’t either.
Another millisecond pause came when suddenly a voice called out “KEITH!? Keith, are you out here!?”
The voice wasn’t the low one of Damian’s, but female. Caroline distinctly noted it sounded like one of the two redheaded village girls. Far enough away to know they hadn’t been spotted. Still Caroline jerked out of his hold, and he let her.
“Well, this is a pretty mess.” She sighed.
He gave her a crooked smile, “That’s putting it mildly.”
“Who is she?”
“Ruth? Her father is the head of the village.” He paused, “And she sounds urgent. It must be serious if he sent her out looking for me.”
“They probably think you’ve been kidnapped by gypsies.” She teased him, surprised by how playful her mood was. Kisses did that.
His smile grew, “Now, that’s not true at all… thinking about it, I’m the one who’s always luring you out.”
“I’m sure they would not believe you capable of luring anyone.”
“True. Best we leave this whole encounter out, then?” He chuckled.
She nodded gravely, “I think that may be best.”
He laughed, then Ruth called out again, and he sobered, “Go… if we’re leaving this out it’d be best not to be caught.”
“Right, of course.”
There didn’t appear to be anything to say other than that so, she turned to start her run, but before she could even take step he whispered “Wait,” in a different tone, catching her arm. She let him pull her back and kiss her so sweet she nearly fainted in his arms.
“I’ll find you later… not tomorrow… but after that.”
“Find me?” She whispered, “No! You mustn’t… you’d be killed in our camp for s-“ Another kiss silenced her worries.
“Now go, my beautiful gypsy.” His smile back on his face. And so she went.

She practically ran into Ryan just outside the camp. He looked her over, looking mildly surprised but mostly distant from her, “Did you get bored at the fair again?” He asked her, quietly. The camp was now silent, the party long over.
There was an awkward silence, “Well, without you there it was a little boring…” She said.
“You seem plenty happy without me, now, though.”
Caroline blinked, caught off guard at that, “Maybe I am happy that you’re back from patrolling.”
“Maybe.” He replied. He didn’t appear convinced. She sighed, what was up with HIM that night?
“You okay?” She asked at last, cocking her head to the side.
He shrugged, “I guess there isn’t really a point in the celebrations if you’re leaving them.”
“Only because you are.” She said, irritated now, “Besides I didn’t make you have this… you chose to.”
He scoffed, “I think I’m far too nice to you sometimes.”
“Are you going to stop, then?”
A long pause, then a sigh, “Probably not.”
Jo’s words of him looking after her always reached her. God, she hated lying to him… but he was doing the same to her. She wasn’t at a fault, not completely.
“I won’t ask for another unless you’ll be there for it.” She added without thinking. That was a silly promise, as at some point she would need a reason to get away and see Keith. Thinking about his kisses she blushed a little, hoping Ryan wouldn’t notice it. That would be difficult to explain.
“No, don’t let me get in your way.” He said quietly.
She sighed, “Ah, but I don’t have fun without you.”
“Ah, I’m sure you do.”
Well, he was being quite the ray of sunshine right then. Maybe his time flirting had not gone so well as the first. But he had not been caught by guards yet, so it hadn’t been a completely loss.
Irritated again, just thinking about the princess, she added in a cooler tone, “Well, you don’t appear to have fun when you’re on your own. May I come with sometime?”
“Patrolling?”
“Patrolling.” She awaited his excuse.
And it came, “It’s not much needed anymore now that we’ve relocated. Though you really shouldn’t wander off as often as you do.”
“I can take care of myself.” She replied
“I have no doubt of that,” He said slowly, “But… I just don’t like it, I suppose.”
She let out another sigh, “You’re worried.” Was he trying to make her feel more and more guilty then? Because it was working.
A shrug, “Yeah. You’re going to get caught sometime, Care.”
She was sick of this conversation, and the feelings it was giving her, “If that happens I think I can count on you to tear my captor to shreds. So we have nothing to fear.”
Ryan was quiet for a moment, and she continued, pretending to be hurt by that, “You would do that, wouldn’t you?”
Another silence, “Of course I would.” And then a mumble under his breath.
“What?”
“Nothing.” He said smoothly, “Get some rest, Care. Camp is getting set up tomorrow.”
Definitely ready to put that awkward conversation behind her, Caroline nodded, “Right, I’ll do that.” She paused, trying to appease her guilt and added, “Oh and Ry?”
He blinked, “Yes?”
“Thanks… for you know, worrying about me.”
He smiled the vaguest of smiles, “… It’s nothing.” And that was the end of that.
 
okay, when I saw that you had posted another update you just made my day :D

and you have me all wrapped up in it! I feel sorry for Ryan, and I also feel mad at him, and I love Keith, and Caroline's awesome, and I want more Damian :p
 
She didn’t see Ryan the whole next day. Though that could be kind of understandable, most of the men were setting up the village. While the girls did as much as they could this clearly wasn’t their kind of work.
Caroline sat with Jo in one of the caravans, listening to the work that surrounded them. She couldn’t help but glance out every few minutes, remembering Keith’s promise to come and find her. She didn’t want to see him hurt.
Jo noticed, “Looking for someone?”
“Ah, Ryan… Have you seen him today?”
“No, I haven’t seen him since late last night…” She replied slowly.
Caroline’s heart momentarily stopped, “You saw him last night?” Had she told him that she was out looking for him… had he gone to find her and seen her with Keith? Oh but she had spoke to him, and he’d shown no sign of knowing such a thing.
“Yes, I was awake and just saw you to talking after coming back into the camp. But I haven’t seen him since then, what were you talking about?”
She exhaled, “Nothing of much importance. He warned me about sneaking around on my own and I thanked him for worrying me.”
“Ah yes.” Jo said knowingly.
“Has he always been this protective of me, I don’t remember.”
Laughter, “Ah yes,” She repeated, “When you were abandoned, at… 16 I think it was, he’d found you passed out on the ground nearly frozen, with nothing. Comes back to camp carrying ya, and has watched over you ever since, really.”
“Don’t remember that part.”
“You were unconscious.” She pointed out, continuing to laugh, “You had freaked out when you had woken, surrounded by gypsies. Then Ryan explained just about everything to you, and wanted to know if you wanted to find your family again and you told him never. And he let you stay with us, not that I’d expected him to turn you out.”
Caroline sighed. That much she could recall, he had always been particularly kind to her, always. That didn’t mean he had ever told her more than he told anyone, ever. So maybe she over reacted about the plan with Julianne. But it still bothered her so much.
“I just wish he would tell me more.”
“You know more secrets than the rest of us…” She grinned.
She shook her head. She wished that she could think that, that she and Ryan were bonded closer than the other gypsies. But since Julianne, and Keith had come in; “I doubt that…”

The next day went in the same manner. She did not see Ryan, she did not see Keith. She wondered if she could get out to see him at one point or another, she worried about him finding her. If Ryan hurt him...
If he hurt Ryan…
Oh no matter what, his presence would NOT be a good thing. Either situation would end painfully, and she did not like it. Not at all. She grew more anxious throughout the day. Being stuck in a caravan as the rest of the camp was set up. With every yell or call she wondered if Keith was near.
This of course, wasn’t saying Caroline didn’t want to see him again. Oh, did she want to see him again. Such a meeting as their last was not a good one to have before a long absence. She dreamt of him holding her as he had, wishing that she could be back in his arms again.
She wanted to see him, she didn’t want him to come. Well, that was conflicting. And so she was stuck talking with Jo, internally impatient and worried all at once, and trying not to show it.
Thankfully, Jo was a lovely companion as always. As were many of the gypsy women, who eventually all gathered in the same caravan, talking and joking, playing music and singing, anything to keep them busy. It was a lovely distraction, thought Caroline, and another case in which she loved her gypsy lifestyle. In the long run, being abandoned was a good thing, though it would never cease to anger her.
As they talked she tried to remember life before that abandonment, before she’d joined this life. She found it impossible, however the fuzzy memories of her first night with the gypsies did come slowly. Her earliest memory with Jo and Ryan;
It must have been as she had just woken up from unconsciousness, there was a blanket over her and a fire beside her. She was in a small tent, and, surprisingly, she felt warm and safe.
That went away as she sat up and the first person she saw was Jo. Jo looked ever so much like the stereotypical gypsy in her face and how she dressed. She was near her age and had sat watching Caroline intently, and was now smiling.
“Good, you’re awake. I was growing concerned.”
“Where am I?” She whispered, panicked.
Laughter, “A gypsy camp. I do hope you aren’t going to run, as we’re the ones who saved you.”
“I don’t need saving.” She said hoarsely. She had never liked to think of herself as helpless, even then.
“You were passed out and half frozen, I don’t mean to argue, but I think that calls for saving.”
She sighed, then spoke up, “Why did you save me… gypsies are- are-“ She couldn’t call them evil to the face of this obviously sweet young woman.
“Are as unable to leave someone for dead as anyone else.” She replied, kindly, “I’m Joanne, by the way, but no one calls me more than Jo.”
“Caroline.” She whispered, “And thank you.”
Jo shook her head, “Don’t thank me. Ryan is the one who brought you back here. He’ll probably be in shortly to check on you.”
Just about as she said that the flap of the tent was opened and Ryan had entered. He looked younger, but not much different at all. He gave Caroline’s awake, sitting up position a long glance then exhaled, “You’re awake, then.”
She nodded, unsure of what to say.
At her silence he glanced at Jo, “How is she doing…?”
“Remarkably well.” Jo laughed, “Considering where she is.”
He smirked, then crouched down to be at eye level with her and had continued, “As soon as you’re up to it, we’re willing to take you back wherever your family is, if you’d like.”
Caroline shook her head wildly, “I don’t want to go back there. They-They are why I am here to-to begin with.”
Ryan shook his head, “I had guessed that…”
“I want to stay here.” She had added, without much thought.
Her audience blinked, then looked at each other, then at her again, “Are you sure? I’m guessing you’ve been told about gypsies before. Are you sure you want to stay with a group of people your taught to think of as evil?”
“I see nothing evil about someone who saved my life when no one else thought it mattered.”
Jo gave her an assuring smile, and Ryan seemed surprised but pleased at her words. When neither spoke she added, “I suppose I ought to talk to your-your… leader… though, shouldn’t I?”
Jo laughed, now, quite hysterically, “You’re looking at him.”
“Really?” She gave Ryan a long look. He looked to be no more than 20.
He gave her a confidant grin, and nodded, “Name’s Ryan.” Introducing himself as the one who had indeed rescued her.
“Caroline.” She took a breath, “Well then…”
Now he laughed, “I’m not sure you know what you are getting into, but I have no problem with you staying here, Caroline.”
And that had been that.
Caroline smiled as the memory finished up. She had learned to love her life on the outside of normal society, the gypsies she spent time with, everything. She wouldn’t trade it in for anything.
But there was Keith – who she already felt an almost need for. But time with him and time in the camp was splitting her apart. Something, someday, would have to give. She was not looking forward to that.

Chatter continued around the young women when suddenly the Caravans doors were shoved wide open and one of the younger teenage gypsy men stood breathless in the doorway. His eyes showed a million emotions at once – fear, panic, and anger among them.
“What is it?” Someone asked right away, all humor and relaxation evaporated.
He glanced wildly at who was there, “A group – village men – they- they came out – they came out of no where… we weren’t expecting to be found. They’ve taken three men.” He took a short gasp for breath, “Ryan went after them.”


Omg things are happening!
 
This doesn't get much better. But I love it XD

Caroline no longer paid attention to anyone else. To any of the panic going on around her. Her mind in utter chaos she shoved her way past everyone else and out of the caravan, paying no attention to their own chaotic exclamations.
“Which way did they go?” She asked the young gypsy who had relayed the terrible information.
He looked at her, as if afraid to answer. He was sweet, not wanting her to be put in danger either… but she had to know.
“Which way did Ryan go!?” She asked, the panic working its way into her voice as well. She figured she must have looked crazy as well. At that moment, she couldn’t have cared less.
He continued to stare, looking torn, like he truly shouldn’t tell her. But at last he pointed off toward the south, “That way.” He whispered reluctantly. The south. The port village.
This is what she had been afraid of.
She nodded and whispered a thank you. Ignoring Jo’s cry for her to wait, she took off in the direction the young man had pointed in.
She had no idea where she was really going. Or what she was going to do when she reached Ryan, or the village men and captured comrades. She hoped she would get to Ryan first, somehow she’d be able to persuade him not to run into this rescue unprepared. She knew he was angry, she was angry, but he was going to get himself killed no doubt, handling it the way he was. She had to convince him to wait, to plan, not to run blindly in.
It would not end well if such a confrontation took place in the port village either. While Keith, she knew, would never hurt a gypsy first, he tolerated them more than any village man possibly did, and he knew hurting one of them would hurt Caroline. Still, if Ryan hurt any of his mates he couldn’t simply watch. Ryan would be captured, quite possibly killed. And nothing would be the same after that.
She HAD to catch up with him, she HAD to stop him. He would ruin everything, including his own life. Caroline couldn’t bear that. She ran faster and faster, trying to think of someway to convince him.
She didn’t know how long she had been running when she finally spotted him. He had stopped short with his back against a tree, no one else was in sight. Either pausing for breath or thinking of a plan, Caroline hopped for the latter, and ran to him before he could start his chase again.
“RYAN!!” She called out, as she reached him. His eyes had been closed in thought but flew open at her voice. She now stood before him, panting and searching for words to say.
“Care…” His face and voice were expressionless, he sighed, “I told him to make sure you didn’t follow me.”
Caroline blinked, remembering the torn look on the young gypsy’s as she panicked and questioned him. Silently she thanked him for defying Ryan.
She shook that away, that wasn’t important then, “Ryan, what do you think you are DOING!?”
“You think I’m going to sit back while three of our men could be killed at any moment.” He snapped at her, glancing over his shoulder at where the group was clearly heading.
“You could be killed at any moment! And then this heroic rescue will have accomplished nothing but to add one more death!” She cried out, angry and scared all at once. He didn’t meet her eyes and she continued furiously, “You’ve never been one to run in without thinking, Ryan. You need to plan something before you end up dead as well!”
“Are you really worried about me?” He asked, still looking away.
Another pause. She was speechless, “Am I -? Of course I’m-“
“Are you really worried about me,” He repeated, glancing briefly at her, “Or are you concerned more about your beloved highwayman?”
Caroline’s heart stopped. What? Her what? How did- How on earth had he found out…? Had he indeed been watching two nights ago, when she and Keith had last met. But he’d said nothing of it!
“What?” She whispered.
He took a deep breath, “I wasn’t going to say anything, on its own, because I was hoping nothing like this would happen. But it did, it seems.” He looked back at her, taking a step closer, “Care, how could you- how could be so absolutely reckless!?”
She couldn’t answer, but something in his words stuck out, “Something like this…? Wait, you think HE did this!?”
“Who else would know where we are – someone who had to have gained the trust of one of us. I’d never expect it to have been you though,” His tone was cold, hurtful, but hurt as well. Very hurt. “I’d never think you’d be so easily swayed, Care. Tell me, did he just smile or was it after the kiss that you told him everything he wanted?” So he’d seen that part, then – he had seen them together.
“He didn’t ASK me for anything!” She exclaimed, embarrassed and fuming all at the same time, “He never would do this either – he’d never turn me- never turn us in! He- He-…” She couldn’t finish, she couldn’t think. Keith… Keith wouldn’t have betrayed her – he would never.
Ryan looked away from her again, agonized, “He lied, Care! You, I’d think, would know about charm and seduction to get what you want out of people – at least enough to not be fooled by it!”
At ‘seduction’ her anger got an added kick of irritation. She took a step closer, glaring up at him, “Oh, well you’d know better than I would, wouldn’t you?! Dangerously seducing the Princess of all people! Ryan, and you think I am the one being thoughtless!”
“Jul- the princess is a plan, and you know that. Nothing more.” He met her eyes again, and, like her, didn’t ask how she knew about such a thing. It was obvious. Both their secrets had been called out, and hung tensely between them.
“Oh, I’m sure that’s the first thing on your mind when your around her – the plan. Certainly not her physique, gold spun hair or innocent blue eyes. That’s the LAST thing you’re thinking about!” She surprised herself by the amount of anger she put in those words, following in a different direction than she’d planned. In her mind she always was furious at his recklessness, foolish and dangerous acting, but as soon as it left her lips it was clear THIS was the source of her anger and irritation.
Ryan blinked, looking back at her, a long assessing look. At last he also took a step nearer to her, and said incredulously, “Are you… jealous?”
All the emotion peaked in her and she looked furiously up at him again, now inches from her, “Well, are you!?”
She shouldn’t have done that. Looked into his eyes. For, despite the scowl on his face there was an emotion in them. Caroline could have placed it anywhere; it was the look she’d see in Jo’s eyes when she looked at or spoke about her husband, she’d seen it in any gypsy’s with a similarly natured partner. She’d seen something near it in Keith’s eyes, but not exactly. She’d never seen it’s likeness in Ryan’s eyes, however, or she had, and had never noticed. She was noticing now… it was there now.
“Yes…” He said softly, “I am.” Without waiting for a reply he leaned forward an inch and kissed her.


tell me - who didn't see that coming?
 
awwwwwwwwww

they're so cute

and it's exciting

and you just need to post lots and lots every day :D
 
He was kissing her.
Caroline was frozen, having absolutely no idea how to think or react to the feeling of his lips on hers. This was something she would never have expected, something she never thought would happen. Never, not even in the very back of her mind, had she ever thought, ever dreamed, ever considered Ryan thinking, feeling, such things… for her. She knew, she’d always known, clearly, he cared for her – and she cared for him. But never so, so passionately.
But now, he was KISSING her, and with such warmth it was obvious that this was something he’d wanted to do for a long time. That, unlike her, he had dreamt of holding her, kissing her, as he now did.
How- how long had he felt such a way? Had she simply never noticed that his protection, kindness, and just looks at her showed much more than a brotherly partner-like friendship? From as early as her first moments in camp?
She tried to think, of something, anything other than him kissing her so perfectly, so wonderfully. It, of course, was impossible. But slowly thoughts penetrated her numb mind. First, the princess. Then Keith.
Keith.
She jerked herself out of the embrace, and found herself mildly dizzy. It had just been going on and on, she was breathless. Staring at Ryan, almost as though he were a stranger, she worked to find a thing to say.
“He- He wouldn’t betray me…” It was all she could think of.
He remained expressionless, but now, now that she knew how he felt, Caroline knew those words hurt. “You’re still defending him?” He asked quietly.
She shook her head, unable to think right, “I just – I just know he’s not at fault for this. Someone else found out, someone else. He wouldn’t hurt me.” Keith wouldn’t. It was something she was sure of. It was the only thing she was sure of right then, her world shaken up by the recent events.
“Care…”
“I need to see him.” She said, more to herself, “I’ll prove that he wasn’t the one to do this.” She didn’t know what she was saying anymore. She couldn’t just walk into that village – they’d already imprisoned three of her comrades. She would be taken as well. Maybe that would be a good thing. Maybe, if that were to happen Keith would – would do something. Free them maybe….
This situation was hopeless, really truly hopeless.
Ryan looked as if he didn’t know to be frantic or apathetic at that, “You know you will be captured.” It wasn’t even a maybe anymore – she would be.
“You said if that happened you’d tear my captor to shreds.” She said softly.
“Only if you wanted me to.” He replied,
She didn’t know what to say. Suddenly now she felt she didn’t know him anymore. And with that, she didn’t know anything anymore. Ryan had always been an anchor for her, he was always there, always behind her. Now that base, her only base, was shaky and nothing made sense.
“Ryan…”
He continued as though she hadn’t spoke, “But, I suppose there are plenty of us who wouldn’t mind your opinion on that.”
It took Caroline a second to understand what that meant. Others. Surly, she and Ryan were not the only ones out to avenge their captured partners. Other gypsies that could be injured or killed in their rescue. Other gypsies that could hurt or kill Keith, who she knew was innocent.
Hopeless. Completely hopeless.
She couldn’t stand it – a million thoughts, a million feelings running through her. Two different parts of her colliding, and neither ending being a happy one. She… she needed Keith. She needed Ryan. Ryan loved her, and she’d never known. Tears sprung to her eyes.
She couldn’t think, she could barely breathe. Without bearing to meet Ryan’s eyes, she took off for the port village.

She was caught.
She was crying – she couldn’t see straight. She very nearly ran straight into one of their grasps. Once caught, she made no move of escape. Her body just gave up on her, she’d worn herself out emotionally. No way she could possibly put up a fight anymore.
The man seemed bewildered by her helplessness. Clearly having prepared himself for a stronger resistance from a gypsy. She didn’t care.
“Paul!” He called to a partner, obviously they were there to fight off any heroic attempts at freeing the other captives. She’d been right – Ryan would have been running right into this. Still, making no move to fight she noted in the back of her mind that this was the voice of the younger Damian. He was… stronger than she’d imagined from Keith’s description of his attitude.
“What?” His friend called, coming over. God, she felt exhausted. She’d cried and ran herself to the very edge. “What you’ve caught one – what are you doing just standing there!?”
“She’s – She’s not DOING anything.” Damian replied, confused, “I think she’s passed out.”
The man named Paul, had reached them. Caroline could imagine him staring at her in similar wonder. “She isn’t.” He said at last, sounding almost pitying.
“She seems helpless.” Normally that would infuriate her. But truly, she was. Completely helpless. Ryan wasn’t there. Keith wasn’t there. She was helpless.
He sighed, but when he spoke his tone was a little harder, “I hardly expect her to remain that way for long. Take advantage of it and put her with the others.”
Her consciousness was quickly slipping, she barely heard his reply, “Right. That’d be best.”
 
awwww I feel so sorry for Ryan

and I love Paul and Damian and I'm glad they're there ;)

AND WHERE'S KEITH!?!?

sorry, had to let that last one out :p
 
I may finish this today if you want, you are my only reader XD

Caroline regained consciousness slowly. She was alone in what looked to be a very newly made stone cell. She was clearly its first occupant. She felt groggy, she felt numb. She was alone and would probably remain so for sometime.
In silence she curled up in a corner of the cell, trying to get her mixed up feelings in check. Not an easy task.
Ryan occupied so much of her thoughts, as she tried to work out when he’d fallen in love with her. When he’d began to see her as more than a partner, a friend, a fellow gypsy.
She played back all her memories of life in camp. Any raid where he kept her particularly guarded, any dance where he held her particularly close. The way his blue eyes danced when he smiled at her – not a smirk, but a grin, close and familiar. His softened expression when she spoke kindly to him. Everything, Everywhere there had been signs, signs she was stupid enough to miss. He knew her. He loved her.
The hurt on his face after she’d defended Keith, her own hurt at lying to him, hurting him, leaving him. Her anger at his flirting with Julianne, plan or no plan, her heartbeat stopping at his kiss, her life made complete in his holding her. Every protective gesture that made her smile, any words that made her laugh. Somewhere in the back of her mind, things clicked.
Maybe there had been no defining point for him either. There certainly wasn’t for her, as she thought of it. He’d always been there, always. Caroline had never concentrated on him, not enough for her feelings to make a big impression in her. She’d probably loved him forever, but it was only then, right then, that she knew at last to put the word there.
She loved him. Oh, she loved Ryan.
She’d left him… oh she’d left him, running to the aid of another man. She left him thinking she was in love with another, when she was so helplessly in love with him.
Keith… then Keith came to mind. If Ryan, oh if she loved Ryan… then what on earth was Keith to her? An infatuation? He was dashing, romantic, handsome and the first person to ever openly show that he was attracted to her. How could she NOT be attracted to that? But she knew little to nothing about him, and he knew absolutely nothing about her. Because he’d given her a few charming smiles, and kissed her once or twice secretly in moonlight – it didn’t mean he loved her… not how Ryan loved her. So maybe, maybe she didn’t love him either…
Of course, as her mind sorted her feelings through, Keith had to enter her life again. One side of the stone cell was a window, barred. She looked up in surprise at his head peeking through. She stood; the window was large enough to be at eye level for both of them. He gazed down at her, looking agonized.
“I had a feeling you’d be one of the ones captured.” He said softly, “I’m sorry.”
The sorry stuck out at her, and she remembered her original reason for running out there, “You’re sorry… but what for? You weren’t-…”
He shook his head, “I’m so sorry… really I didn’t expect this to happen.”
“You did?” She gasped, “You’re not – you didn’t turn us in! You didn’t tell, did you?” If Ryan had been right… oh nothing would be right anymore. She’d have truly left Ryan for nothing.
“No – no I’d never.” He whispered, clearly he wasn’t supposed to be chatting with her, “It – It’s difficult to explain, and I suppose it truly is my fault.”
Caroline raised her eyebrows, waiting.
“You know my… shall we call it my other life?” He began.
“As the highwayman.”
“Yes, well, I don’t appear to have been doing such a good job at hiding my identity as I suppose I thought. I was caught, more or less, by one of the princess’s guards. Decided, a day or two after my raid, that I’d looked awfully familiar.” He shook his head again, “Comes back here planning to arrest me or kill me – not sure. And everyone here springs to my defense.”
He sighed, looking like he didn’t really want to keep going, “Damian… Ah, the good-natured idiot is defending me the most. Tells the guard that I’d never raid anything. Goes a step further to say that if anyone had done anything worth punishment it was, well, you. Gypsies.”
Caroline stiffened, and listened as he continued, “I wanted to defend you, really I did. But I couldn’t without signing me own death warrant, which no one in the village would stand for. It’d be war. So, I could do nothing but hope nothing would change. We’d known your people had raided this village for years, hated it, tried to stop you, but never went looking for you. But it appears when you’re in the Royal guard, if ye don’t like something you want it gone. For good.”
The rest she knew, and Keith knew enough not to speak so much of it. “I’d hoped you would be safe.” He ended softly, “That you wouldn’t be foolish enough to go running in for a rescue.”
She shook her head now, “That wasn’t the whole reason. Ryan, my leader,” her love, she thought to herself, “he was going to attempt a rescue and I- I needed to stop him. I couldn’t let that happen. Then he- he knew about us…” It was his turn to stiffen, but said nothing, “And well, he wasn’t going to hurt you, but her told me other gypsies might… I couldn’t let that happen either.”
Keith sighed, brushing the hair out of her face through the bars. The gesture was warm and caring, but different somehow. It was as though he knew the change of feelings that had occurred in her mind, that she viewed him differently. Maybe it had occurred in him too. “I am happy to know you were worried, but I’d never want you captured. So you won’t be for long.”
She blinked, “What?”
“You’ll be let out tomorrow, you and the other captives.”
“Wh- How?” Was he going to stage a jailbreak of some sort? That was so dangerous.
He smiled softly, “I’m turning myself in. Tomorrow I’ll take your place.”

There's Keith. ;)
 
It was clear, no mater how strongly Caroline protested it, that Keith’s mind was made up. He was completely set on being the hero here. The fool, chivalrous, valiant, heroic, IDIOTIC fool.
“Don’t.” She simply said.
“It’s better me than you.”
“No, it’s not!!”
A tiny laugh, “You didn’t do anything though, I won’t let you be captive for that.”
She was pleading now, “Please, don’t… not for me.”
He was still smiling, “It’s my fault, it’s fair I set it right.”
“You’ll be killed!”
“You weren’t.”
True, Caroline thought, but she’d probably have been kept captive until death. That was probably even worse. And definitely not something she wanted Keith put through. “That doesn’t mean anything…” She continued, anyways, “You said they’d want something gone for good… they can’t kill every gypsy so they imprisoned us. You’re one person. Just one. They’ll kill you no problem.”
“George… he’s the head of this village… he won’t let that happen.” He said.
“Well, these are Royal guards, I truly don’t think they’ll care what he says. And- and are you sure he will defend you so much when you tell them that you truthfully ARE who they are after?”
He shook his head, “I honestly think George would. He has known me my entire life. He knows my character sometimes more than I think I do. Even if I told him I was a thief and he believed me, he would not let it be the death of me.”
The thought of anything being the death of him was not one she wanted to entertain. Why was he being so heroically stupid now? Maybe a day prior she might have thought it because he loved her. Now, it was clear he cared for her, but suddenly it didn’t feel like that. All the same, she didn’t want him doing this – “Still…” She began pathetically.
“And also,” He cut in, a bit reluctantly. Another thing he wasn’t sure he was ready to tell her, “There’s another tie to the head family here that I think will kept me from death.”
Again Caroline was silent, waiting for an explanation
And it came, slowly and after a deep breath, “I’m engaged… recently… to one of George’s daughters.”
A beat of silence, “Ruth?” She recalled the redheaded girl having gone searching for him a few nights prior. As well as the soft smile on his face as he explained who she was. She was a close friend to him. Possibly more… although marriages like that were typically arranged.
A nod, “Ruth.”
“Was it arranged?” She had to ask.
He seemed surprised at her calm attitude, but not confused by it, and nodded again, before adding, “But it’s not – he wouldn’t force us to get engaged if-.” He cut off, but she knew what he was going to continue with. He wanted to.
Yet her world did not crumble, she felt neither hurt nor anger towards this other woman. In fact, more than anything, she was immensely relieved. He cared for this Ruth, enough that he surly did not mind getting married to her. And she knew if miss. Ruth had ANY sense about her she would not mind a life with the charming young man who she clearly knew much more than Caroline could dream of.
When she was silent he continued, as though he really thought he needed to explain himself. Maybe he still thought he was hurting her with this, she would need to do her own explaining soon.
“She knows, really, everything about me. And recently, I truly mean EVERYTHING.” The emphasis made her rather sure he was including his ‘other life’ and her into that. “She didn’t care. It was actually her idea to rush the engagement when I told her about possibly turning myself in – so I wouldn’t be punished so severely. Told her she didn’t have to do that for me…”
Caroline scoffed slightly, “I doubt she minded.”
Keith tilted his head, looking at her, “Do YOU mind my lovely gypsy? I mean…” Again he trailed off, clearly not wanting to state that he loved this young woman more than her.
“No… I don’t.” She said at last, trying to think of how to phrase her explanation, “You love her… and – and I’m a gypsy. This never would have worked anyways, so I am happy to know you’ll be happy without me anyways.”
“I won’t be happy if you’re killed.”
“I know. Thank you.”
He put his hand to her cheek again, comfortingly, “Are you certain you’ll be happy going back after this?” He asked, “I don’t know very much obviously… but being a gypsy can’t be an easy life.”
“I love my life.” She said truthfully, “And I love- I also have someone I care deeply for back there. That is where I truly belong I feel and I wouldn’t trade it for any riches in the world.”
Now, now that everything was explained a smile lit his face again, warm and relaxed, and the kind that, a few days ago, would have had her heartbeat a little crazy. Now it only made her smile gently in return. “Then, my dearest gypsy, there is nothing to worry about. You’ll be let free and I won’t remain jailed for long, I promise you.”
“I’m still worried.”
“It’ll work. If you are worried, come back in a few nights, I promise this cell will be empty.”
Caroline nodded but internally didn’t enjoy the thought of coming here at night anymore… that had started everything. But he was sure of this, leaving her no room to doubt or worry. If he said he was going to be safe… well, she could only hope with all her might he was right. And hope her own ending was as happy as it seemed his would be.

Keith had been true on his promise that she and the other three captives would be let free in exchange for him. Let free they were and captive he became. That part was hard to watch, but he smiled at her all the while, her and Ruth.
The return was greeted with more warmth than Caroline could have possibly imagined. She stood back and watched Jo run to her husband, who happened to have been one of the three imprisoned men. Cheers erupted, there were tears and hugs and before it could possibly been declared it had turned into an official celebration. A fire was built in the center of the newly set up camp and joy and relief was abundant.
Caroline was showered with attention for most of the night. Apparently she was the hero of all of this – although she hardly saw herself as such. However, she had kept Ryan from getting himself killed as well as ‘negotiated’ the return of her and the others. She had been captured but had in the end saved herself and then some. She was treated with more respect than she knew what to do with. After all, this was not her feat; without Keith she would not have done anything at all.
She did not see Ryan that night.
It was torturous. Oh, she needed to, NEEDED to explain everything to him. She needed him to know she loved him.
Before she could go and search for her she was nearly assaulted in a hug from Jo. “Oh Care, Care, Care, Care” She repeated her name happily, “You’re – I am so happy you are alright! You and - and everyone! You have absolutely NO idea how you simply terrified I was. Not to mention furious-“
“Furious?” She cut in a little confused. Though, of course Jo would be furious toward those keeping her, and her husband among others, captive. But that didn’t sound to be who she meant.
“Well yes, I mean- he comes back telling us all you’d gone running in to the port village after stopping him from rescue. And then does NOTHING! It’s so unlike him,”
“Wait- wait… Jo… Ryan did that?”
Jo shrugged, “Not sure what’s up with him. He couldn’t hide that he was worried about you, but he just wouldn’t do anything of it. I was growing a little worried that the thought of you being gone made him lose it a little.”
Caroline blushed a little, thinking of how she had left him and why he wouldn’t have gone after her. She was the stupid one here. “Well where is he now? I’ll talk to him…”
She smiled, “I’m more than sure that’d do the trick. Not even sure he knows you are safe. He’s been out for most of today.”
“Out?” She asked softly, “Out where…?”
“Oh you know Ryan, he wouldn’t really say. Patrolling or something.”
A beat of silence as Caroline’s heart ached at the words, “Patrolling, huh?” Well, what was stopping him? She had left him stupidly for Keith, and then realized she truly didn’t love him. But Ryan didn’t know that – he figured she didn’t love him… so what was keeping him from the gorgeous Julianne now?
“Something wrong, sweet pea?”
She sighed, trying not to let any of her sadness show, “No, nothing. I’m fine. I guess I’ll talk to him tomorrow.”
“You’re sure?”
“Positive. Thank you Jo.”
“Don’t thank me!” She laughed, “You should be the one thanked.”
Caroline shook her head but smiled softly, “Whatever you say.”


One more post after this.
 
ohh I'm so excited! Keith's great, and I want Ryan!

and I really shouldn't be on right now, but post it! post it! :D
 
With a deep sigh Caroline glanced at the party. It meant nothing to her if Ryan wasn’t there, if he was busy flirting with the princess plan or no plan.
She was set on possibly wandering off, to rest to think, to get away. Her life was going through the most massive of ups and downs within minutes and she was just so exhausted at this point. Without a word to anyone, the center of attention left without any notice.
She barely made it a little outside of the camp, the music still echoing softly around the midnight forest, when she ran into Ryan, obviously walking back.
His eyes widened considerably at seeing her, and she could see him fighting down a smile or an embrace. Her heartache grew.
“You’ve made it back safely.” He whispered.
“I have, as have the other men…”
He shook his head, “I guess I underestimated your influence on that ido- on that man.”
Oh she did not want to go into this right then. She just wanted to tell him she loved him and let everything work out, but life was not so simple.
First things first, “He’s engaged.” She tried to say pathetically.
“So when that didn’t work out you came back here.” He said coolly. Oh that had come out completely wrong. Now it sounded as though he was second still, not important. She stepped closer to him and continued.
“Ryan I – I don’t… He’s not like that to me… I don’t care for him… like I do for you.” He looked away from her, as though struggling to keep from believing it. She shook her head and continued, “Ryan I love you! More, more than I can possibly tell you… “
Still looking away he pointedly said nothing and she took a deep breath, “Though I suppose…” Her voice, though laced with anger and irritation, came out soft and hurt, “you don’t care as much for me. I am no princess Julianne.”
Now Ryan’s blue eyes snapped to hers, and he looked unsure about whether he should slap her or kiss her at that moment. Finally, with an almost exasperated sigh he tugged her into an embrace. Such warmth and familiarity in his arms almost made her cry. He loved her still. Oh everything in the world seemed right with that.
“Care, you can be so ridiculous sometimes.” He murmured into her hair. She fit so perfectly in his hold, like this was where she was meant to be. “How many times- how many times do I have to tell you that she means absolutely nothing to me?”
Her heart pounded but she managed to shake her head and practically reply, “That isn’t true. She is important… captured she could earn us so much. She doesn’t mean nothing to you… not completely.”
Ryan chuckled softly, only driving her heart even more wild with the sound she’d always loved, from the first time she’d heard it. “So ridiculous.” He repeated, “You are worth more to me than any riches in this world.”
She was silent, unable to speak for all the pounding of her heart, and so he continued, “Care, if – if right now, right this very moment, I heard that that woman’s life was in danger… while I held you right now, I truly would not care in the least.” His tone hardened, “A bit different than how you reacted when you heard that fool- when that man was endangered.”
Caroline cringed, not wanting to remember how stupid she had been, running from someone she truly loved, who truly loved her to someone where there was neither. She could tell Ryan still hurt from that, and probably would, inside, for some time. And it was her fault.
“Ryan… it-it’s not – I mean I don’t-… Not like- like…” She was stumbling over her words, unable to make a sentence. Pulling away slightly she looked at him. He was gazing down at her, thankfully not looking upset in anyway. And looking into those blue eyes she’d seen a million emotions in, in the time she’d known him, the words came back to her.
“I- I didn’t know I love you then…” She said softly, “I mean, you were always there, always beside me. I never thought much of it, never thought about a time when you wouldn’t be with me, protecting me, helping me, laughing with me, any of that. I care for you surely, and the more I think about it, the more I truly believe I’ve loved you from the moment I met you. But – but it’s just now that I’ve known to – to use... to put that word in there.”
There was a silence, and Ryan leaned in so his forehead touched hers, before whispering his reply, “What if I’m not? What if I told you I’m not always going to be there for you?”
The soft smile on his lips, and the love in his eyes prevented Caroline from taking those words seriously. She smiled, “Will you?” She murmured, “Will you ever tell me that?”
His response, not surprisingly, did not use words. Without a word he closed the distance between them in a kiss that made her knees nearly give out. So she clung to him, letting this kiss solve everything words could not. They were in love, feelings mutual. No one else had to matter, no past problems needed to be brought up again.
He pulled away at last, though she didn’t wish for it. He was still smiling, eyes bright, and, while redundant, softly whispered, “No, I don’t think I ever could.”

THE END

mmmmm Ryan. XD
 
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