When hearts collide

Promises and Forever

Under the golden twilight's embrace,
He held her close, memorizing her face.
Eyes shimmering with love and fear,
He whispered, "I'll always be near."

He spoke of storms he had to fight,
Battles waiting beyond the night.
Of duty calling, heavy and vast,
Of shadows he must face from his past.

Tears fell, unspoken fears,
He kissed away her silent tears.
"I'll come back," he vowed, his voice raw,
"No matter the distance, no matter the war."

She held him tighter, her heart in pain,
Knowing love meant bearing the strain.
"I'll wait for you, no matter how long,
For our love is fierce, unbreakable, strong."

Under fading light, promises were made,
Two hearts entwined, unafraid.
He left to face his destiny's call,
But her love would catch him... should he fall.

After the party, Lesley and Iredia began meeting more often. Their conversations were delicate and careful, like tiptoeing on shattered glass. 

At first, they met in public places cafes buzzing with life, parks filled with laughter. It was safer that way, less intimate and allowed them to rebuild their friendship without the pressure of their past.

Emotions were unpredictable, breaking through the walls they had built. 

One evening, they found themselves in her living room, a half-empty bottle of wine between them as they laughed about old memories. It was the first time in years that Iredia truly laughed, the sound raw and unguarded.

Lesley's heart fluttered, her eyes softening. "I missed this,  I missed you."

His smile faded, his gaze dropping. "I missed you too, more than I wanted to admit."

The silence was heavy but it was no longer suffocating. It was full of unspoken words, of love they were both too afraid to voice.

"Iredia..." she hesitated, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass. "Do you think we can ever... go back to what we were?"

He looked at her, his eyes sad. "No... we cannot go back, but maybe, maybe we can build something new."

Hope flickered in her chest. "You... you want to try again?"

He took her hand, his thumb brushing her knuckles. "I am scared, scared of getting hurt again. but I am more scared of losing you forever."

Her breath caught, tears filling her eyes. "I promise, no more lies, no more secrets. I want to do this right  with you."

He leaned in, his forehead resting against hers. "One step at a time?"

She nodded, her voice trembling. "One step at a time."

Their lips met, soft and tentative, a kiss that was both a promise and a beginning. They were no longer the people they once were. They were stronger, wiser, ready to face the future together.

The evening was calm, the golden hues of the setting sun bathing the city in a soft glow. Lesley stood on her balcony, her arms wrapped around herself as she watched the sky change colors. It was beautiful, serene... but her heart was restless.

Iredia had been distant for days, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. She tried to understand, knowing everything they had been through but the silence between them hurt more than she cared to admit.