Every Step of the Way

Chapter Twenty-Four

{Still getting notifications about whenever I update my own story, but I'm adamant about keeping it in my library. So... welcome to my life. Also- is it weird that I'm already starting to write the epilogue?! I don't even know how many chapters this book will have- at least thirty, not including the prologue and epilogue- but I'm already writing the end to my story...}

~-~

Varian sat, once again making Cassandrium.

He hummed the tune to his song as he worked, the song he had written for Cassandra.

It felt like such a long time ago- it felt like ages ago, he had met Cass, not just three years. It felt as if ages had passed and that things were now different because of that.

He felt almost as if she was his- that they were in more than this completely awkward situation of "I know you like me and I maybe like you back but we're not exactly a thing, you know?"- that they were... something.

He just couldn't name it.

He couldn't tell what it was.

But still...

Cass stirred beside him, and he decided that he had to make a move. And now.

"Hey, sleepyhead," he greeted her, taking a break from pouring sand, "how'd you sleep?"

She just grunted and he decided it was time to continue down the road he had started traveling.

He nervously scratched the back of his head before speaking again. "So... Cass."

"Uh-huh?"

"I was wondering... umm... would you like to go out with me?"

She froze mid-yawn, staring at him like he was a crazy person- which was accurate, in some respects- and he instantly regretted his decision.

Cass smiled a little bit. "Yeah. Sure, why not?"

"I completely under-" Varian stopped in the middle of his sentence, unsure of whether or not he had heard her right, "I'm sorry, what?"

"I said sure."

Cassandra knew that Varian actually cared for her and had actual human emotions. And... maybe she did, too, on both of those.

Perhaps it was time to let go of her old ways, only "being with" guys just because she knew they were up to something that could endanger the kingdom or, at least, something within it.

Perhaps... perhaps it was time to actually look for a guy, someone who she enjoyed being with, someone she could be herself around... someone who saw her for her and cared for her- someone who didn't want to protect her.

Sure, things were changing for Cass, but she was still strong. She was still able to protect herself. She was perfectly independent.

She relied on others occasionally, but she liked it when they didn't act like she absolutely needed their help.

Varian had only offered it a few times, and that was always whenever she asked for it or complained.

Perhaps Varian was the guy she needed in her life.

She was willing to try and see.

~-~

It was really warm outside- it was the middle of summer, after all- but Cass wore a light wrap. She didn't want to risk anyone seeing what little was showing of her predicament, especially not anyone who might possibly go and tell her father.

No way.

She hardly did anything to get ready- she had just brushed out her hair (just a little bit) and pulled on a dress and the wrap. And simple sandals. Never forget the sandals.

She checked herself in the mirror one last time just as Varian's knock came on the door.

Cass opened the door to find him- not too dressed up, but still... he wore khaki pants and a sweater vest.

He smiled. "Guess we both got the unspoken memo, huh? Casual but not-too-casual?"

She laughed. "I guess so."

He offered his arm and she took it, letting him lead her to their destination.