Broken Souls Don't Cry

Chapter 21

Kai

Kai knew that Sara was worried over Bruno and Ashby. He was going to do everything in his power to help find them homes. Even adopting them himself if it came down to it. He hoped with his reassurances that it would help put her at ease.

"Why don't we go take a walk out to the observation car?"

Sara agreed. He helped her out of her chair, then took her hand again. Her skin was so soft, and he enjoyed having a hold of it. Of her.

Kai nearly kissed her when he went to pick her up. Seeing her standing there- Kai didn't know how she could be more beautiful or strong. He nodded to Asher as they walked by. Normally the train doesn't allow for empty seats, but Kai had purchased 4 tickets so they could be alone at their table. He had also purchased Asher's tickets, so he didn't have to cough up so much as a starving student to help chaperone his date.

He led them outside to the observation car and they went to the edge to look at their surroundings. The river fell below as they made their way through the gorge. At this time of year there were no tubers floating down the river. The fall colors were vibrant and breathtaking, though not as breathtaking as seeing Sara smile wide at seeing some deer across the river.

Kai could watch her forever as she walked him to either side of the car, taking in their different views. On one side was a sagebrush forest and walls of red stone, the other had the river which flowed at a swift, yet lazy pace. She needed this. She needed the confidence that he knew she had. It was just locked away under trauma and bad experiences.

They walked back over to the river side and stood against the railing, enjoying the view. Kai put his arm around her waist and held her close. She didn't object but he wanted to make sure.

"Is this okay?" he whispered to her ear.

"Yes" she breathed then looked up at him. Her eyes held a million hues of brown as she searched his face. His breath hitched. He wanted to lean down and kiss her lips. The lips that tantalized him all during lunch. He knew it might scare her and he needed to tread slowly. He wanted this to work with her and he needed to reel himself back.

He moved to stand behind her instead. This way her lips were farther away and less tempting. He put his arms around her and just hugged her. She leaned her head back against his shoulder and they stood there for several minutes before he gave in and kissed her forehead.

That smile. The smile she just gave him as she looked up made his heart rate spike.

"Will you let me help you?" He turned her around so they were facing each other, "Will you let me take you on more dates? I really like you and I want to help you become the confidant woman I know is there. You are so brave, and beautiful, inside and out, and I want to help you see that" He gently cupped her face with both his hands. She leaned into him and closed her eyes. "You can do anything you set your mind to. I want to be there for you along the way, I want to see you cross those finish lines over and over again." He leaned his forehead down to hers as they stood there.

"I'm not sure what you mean." She pulled away, then smiled as she gave a playful shove to his shoulder. "Are you asking me to be your girlfriend?"

He laughed, maybe he was, "I might be. Would you consider it?"

"I might." She swayed from side to side. "You help me learn how to date and you get what?" she cocked her head.

"I get a friend... and maybe more?"

"More?" she tensed.

"More as in, a real boyfriend. Real feelings. Real." He pulled her close again. "Every relationship I've been in has been superficial. I want more. I want real."