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Fanfic
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Secret Keepers
Sophia
Chapter Four: On the Wall
Briar was feeling out of place. It was not a feeling he was used to. Briar usually had no problem getting along where ever he went so long as no one told him what to do. He could make friends with people as long as they were nice to him, and they hadn't accused him of stealing anything. Of course, he was more at home in the garden, than at a party, but he would go along with one of the girls on one of their many invitations, if only to see what food they had to offer. Before he'd come to Winding Circle Temple, he'd been anti-social, and untrusting of everyone. Now that he'd grown away from the life on the streets, he'd settled drastically. He was shaken from his thoughts by a small, delicate hand on his arm.
"Could you please slow down? These shoes are not designed for running you know." Sandry was breathing slightly erratically, due to her chase.
"Sorry," Briar mumbled, "I hadn't realized I was moving so fast."
"That's all right. I didn't mean to snap at you either." Sandry paused, then proceeded cautiously,
"Briar, what happened on the roof yesterday?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, it was almost like- I don't know. Nevermind. It's not important."
"Sandry," Briar said, "If it wasn't important you wouldn't have brought it up. Now what's with this sudden case of maidenly shyness? It's not like you to not just say what's on your mind."
Drawing a deep breath, Sandry cleared her throat, followed by a rush of words. "Briar, when I fell of the roof, and started to fall, you caught me. Then you pulled me back up and held me close. I know it was close, because I could feel your heart beating. And before that you were staring at me with the strangest look in your eyes. It was almost as if you wanted to grab me and never let go, and, while I must say, that's quite a thrilling prospect; it's not in either of our best interests. When you pulled me away from the edge and I was crying, you told me that it was okay, because you would be there to protect me, and you- you- almost kissed me. What I don't understand is why?"
She drew another deep breath. Briar was slightly stunned to have heard so much come from Sandry. She was usually soft spoken, and polite. Never inclined to fill the air with mindless chatter. Then he realized what she'd said, and that she was now awaiting an answer.
"Did you just- Sandry do you like me?"
Swallowing, she replied, "I asked you a question first."
"I know. Do you like me?"
"Of course I like you Briar. You're a very likable person, once you get to know you."
"Sandry you know that's not what I meant. Do you like me as more than a friend?"
"Yes." It was so soft he barely heard it, but when he did a strange elation filled him. He moved in closer so that a blue-robed Water Initiate could pass, but didn't move back when she was gone. Sandry was looking up at him in the same way she had the day before. It was sort of strange the way her eyes filled with longing when she looked at him, and made him feel as if he were the only thing in her world. Not only did this enthuse him, it scared him to death.
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