The Existence of Reconcilable Differences

Chapter Eighteen

The night's air held hostility. Gunner cooked up a delicious meal and Dani would have enjoyed it if it wasn't for their arduous morning. Instead, she ate slowly and steadily – not looking at him.

Finally, he cracked.

"How long are we going to do this?"

Dani loudly sighed.

"We're ending this getaway on a sour note." He leaned back in his chair.

"I wonder whose fault that is." She said, sarcastically.

"Mine, right?"

"I don't know Gunner, what do you think?"

His mouth opened. "Dani– "

But she couldn't let him talk, "Before you begin defending yourself, do me one favor: let's pose a stimulating question. Why do you think I'm upset?"

"I know why you're upset. Can you cut me some slack? I already have to deal with bullshit from them and now I have to deal with bullshit from you."

Dani leaned in, surprisingly calm. "It's not bullshit, Gunner. I've gotten a clearer understanding of this situation. Of everything." Her eyes widened.

"And what is that?"

"We will never be together. Ever. I did what I did and I admit it was reckless. I ran off with my emotions. And I'm sorry for that. But, seeing your exchange with him... made me think that you should stay in the Klan. Truly being with me is a hassle –"

Gunner rose with anger bubbling in his chest and he began pacing back and forth. She silently watched him.

"You came out here and caused a big mess for me now you're telling me to stay in the Klan?! You know Dani, I think it's you that doesn't want this relationship. You always mention how hard it would be for us to be together. Or how you don't know if we're meant to be together! It's you, Dani. You're the problem, too. I'm risking everything for you! Everything! And you turn around and tell me that I should stay in the Klan?! You know, I see what your problem is. You're afraid to truly give your heart to me. You're afraid to trust me. You're afraid of it working out. You're afraid I'll leave you like your father left you. It wasn't by choice but by circumstance for him–"

"Don't mention my father, Gunner."

"It's the truth. You're scared of how much I'm in love with you." And just like Dani, he had his epiphanies too.

Dani shot out of her chair. "Shut up, okay?! Stop trying to put glue on this! Our situation is a son of a bitch and it always will be!"

"Admit it, Dani. Admit that you're afraid of us."

"No..."

Gunner's lengthy body came closer to her as she backed up closer to the wall. She didn't look him in the eyes.

"Admit it, Dani. You're scared of how much we love each other. You're scared that it just might work out. Aren't you?" His voice was steady. Her back finally reached the wall.

"No, no." Dani's voice was small.

Gunner knew he was about to crack her.

"Admit it, Dani. Say it. Say that you're scared."

"No... no..."

"Say it, Dani. Say it." His voice grew tense and louder with each passing moment he tried to force her confession.

"Say it, Dani. Say it! Fucking say it! Tell me the truth!" He blared the words in her face.

"I'm afraid! I'm afraid! Is that what you want me to say?! Does it make you happy to know how fucking terrified I am of us?! How I'm afraid to be left... I – I can't take another loss, Gunner... I just can't." Tears streamed down her cheeks as she defiantly glared at him with pain glossing in her eyes.